What Is Different about a Faith-Based Disaster Relief Organization?
A faith-based disaster relief organization differs from others in that the motivation behind the service comes from the organization’s faith values. For example, if their faith tradition includes the value of compassion or charity, they will want to express their faith by acting out those values. When disaster strikes, the workers of that organization bring not only physical relief but also the hope of their faith to the situation.
The Heritage Foundation reports, “Faith-based groups don’t just deliver material support. They are in a unique position to address the full range of human needs—physical, emotional, and spiritual—in times of crisis.”[1] Millions of people follow various faith traditions, and their spiritual needs are also disrupted when disasters come. It’s an integral part of our humanity that should be addressed in times of crisis in addition to physical needs such as food, water and shelter.
“Spirituality is an essential part of humanity,” reports National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster in its report on tending to spiritual needs during and after disasters. “Disaster disrupts people’s spiritual lives significantly. Nurturing people’s spiritual needs contributes to holistic healing. Everyone can benefit from spiritual care in times of disaster.”[2]
The Heritage Foundation also pointed out that faith-based groups can partner with governments and other organizations for maximum effectiveness: “When faith-based groups are part of the response plan, the government is better equipped to meet the needs of victims. Oftentimes, faith-based networks utilize the proximity of local houses of worship and other religious groups to the local community in order to reach those in need.”[3]
This is where GFA World excels. Our already established churches and programs are an expedient means to understand and access the needs of an area. This also means that we are there long after government agencies or other relief organization leave. GFA missionaries want to care for the hurting in meaningful, lasting ways.
Donating to GFA’s disaster relief efforts and Compassion Services teams is a way to reach across the world with the love of Jesus Christ to those whose lives have suddenly become upturned. Floods, earthquakes, cyclones, tsunamis and wildfires are relatively short, but their effects can be felt for months or even years as people recover and rebuild.
In impoverished areas, a disaster can leave people even more vulnerable in their fight for survival. Give to GFA World and know that they want to step into the hardest situations and provide immediate relief and help for the future, accompanied by the love of Jesus Christ expressed through these acts of kindness.
Learn more on disaster relief organizations[1] Burke, Monica and Genevieve McNalis. “How Faith-Based Organizations Are Helping Communities Recover After Hurricane Florence.” The Heritage Foundation. https://www.heritage.org/civil-society/commentary/how-faith-based-organizations-are-helping-communities-recover-after#:~:text=Faith%2Dbased%20groups%20can%20tend,actors%20to%20maximize%20relief%20efforts. September 28, 2018.
[2] “Light Our Way.” NVOAD. https://www.nvoad.org/wp-content/uploads/light_our_way_2018_final-published-copy.pdf. 2018.
[3] Burke, Monica and Genevieve McNalis. “How Faith-Based Organizations Are Helping Communities Recover After Hurricane Florence.” The Heritage Foundation. https://www.heritage.org/civil-society/commentary/how-faith-based-organizations-are-helping-communities-recover-after#:~:text=Faith%2Dbased%20groups%20can%20tend,actors%20to%20maximize%20relief%20efforts. September 28, 2018.