Disaster Relief
DISASTER RELIEF
Disaster relief is one way the church lives out Christ's command to love our neighbors. When tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, and other disasters affect our communities, local churches have an opportunity to offer practical assistance while sharing the love of Jesus Christ.
Disaster response begins at the local church. When needs exceed what a local congregation can provide, other churches in the district and across the conference can offer additional support. Through our connection in the Global Methodist Church, we can also work alongside neighboring conferences when greater assistance is needed.
Our goal is to help churches prepare for disasters, identify available resources and volunteers, and coordinate assistance when needs arise.
We are organizing our churches so that we can better serve our communities. This includes working alongside other congregations, denominations, and community organizations to help those affected by disasters.
PREPARING OUR CHURCHES TO RESPOND
Every church has something to contribute to disaster relief, but preparation is important.
We encourage local churches to develop a disaster response plan, identify the resources and volunteers available within their congregation, and build relationships with other churches and organizations in their communities.
Disaster relief may involve trained cleanup crews, providing food and water, distributing supplies, assisting displaced families, or supporting recovery efforts.
The Mississippi-West Tennessee Conference is working to strengthen disaster response across our districts through training, coordination, and cooperation among our churches.
DISASTER RELIEF COORDINATION
We are working toward a coordinated response system that will help churches communicate needs and identify available volunteers and resources.
As this system is developed, churches will have a clearer process for reporting disaster-related needs and sharing their ability to assist.
Our goal is to make it easier for local churches, district leaders, and conference disaster relief leadership to work together when disasters occur.
TRAINING AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Proper training helps volunteers respond safely and effectively.
Disaster response training opportunities may include debris removal, chainsaw safety, flood cleanup, and other forms of emergency assistance.
Churches interested in developing a disaster response team or learning about training opportunities are encouraged to contact our Conference Disaster Relief Coordinator.
TRAINING AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Proper training helps volunteers respond safely and effectively.
Disaster response training opportunities may include debris removal, chainsaw safety, flood cleanup, and other forms of emergency assistance.
Churches interested in developing a disaster response team or learning about training opportunities are encouraged to contact our Conference Disaster Relief Coordinator.
CONFERENCE DISASTER RELIEF CONTACT
If your church would like to learn more about disaster relief, receive training, or explore ways to serve during times of crisis, please contact our conference disaster relief coordinator.
Disaster Relief Coordinator: Rev. Jim Peterman
jpetermann@eclergy.net
UPCOMING TRAINING EVENTS
There are currently no upcoming disaster relief training events scheduled. Please check back for future training opportunities and updates.