Participating in Disaster Relief (DR) ministries is an opportunity to serve the Lord by helping people who have been affected by a disaster. The apostle Paul wrote:

…by this kind of hard work, we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

Acts 20:35 (HCSB)

Southern Baptists partner in a Disaster Relief network across churches, associations, states, and the nation. How can you join in?

Step 1: Get trained.

• DR volunteers are trained in advance so that they can work safely and effectively to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of disaster survivors.
• SC Baptist DR offers a state-wide training every six months, rotating to different parts of the state.
• Volunteers can attend classes specific to the ministry area(s) of DR in which they are interested.
• Volunteers must be 18 or older to train and participate.

Step 2: Get connected.

• Often there is a team in your region, your association, or your church that you can join.
• Sometimes a team for the ministry area in which you are trained may be further away, but you can still be connected to the team leader (called a “Unit Leader”) by email and phone.

Step 3: Get going!

• When a disaster occurs, the Unit Leader and team members communicate, often by email, to share information and determine who is available to respond to the need.
• The Holy Spirit, your training, and your Unit Leader will help you to be ready to deploy when the time comes.

What to expect when you deploy with South Carolina Baptist DR:

• You travel and work with a team of other SC Baptist volunteers.
• Each team has an experienced leader,
• Lodging and meals at the disaster recovery site are provided.
• Equipment and supplies for the team’s work are provided.
• “Job” assignments are made at the site to send teams to help residents in need of assistance.
• You will be greatly blessed as you are a blessing to others!

Funding for SC Baptist DR ministries is provided through the giving of individuals and churches through the Cooperative Program, the Janie Chapman Offering for State Missions, and direct donations to the SC Baptist Convention for disaster relief efforts.