Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this ministry important?
With the frequency of major disasters and the current threat of terrorism, there has never been a better time or a better reason for the PCA as a denomination to show God's love and mercy in this vital way. Through offering many types of assistance to the victims of a broad range of catastrophic situations, we hope to meet the victims' immediate needs, help to rebuild their lives and hopefully affect their eternal destiny as well.
What qualifications are needed to work with MNA on a disaster?
If you are an able-bodied person and have Christ in your heart and have a heart to serve, there is a place for you in Disaster Response.
What are some specific ways a person can serve through Disaster Response?
Different kinds of disasters will require different skills. Some of the ways to help are the following: chainsaw crews, debris-clearing crews, patching and repair (handy men and women), Christian counseling (clergy, chaplains, therapists), rebuilding (construction workers), administrative assistants, job needs assessors, computer skills, doctors/nurses/EMT's/medics and miscellaneous skills at the staging area of the disasters.
What are some of the ways that can I get involved in this ministry?
Return the response card on the back of the brochure or e-mail the registration form found at the Volunteer Registration link on the web page. Each registration will be put into a database. This is a very critical part of Disaster Response. It will be from this pool of database volunteers that you will be called in a time of disaster. Also, the web page contains contact information such as field address and e-mail address and phone numbers.
You may become involved by partnering with us through prayer (visit the Prayer Guide page) and financial support (visit the Online Donation page). Funds are needed both to maintain the ministry and to invest in tools and equipment required for the clean-up and rebuilding of damaged property. MNA Disaster Response is supported only by designated gifts and contributions are tax-deductible.
Who will Disaster Response help?
Disaster Response will help PCA people affected by the disaster, but as a mercy ministry, we will also reach out to the surrounding communities affected by the disaster, to minister to all kinds of people in need.
If I become involved will I be required to go on a disaster each time I'm called? If a disaster happens in your region and you are called, it is your choice to respond or not. Our prayer is that you would be able to respond but undoubtedly there will be times when you are not available.
How far will I have to travel to respond?
Disaster response is regional. Of course, we will first call upon the volunteers in the immediate vicinity of the disaster. However, there will be those who are willing to travel from further away. Again, if called, the choice is yours.
How long will I have to stay on the disaster site?
The length of time you spend onsite will depend on your schedule. When we contact you, we will discuss your availability. Days or weeks - any time you can give is valuable to the work we do for God's Kingdom.
Will I be able to share my faith in Christ?
As representatives of MNA Disaster Response, we desire to help the victims of a disaster with both their physical and spiritual needs. After all, the primary objective of any mercy ministry is to plant seeds for the Kingdom of God.
How will this mercy ministry advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
In addition to witnessing when the opportunity is presented, the plan is to hand out brochures or literature at these disaster sites. Each brochure will include the nearest local PCA church address and phone number, and those churches will also be given the names and addresses of those disaster victims, for follow-up purposes.
How can I learn more in depth about Disaster Response?
Request the brochure and DVD. Then invite MNA ShortTerm Missions and Disaster Response Director Arklie Hooten to visit your church and present the ministry with slides, literature and Q&A.
Can you help me present the Disaster Response program to my own church, to show them how they can become involved?
Please feel free to contact us with your requests. You may also print out any portion of the Disaster Response web site for use in your presentation. There are several ways your church can become involved. Arklie or one of the disaster response specialists are assisting churches and presbyteries to develop disaster preparedness plans. Then during times of disaster, they need churches which can:
- serve as a staging area
- provide office space for Disaster Response organizing and coordinating in time of disaster emergency
- Women in the Church can provide meals for PCA volunteers
Back to Disaster Response
When disaster strikes, MNA Disaster Response coordinates the PCA message of God’s love to those affected. Click here to donate now.
Disaster Response Trailer to Be Awarded at General Assembly
MNA Disaster Response is pleased to announce that it will award a new disaster response first responder team equipment trailer at the 2012 General Assembly to be held in Louisville KY. If you would like to be the recipient of this new trailer, click here for more information.
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