Over the past few years a significant number of severe weather events have occurred outside the traditional spring and fall cycles in many states. Whether it be tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, high winds or snow and ice, Southern Baptists are no stranger to severe weather and related disasters.
For most congregations and associations, a disaster response is rooted in a reactive, compassionate response to needs. Whether from personal connections, social media or other media, hearts are moved to “do something.”
The response has to be initiated, needs/methods identified, resources collected, people mobilized and connections made. This can result in delays to assistance, inappropriate or unneeded resources or general inefficiency. Moved by compassion, we “did something” — but whether that “something” was of benefit to the affected community and/or individual might be in question.
Preparing for disaster
To help congregations and associations be better prepared for disaster events, Mississippi Baptist Disaster Relief provides the Disaster Ready Church/Disaster Ready Association program:
1) Identifying risks and hazards the church/association faces;
2) Planning for the church/association’s response;
3) Developing resources and training volunteers to be prepared to respond and provide assistance; and
4) networking with local, state and national disaster response work
For more information on the Disaster Ready Church/Disaster Ready Association or to schedule an event, contact Hubert Yates, Mississippi Baptist Convention Board disaster relief director, at hyates@mbcb.org or 601-292-3334.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Hubert Yates and originally published by the Baptist Record.
