Student perspective: Evangelism and the ‘help, hope and healing’ of Disaster Relief efforts
JP Johnson, a student at California Baptist University, shares how he recently witnessed the evangelistic impact of Disaster Relief efforts in Missouri.
JP Johnson, a student at California Baptist University, shares how he recently witnessed the evangelistic impact of Disaster Relief efforts in Missouri.
“We should never wish for hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, fires and other disasters. Yet when they happen, it is a great time to show our very best as a fellowship of congregations fused together as an association.”
“This is the body of Christ in action,” said Rupert Robbins, Texans on Mission disaster relief associate director. “Our connection to Christ connects us to fellow believers and God’s call to minister to the hurting.”
“We want to make sure that, first and foremost, that people know why we’re here, who we’re here to represent and why we’re doing what we do to bring them hope in the name of the Lord Jesus,” said David Coggins, FBDR director.
Exactly where Southern Baptists of Texas Disaster Relief teams would deploy in the wake of Hurricane Helene was a mystery on Oct. 3, until a call for assistance in mass feeding surfaced.
It’s been a month since Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc in northeast Tennessee but Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers are still on the job.
“It is amazing what the Lord has done through our churches,” said Mike Hensley, director of missions for East Tennessee Baptist Association.
“The need is great and diverse when people face a traumatic, life-changing event. Our gracious God provides in miraculous ways.”
When Kathy Henry was first approached about being a disaster relief chaplain she was hesitant because she saw it as more of a pastoral role.
In the more than three weeks since Hurricane Helene tore through Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers have been working hard