Disaster Relief Update - Monday, June 29, 2009

“It is of little importance that I should be evaluated by you or by a human court…The One who evaluates me is the LORD" (1 Corinthians 4:3-4).

As we take stock of our work in disaster relief, it is important to make sure that we are ready to respond. Is our equipment working properly? Is the paperwork ready? Have we made the connections to partnering organizations? Are we personally ready to respond? All of these things are important, but the most important thing to remember is, “The one who evaluates the work is the Lord.”  Our aim is to honor Him in all we do.

The H1N1 virus continues to spread. Here in the U.S., the media has pushed this issue aside, but the CDC reported last week that the number of confirmed and suspected cases in the U.S. is now 27,717. There is a concern from health officials that there will be a re-emergence in the fall that could be more prevalent and the virus may mutate. Recently there have been outbreaks related to camps. Summer brings church camps and mission trips and it is important for us to remember that H1N1 is easily spread through close human contact. If one is not feeling well, the smart thing to do is to avoid unnecessary human contact. The CDC has offered some helpful information at http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/camp.htm.

In disaster relief, the importance of preparation is always stressed. We need to be prepared mentally, spiritually, and physically. Individuals, families, churches, associations, states, and national organizations all need to be prepared to respond when disaster strikes. Whether it be H1N1, tornados, flooding, fires, or major hurricanes, preparation is what puts Southern Baptists at the forefront in these situations. Take time today to evaluate your preparedness. What would you do if there was a pandemic outbreak? How would you function? How would your church function? How would you minister to your community? These are tough but necessary questions.

Go to www.namb.net/dr to find helpful links to information to help individuals, families, churches, and associations prepare.

Several states have recently held large-scale drills as they prepare. Florida Baptists along with NAMB disaster relief staff recently participated in a major hurricane drill with the Florida EOC and other partners, simulating a storm crossing the south Florida peninsula. North Carolina Baptists recently participated in an earthquake drill. Dan Stewart of Montana Baptist Disaster Relief states they will be participating in a multi-state drill in September. These are great opportunities to test our preparedness and to better understand our role in ministering to survivors of disasters.

Activity Reported for 2009 as of June 5

National Disaster Relief Leadership

To contact the Disaster Operation Center, call 1.888.462.8657 or e-mail dr_offsite@namb.net