Remember, as we cover in training, ALL DISASTERS ARE LOCAL - SO RESPOND.  When a disaster occurs in your area, respond to that incident.  Contact your Ministry Area DR Coordinator if you need assisatance or guidance.  They will conduct an Area wide call out if needed or contact the State Director for a state wide call out.  At the conclusion of your response, contact your Ministry Area DR Coordinator to report what you have done.  It all begins with you at the local level.

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Floods in the Mid West  

 We have a mudout unit serving in Cedar Rapids, IA from July 6-13.  Please keep them in your prayers as they minister in our Lord's name.  

We also have members serving as part of the Incident Command team with NAMB at Des Moines, IA.

The need here is huge and still changing as more areas are identified for work and water continues to recede.

 
The feeding team, lead by Ron Earley of Poquoson Baptist Church, returned to Virginia last weekend after having prepared an average of 2500 meals per day.  Many thanks to the entire feeding team for a very successful mission. 

Praise God for the way that team came together.  In less than 6 hours we had committments from all members and they were on site feeding the first meal less than 48 hours after being contacted! 

Please pray for those who have are serving, those who will be traveling and for the victims of the floods.

Here are the numbers for the Iowa response as of 7/6/08.  These include 4 minstry sites in Des Moines, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids and Wapello.  As you can see a lot has been done, but much remains.

Volunteer Days 2,828
Meals Prepared 214,735
Mudout Jobs 52
Showers 1647
Laundry Loads 950
Messages 9
Professions of Faith 12
Gospel Presentations 42
Ministry Contacts 241

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Serving Christ in Crisis
There seems to be no area of mission action that requires more rapid response than a time of disaster.  The disaster comes unexpectedly, as does the opportunity for immediate ministry.  If we are unprepared when it strikes and delay action, the opportunity passes with the urgent need.

We believe that Southern Baptists are under scriptural and moral obligation to all mankind to provide a positive witness of the love of Jesus Christ.  Disasters affect many people.  Christians naturally respond to the hurts of those around them and feel an obligation to minister in the name of Jesus Christ.  He calls for His people to demonstrate love in the relief of victims in disasters through the efficient and immediate use of the resources, time, and talents entrusted to us by our Lord.  Christians working together can accomplish much for the glory of God.

Serving those whose lives have been disrupted is the very act that Jesus commanded in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).  Jesus ministered to people He met each day.  The miracles He performed were answers to the needs of those with whom He came in contact.  There were times when He ministered to the masses with miracles (feeding the 5,000 and 4,000), but most of His miracles were performed for individuals with specific needs.

Churches should plan for and train their members to work with individuals caught in crisis.  They also should plan and prepare for disasters that may affect their communities.  As you become involved in Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, you will see how you can lead your church to becoming involved in planning and serving the world we live in.

SBCV Disaster Relief Goal
To assist churches in preparing for disaster by developing a strategy to minister to their communities during crisis through readying their facilities, training their members, securing supplies, and developing protocols that will activate their disaster response plans.  Our ultimate goal is to be able to share the love of Christ through sharing the Gospel.  Interested in knowing what happens after disaster relief efforts roll out?  Check out all that the Baptist Builders are doing right now in the Gulf!

North American Mission Board (NAMB) Disaster Relief Web Site:
NAMB
NAMB News Letter