Toward the Sounds of Chaos: Meeting Needs & Disaster Response

The picture of these marines running toward disaster makes me tremble. My first reactions to seeing this were exceeding gratefulness for the sacrifices of our military and relief that it isn't my job to run towards that smoke. At least I thought it wasn't my job.

Why Me?

I most definitely am not a marine, but I most definitely am a follower of Christ. 

As such, I am called to embrace need: to run towards smoke, mess, hurt, and brokenness.(Which is exactly what Christ did when He made me His.)

Though I often limit my calling in life to sleeping in, browsing Pinterest, drinking coffee, studying, and pretending that people who experience excruciating need do not exist, God has greater, eternal purposes for those who are His in this world.

"As believers in Jesus, we are not afraid or overwhelmed by need."
~Milton Vincent

Reality Check: I am studying to be a nurse- a profession whose legacy is service. I am signing up to meet needs!

Image Courtesy of stmarysannapolis.org

BGR Disaster Response Training

Image courtsey of vimeo.com

This past week, I had the awesome opportunity to complete training in international disaster response for health care professionals by the Baptist Global Response organization (baptistglobalresponse.com). This organization completes many projects each year that meet long term and short term needs and shine the light of the gospel. (Video: Who is BGR?)


The following are some key things that I took away from the discussion...

The Christian and Disaster Relief

- the model that Jesus set for His followers is sharing truth SIMULTANEOUSLY with meeting needs
- disaster relief presents unique opportunities for adding credibility to the ministry of missionaries in other countries 
- disaster relief opens doors that would otherwise be closed to the message of the gospel (ie-restricted areas)
 

Worldview & Cultural Considerations  

- Keep in mind of the culture's perception of you (rich outsider, expert, etc.).
- Is the culture "hot" (relational, feeling oriented) or "cold" (individualistic, task-oriented)?
- Am I seeking to meet needs, as defined by that particular culture/community/individual?
- How does this culture view what has happened?  
- I am NOT "mighty mouse"... the end-all/be-all in saving the day.

Image courtesy of reviewstl.com

See also~
"My Own Little World" (Song: by Matthew West)
Embracing Need (Romans 12:13)  (Sermon: Milton Vincent)
Shalom for People Living with Aids  (Video: BGR supported clinic in India)
ReliefWeb (reliable information about disasters worldwide)
Sphere Project (internationally recognized standards for humanitarian response in critical sectors)