Contributions can also be made by mail. Please make your check out to Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief.
Mail gifts to:
Disaster Relief
Kentucky Baptist Convention
13420 Eastpoint Centre Drive
Louisville, KY 40223
Wherever the disaster occurs, Kentucky volunteers may be called out to help.
Kentucky has an active disaster relief program that works in concert with similar programs in other states. More than 2,500 individuals are trained as Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief workers. Volunteers can staff feeding units designed to deliver thousands of hot meals on short notice; move in with chainsaws to help remove debris; do the dirty work of helping families remove mud from flooded homes; and provide many other disaster relief services.
New Volunteers
Learn about and sign up for first time disaster relief training.
Recredentialing Volunteers
Learn how to be recredentialed as a disaster relief volunteer.
Cross-Training Volunteers
Learn how to become a cross-trained volunteer in disaster relief.
Chaplaincy Training
Learn how to become trained as a disaster relief chaplain.
Why be trained in Disaster Relief?
Being prepared with quality training in any area of ministry enables us to be more effective as God calls us to serve Him. Many times, God gives us natural skills and abilities, but other times He provides opportunity for training so we will grow and improve in our effectiveness. Paul reminds us to “…be equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:17).
Ten Reasons to be Trained in Disaster Relief
1. Training prepares us in our understanding of disasters and the needs that arise in times of disasters.
2. Training enables us to respond in appropriate and effective ways in times of disaster.
3. Training prepares us to understand our role as part of a disaster team. Emergency managers often list untrained volunteers as one of their greatest problems in times of disaster.
4. Training enables us to sharpen our abilities to be most effective as we serve in order to be an asset not a hindrance in the response. Spontaneous volunteers typically lack familiarity with situation assessments and incident management. Because of this, they usually end up being in the way, rather than providing meaningful help.
5. Training helps us to understand hazards and safety concerns in disaster areas. Untrained volunteers are much more likely to be injured in disaster response as they are unaware of risk factors.
6. Training prepares us to understand in a deeper way some of the trauma of disaster victims that we might be able to offer appropriate compassion.
7. Training prepares the hands to be ready to serve effectively. Becoming trained enables you to respond in times of disaster with needed skills and safety.
8. Training prepares the head by giving knowledge to increase effectiveness. Untrained volunteers are often unprepared to work long, stressful days in harsh and rugged living conditions.
9. Training and relating to a known disaster response group enables better security in disaster areas. Untrained volunteers create atmospheres where scam artists, who seek to prey on hurting and vulnerable people, can get access into disaster settings under the guise of being a volunteer.
10. Training proves that we desire to give God our very best in all that we do and to achieve the best requires discipline, effort, and knowledge. Trainings are an opportunity to grow as believers so when God calls, we are ready.
It is not a question of if there will be a disaster or crisis, but when. And to think “it will never happen here” is a denying of reality and a burying of our head in the sand. Your church, your community, and above all your God deserve your very best. Effective training makes us effective servants.
Learn how to become a READY CHURCH in Disaster Relief
Churches can prepare for disaster by developing a strategy to minister to their communities during a crisis. This is done through facilities preparation, member training, securing supplies, and developing protocols to activate the church’s disaster response plan.
READY CHURCH is a strategy plan to assist churches in preparing for disasters that can strike their communities. It helps churches prepare, connect, and respond in times of disaster. The plan identifies some of the likely disaster scenarios that may occur in a church’s community and why the congregation needs to be prepared if it is to be effective in ministry.
READY CHURCH offers churches practical suggestions about how to prepare for ministry, develop a strategy, connect with those who are affected and other responding groups, and be ready to walk through doors of ministry opportunities during disasters. The plan also offers insight on how to keep response leaders active in ministry between disasters. Unfortunately, most churches are unprepared for disasters and miss strategic opportunities to offer compassionate ministry and share the hope of the gospel.
Is your church ready?
Contact Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief at (502) 489-3527 or (866) 489-3527 (toll free in Kentucky) for more information or to coordinate a READY CHURCH training session in your area.
Disaster Relief Sunday
Thank and recognize the Disaster Relief volunteers in your church on August 22!
- Disaster Relief “Thank You” Graphic
- Disaster Relief Photo 1
- Disaster Relief Photo 2
- Disaster Relief Photo 3
Find more Disaster Relief resources below
Give to support Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief efforts.
DR RESOURCES
2022
2022 DR Training Half Page Bulletin Insert (B&W)
2022 DR Training Half Page Bulletin Insert (Color)
2022 DR Training PowerPoint Slide
2022 DR Training PowerPoint Slide (Widescreen)
CONTACT US
Ron Crow, Disaster Relief Director
(502) 489-3527
(866) 489-3527 (toll free in Ky.)