Column By Dr. Ann Hollingsworth
Recently one of the classes that I teach had a lesson about the role of community groups when disaster strikes. A lot of the discussion was about the role of the churches. I was reminded of two things. There are several organized ministries such as Eight Days of Hope from Pontotoc, MS, that go in after a flood, tornado, hurricane, etc. to help people recover and rebuild. I was also reminded of the Bible passage of Matthew 25:34 - 46 where Jesus says that we serve God as we minister to the needs of people around us.
A key conclusion with my students was that preparation is key to dealing with a disaster. When disaster strikes, the needs of people go back to the importance of survival such as food, water, shelter, and safety. We may not be able to stop the winds of a tornado or hurricane, but we can have basic supplies stored on hand for emergencies.
Another need that is just above the survival is for emotional support and caring. This is where the church can truly serve and is a big role of those organized ministries and probably at the heart of the guidance from Jesus.
I remember my mother reflecting that if the church did what it should do in ministering to needs of people, we would not have to rely on the government to do that. Today, the roles have totally turned – government meets the physical, emotional, and mental needs of people. The church just perceives itself to be there for the spirit.
As this trend has turned, so has the involvement of people in church. What was once the heart of community living is now almost a wax museum. We don’t have to stay that way. Churches could once again plan ministry ways to serve folks where they really live – in and out of disaster events.
