WHY WE NEED TO HELP
Disasters are on the increase. 2004 and 2005 hurricane season set records, not only in numbers but in devastation. Many are still homeless. As, we have seen in recent years natural disasters are filling news headlines: tornadoes, tsunamis, floods, as well as man made disasters.
We are a blessed nation. Living in our nice homes with all we need, but when disaster strikes all can be lost. In just a few hours a family can go from having it all to wandering where they are going to sleep and what they are going to feed the children.
THE FIRST 5 DAYS AFTER A DISASTER ARE THE MOST DEVASTING.
People find themselves with nothing and they don’t know what to do next. They are in shock, wandering around looking for help. In most situations, aid isn’t there for the first 5 days.
THE NEED IS IMMEDIATE, not 5 days later. Sure the need is still there after 5 days, but 5 days is a long time to have a homeless and hungry family.
The faith based community is the greatest resource for disaster relief. Sending goods into an area is not all it takes. We need people who are willing to go into a disaster area, set-up relief camps, provide hot meals, cut down trees, remove debris, offer a listening ear and be God’s hand extended.
The Church of God can be the answer to providing relief in those 5 devastating days following a disaster.
Allow me to introduce YOU to Disaster Immediate Response......
Long before the door opened for me to be involved in disaster relief, God placed a burning in my heart to help people in disasters. Finally, in 1998 with the help and encouragement of others my ministry began with hurricane Mitch that occurred in Honduras. In 1999, we worked with providing relief to eastern NC after the flooding from hurricane Floyd. In those efforts we became acquainted with Operation Compassion and their ministry to disaster victims. In 2001, we worked with the Men and Women of Action providing relief to victims of the floods in West Virginia.
In 2004, Charles was appointed to Disaster Relief Director for Florida Church of God, Tampa. Under his direction the Wimauma Convention Center was utilized as a shelter during three hurricanes in 2004.
During 2005 hurricane season, Charles spent approximately 5 months in the field working at relief sites.
I’m thankful the Faith based community, Care Ministries and Operation Compassion has given me the opportunity to go forward with this God given ministry.