Volunteers needed for serving in mission in 2018

By Revs. Caroline Hamilton Arnold and Josh Baird

“God is great. Working through you,” said Rev. Dave Troxler of First Christian Church, Daytona and the Volusia County Interfaiths/Agencies Networking in Disaster. “Just when we need it you have given us new hope for continued recovery work. We have a volunteer team coming in this weekend. We just approved six cases for repair…Thank you so much for your caring.”

In 2017, words like “historic” and “epic” lost some sense of meaning, at least regarding natural disasters. While hurricanes and wildfires led the headlines, everything from flooding and tornado outbreaks to freezes and droughts took their toll across the United States and Canada in record breaking numbers. Disciples congregations responded with an outpouring of support. Many of you reached out to ask how your congregations could support communities affected by these many disasters.

Your offerings to Week of Compassion have provided for immediate relief and will enable sustained support for recovery. While your financial gifts continue to be crucial, there are multiple opportunities for “hands-on” response, as well.

Registration is open for our Harvey Recovery Mission Station(s) in Texas. Because it is still early in the recovery process, needs and opportunities are evolving. Disciples Volunteering is facilitating a range of partnerships to connect mission teams with appropriate work in multiple impacted communities. Mission locations will be confirmed after your team has registered.

Volunteer teams are also needed in Volusia County, FL for recovery from Hurricanes Matthew and Irma and in Van Buren, MO and Clay County, WV for flood recovery. For referral and registration information visit the Disciples Volunteering “Servants Needed” page.

Responses in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands are still in the early planning stages. Keep up to date on future volunteer opportunities by following Disciples Volunteering and Week of Compassion on Facebook and subscribing to the  Disaster Recovery News emails.