Developing A Model for Church-Based Disaster Relief

The purpose of this project is to provide a manual for the local church to implement in preparation for and during times of disaster. The author will specifically focus on the region of Amherst County, Virginia for this project. The author will approach this project by first defining what a disaster is and the role the church should play during times of great need. Attention will be given specifically to how the church should respond during times of disaster in foreign nations, in the United States, in nearby counties, and in the community of the church’s backyard. This project will provide a Scriptural basis for disaster relief found in Acts 11:27-30. After presenting the urgent need that exists for churches to be involved in disaster relief efforts, the author will provide a model for the church to implement when a disaster occurs. The author will provide examples of churches who have responded to disasters effectively. This study will also utilize qualitative data sets. This project will specifically survey the role of first responders, church leaders, and government officials in Amherst County during in times of emergency. Research will be gathered through interviews with key leaders who are currently involved with emergency service ministries such as Samaritan’s Purse International and other national and international emergency responders. The underlying purpose is to reveal the need people have for the local church during times of emergency and how the church can most effectively respond to their cries for help