SERVE: GLOBAL DISASTER RESPONSE
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. . . .
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12b)
MTW missionaries are responding to the refugee crisis. You can help!
DISASTER RESPONSE OVERVIEW
An 8.0 earthquake hits Nepal. Your church building is rubble and members are missing. There’s food and water supplied by the military, but what missionary is prepared to help rebuild in a time such as this?
That’s where we come in. MTW’s Global Disaster Response (GDR) team responds rapidly to support MTW missionaries, national partners, and local churches during times of crisis. We’ve worked in the aftermath of floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, and fires. We listen intently, observe carefully, and then tailor our support to the needs of the field. The GDR team can scale its response: from acting as consultants all the way up to deploying medical, counseling, and engineering personnel.
Together with our missionaries and their partners, we develop plans that ensure sustainable outcomes, establish the right partnerships, and follow through with resources and support. Ultimately we are ambassadors for Christ, joining local teams in the work of bringing the gospel to the whole world in times of adversity when people are often the most receptive to a message of hope. Will you join us?
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Your gifts make a tremendous impact on communities devastated by a disaster. We work alongside partner churches to provide help in the wake of a disaster, ministering to believers and the local community both physically and spiritually. Thank you for generous heart to meet these critical needs.
View Disaster Response Projects
Reach out to the victims of devastating Hurricane Matthew to help them rebuild and recover.
Hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees and other people groups risk their lives to start new in Europe. Regional MTW missionaries are aiding in the crisis.
Help believers in Gaza by sending financial relief and medical support to believers—Palestinian and Jewish—caught in the crossfire.
PARTNER WITH US
Whether you’re a church or an individual, you can partner with those on the front lines in times of crisis, and impact people around the world in their greatest moment of need. Your partnership will help strengthen national churches and sow the seeds that will lead to future church plants.
Help support MTW with a gift to our Global Disaster Response Ministry.
Contact a GDR rep with questions or to set up a meeting at your church.
View our latest GDR newsletter and current prayer requests.
Attend our training and become certified to serve with our team.
2017 TRAINING
October 3–8, 2017 (Tuesday-Sunday)
Location: Gospel Fellowship Church (Valencia, PA) outside of Pittsburgh, PA
If you have questions, please contact response@mtw.org
Global Disaster Response Training is a week-long course comprised of half-classroom/half-field experience. Every experience during your time at the training is meant to be realistic, from the moment you arrive through the final exercise—an extensive mock scenario where you practice what you have learned. Volunteers are trained to work safely and effectively in unstable and dangerous environments and to serve those suffering from shock, pain, trauma, illness, and dislocation.
Our participants come from various backgrounds. Some want to serve on a GDR response team. Some are missionaries or national partners who want to be prepared to safely host teams in the confusing atmosphere of a disaster. Some simply want to prepare themselves to travel and work in today’s uncertain and unpredictable world. Whatever your reason, we have a space for you.
Register for a Free Account
COMMON QUESTIONS
• Fill out this form to get started.
• Attend and successfully complete MTW's Disaster Response Training (usually held each fall and spring).
• Participate on an MTW trip that's rated high-risk.
• Keep required immunizations up-to-date (more info will be given at training).
For more information on Global Disaster Response, contact response@mtw.org.
How are the expenses covered?
All of our volunteers have a support account and raise their own support.
How much is a typical trip?
Cost depends on location and transportation. Airfare increases with distance and will probably be the greatest expense. Teams usually plan on bringing their own lodging and food.
What about insurance?
MTW provides only supplemental emergency evacuation insurance, so you must have your own insurance. We can help guide you in this.
Can I join the team as part-time, full-time, or is it just as needed?
After becoming part of MTW's Global Disaster Response, you will be contacted after a disaster occurs (usually no more than four times per year) to see what your availability is. Teams are formed based on specific needs following a disaster, so even if you are available, you may not be needed every time.
Would I be considered an MTW employee?
No. You would be considered an MTW volunteer.
Is there enough time to raise support?
Many volunteers raise money beforehand so they are ready to go at a moment's notice.
What will we learn at the Disaster Response Training?
You will be trained to work safely and effectively in unstable and dangerous environments and to serve those suffering from shock, pain, trauma, illness, and dislocation. We teach on over 40 subjects during the course of the week-long training, some purely practical, some theological.
Is the training hard?
No, but it is intense. If you can dig a ditch, pull a rope, walk a couple of miles, sit in a classroom, all in one day, you can do this.
I am partially disabled/have a medical condition. Can I participate in the training?
Often yes. The training simulates a real disaster. You need to be mobile and able to work. Crutches or canes can work but wheelchairs and walkers do not, as you need to be able to hike through deep woods. Any medical equipment has to be un-powered or self-powered. You should be able to help with basic living tasks such as cooking and camping. Any medicines you require should be stable at room temperature. Please be honest with yourself and the staff about your capabilities and needs.
I am pregnant. Can I come to the training?
Actually, yes. We have had several women take the training in early to middle stages of their pregnancy. You still have to sleep in a tent in the field and participate as much as possible. Please contact us to discuss your situation. Note: If you are pregnant, you will not be able to participate on a disaster response trip.
Your gifts and training can place you in a position to provide expertise for our work in the field and open doors for sharing the gospel message.
Medical
Health professionals work alongside national workers to provide needed medical care after a disaster. We have the capability to set up acute care and mobile clinics, make "home/tent" visits, and provide community health education.
Administration
Administrative skills are essential in a disaster response. Those who serve in this role coordinate all responsibilities necessary to keep the team functioning and healthy. Some of the many tasks include helping organize for water purification, food procurement, and meal preparation. Often these people have unique opportunities to be ambassadors between the team and those the team serves.
Crisis Counseling
It is crucial that crisis counseling occur as soon as possible post-disaster. We provide group and one-on-one counseling for men and women. Also, we also conduct onsite seminars to train local pastors and church leaders in practical crisis counseling so they have the skills to minister to their communities.
Engineering/Construction/Technical
If you’re a technician, engineer, contractor, handyman, or work in construction, you can fulfill vital roles during a disaster. Tasks include assessing damage, constructing and maintaining our relief camps, revitalizing damaged structures, building new disaster-resistant buildings, maintaining our ground vehicles, and keeping our communication equipment operating smoothly.
Hurricane Matthew: Caribbean Response Update
Here's an update on the plans we have moving forward in the wake of Hurricane Matthew.
Creating a Refuge after the Storm
Two years after Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines, Hereos Church has a new building, a new name, and a renewed faith.
How missionaries are responding to the refugee crisis
Latest update: In response to the recent wave of refugees, missionaries throughout Europe are finding new opportunities to serve.
Assessment Team Heads to Nepal
The assessment team is going in response to the 7.8 earthquake devastated Nepal to meet with national partners and visit church sites.
Funds received by MTW as part of a disaster response appeal are used for relief and recovery, construction, travel for response teams, and related needs as well as for longer-term rebuilding and church planting. Exceptionally, when there are unspent funds, they will be used in future disaster and compassion situations.
Donations Address:
P.O. Box 744165
Atlanta, GA 30374-4165