In his blog about the greatest Christmas gift ever, writer and orthopedic surgeon, Jeremy Statton shares his thoughts about how our stories of the holiday will fill the air at every gathering we attend for the foreseeable future. The Christmas spirit will live on long after the tree is taken down, the lights are stored away for another year, and the music of the season has faded as quickly as our New Year’s resolution. And, as we continue to share those stories “family, food, and friends” and “gifts: both given and received,” do we really understand the value of those stories; stories filled with love, faith, and hope.
I generally do not spend a large amount of time looking back at the past and attempt to concentrate on what lies ahead. But this year, my thoughts seem to be focused on the gifts that were exchanged. More specifically, the value and meaning of those gifts. I wonder how many will remember what gifts we received? Will we remember who gave them to us? Is it possible we will never really know or understand the love and care that was exercised in selecting them?
In much the same way, disaster relief and recovery efforts generate spirit-filled excitement about opportunities to help those in need, who are suffering in the aftermath of a disaster. Similarly, stories abound out of the experiences both given and received in the name of our loving Savior Jesus Christ. But, unlike the holidays, the memories of a disaster can linger much longer. The news media has moved on to the next big story, the multitude of eager volunteers has dwindled, and life returns to a “new normal.” Survivors are left with the reality that a tragedy has occurred, they feel alone, and they are unsure of where to go for help.
It is the responsibility of the local church to provide that assistance and walk beside them during the recovery process. It is the visible presence of the church that is essential to providing an effective ministry of hope and healing to people in times of crisis. It is neighbors helping neighbors. And, the Disaster Response Ministry, in partnership with UMCOR, can help the church make those connections.
The ministry offers several opportunities that help to inform volunteers about the importance of the local church in the community, teach them how to step out into that community before a disaster occurs, and prepare them to respond when it does. The “Connecting Neighbors” program helps equip volunteers to identify and meet the needs of the community, while making a connection with it. Our Early Response Team (ERT) training teaches volunteers specific skills that enable them to meet specific needs in the early days after a disaster. And, we are developing a Spiritual and Emotional Care course that will equip those who feel called to support survivors, volunteers, and first responders as they face the inner emotional and spiritual turmoil and outward physical challenges that result from experiencing a disaster.
As a connectional church, united in our love for Christ and others, we are called to comfort each other and help to relieve the suffering and distress of others. The apostle Paul encourages us to fulfill this calling in his letter to the church in Philippi. “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind” (Philippians 2:1-2).
I attended the annual UMCOR Disaster Response Coordinators training academy in November. And, I was reminded that the goal of any United Methodist disaster response should be to provide hope where it may not exist, be a presence in someone’s life, and occasionally, you may need to speak. According to Statton, it is hope that keeps us moving in the right direction, allows us to dream about something bigger and better than what we see and know, and gives us the ability to “take that first step, which can be so, so hard.” And, living out our faith during a disaster can provide that hope and encouragement to so many who feel alone. By being present with them during their time of need, we can be there to assist with that first step and the many that will follow.
John Wesley encouraged growth in our faith by “doing good of every possible sort, and, as far as possible, to all.” The goal was, and still is, to inspire the church and move its people to live out their calling more faithfully through action. What are you doing to heed the calling of scripture and the encouragement of Wesley? Think about the impact you could have by taking a message of hope and healing to a hurting community, not just after a disaster but every day. Imagine how long the Holy Spirit would linger in the hearts and minds of others just because you were present in their lives. Consider the eternal outcome of sharing the greatest story ever told about the greatest gift ever given. Then act, so that others may have an opportunity to share their love, faith, and hope filled stories.
Contact Doug at drc@susumc.org
