Rebuilding Needs

Disaster Relief Rebuilding Communities after a disaster

Maryland/Delaware disaster relief teams are prepared to mobilize and set up their ministry work as soon as a disaster occurs. Once the immediate crisis period following a disaster has passed and as the local infrastructure can once again meet the basic needs of community residents, the ministry of “disaster relief” is finished and the ministry of “community rebuilding” begins. This rebuilding is best accomplished by local churches in partnership with mission teams and other community organizations.

Disaster experts tell us that rebuilding a community following a “normal” disaster can take up to five years. In the case of an extraordinary disaster such as Hurricane Katrina, the rebuilding can take even longer. Unfortunately, the work of rebuilding is not glamorous. Public attention moves on to the next disaster event while the devastated community is left to struggle on its own.

Although some churches are trained and equipped for immediate disaster relief response, other churches feel called to commit mission teams and resources to assist during the long period of community rebuilding. This work rarely requires special skills or training but does demand teamwork and a servant’s heart.

The following links will assist you in researching current rebuilding needs:

For additional information contact, Ellen Udovich 410-290-5290 ext 216, eudovich@bcmd.org, or Ministry Assistant, Donna Shiflett, 410-290-5290 ext 226, dshiflett@bcmd.org