The Believer’s Response to Disaster – Hurricane Harvey

How many posts like these came across your news feeds over the past week?

“Friends, continue to pray. The uncontrolled release of the dam is hitting us now and we need to determine whether or not we will evacuate via boat.”

“My husband is out with a group who is searching in the flood waters for a dear friend who has been missing for several hours now. Prayers he will be found. Prayers for the group’s safety as it is dark and they are in floodwaters up to the rooftops.”

It is barely the beginning of the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, and the impact of the utter devastation is still not clear even as we hear of fires, explosions, and power losses. Additionally, on the other side of the world, there is news of tragic flooding in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Believers across the nation—individually and corporately—are considering their part in responding to the cries and pleas for help in Houston and all around the globe.

But as Richard Stearns, president of World Vision, has asked: “As Christians, are we really ever given the option of turning away from the world’s problems? Does God permit that?”

Though sometimes the brokenness and devastation around us seems so big and so overwhelming—as with the effects of Harvey and what has happened in Asia—it is clear that active love is called for and desperately needed, and it will be needed for a long time to come. And you can step in.

HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO

First, pray.
Individually and corporately, we can fix our eyes on our heavenly Father who promises his steady presence in any circumstance. We can claim his promises and ask God to replace our worry with his assurance. We can calm our hearts by praising him for his sovereignty, goodness, works, and faithfulness.

Second, gain information.
Even if you’re praying from far away, it can be helpful to know what you can about the situation so that you can pray specifically. News, social media outlets, and personal connections can allow you to intercede very mindfully, from a well-informed perspective. And if God leads you to action beyond prayer, you will be equipped to help well. 

Third, help well.
Jamie Aten is a disaster researcher who survived Hurricane Katrina in 2005. In a recent article, she outlined a number of ways that well-intentioned volunteers can play a role in disaster relief even if they lack experience, resources, or the ability to actually go. Among her suggestions are that individuals and churches not self-deploy, but coordinate responses and partner with already mobilized relief organizations. Check out all of her ideas for good ways to help now as a volunteer and for the myriad ways you or your church can be better prepared to help in the future. Yes, even at the time of this post, another hurricane is gaining steam in the Atlantic.

Last, consider donating the better way
Certainly, supplies are needed and they do need to get to where they are most needed. But before writing a check or even gathering items to send to the restoration efforts, find reputable, well-established relief agencies that are on the ground at the site of the disaster, and partner with them. In a crucial time and when resources are already in short supply, it’s important to know what is actually needed, how it is best distributed and who ought to be doing that. Experts and disaster logistics researchers commonly call the kind yet simultaneously overwhelming, misguided deposits of random, collected goods, the “second disaster” and ask that those who want to help get educated and connected with organizations who are poised and ready to take the best next steps. Christianity Today cites these organizations (among others) that traditionally have good protocol during disaster relief times: Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, Samaritan’s Purse, World Vision, ReachGlobal (EFCA), and CAMA.

Finally, as much as it seems that it’s the least you can do, often, according to disaster relief experts, giving actual monetary donations is the best thing you can do, so that agencies on the ground and in the know really have what they need to keep their efforts up to full steam.

FOCUSED ON JESUS

Ed Stetzer, Executive Director of the Billy Graham Center, reminds us to keep our eyes on Jesus, the One who by speaking a word, can calm all storms:

We focus on Him, knowing that He is in control. And we do that by praying.

And then we follow Him into the disaster as He guides—whether through getting preparation for the next disaster or finding creative ways to help in the current crisis. Whatever He calls us to do, we can be sure of one thing: He isn’t calling us to do nothing. What we see on television impacts us whether we live in Texas or not. When one suffers, all suffer, and this can be the time when the Church shines the brightest.