Disaster Response: Crisis Meets Compassion

From tornadoes to wildfires, floods to hurricanes, disease and more. Global Methodists have been met with crises across the globe, testing the resilience of many communities. And yet, through every storm, the faithful people of the Global Methodist Church have stepped up as the hands and feet of Christ.

The Evangelism, Church Multiplication, Missional Mobilization, and Disaster Response Commission—informally known as the Kingdom Advancement Commission—oversees a wide range of ministry initiatives reflected in its title. To manage their work effectively, the commission established subcommittees dedicated to specific areas of focus. The Disaster Response subcommittee, chaired by Rev. Linda Davis, is one such group leading efforts to organize and strengthen the denomination’s response to crises.

Last month, the subcommittee held its first ever Disaster Response Retreat, from March 24–26 at Alcoa Methodist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee, and brought together 25 leaders from 11 U.S. annual conferences. United by a shared calling, they deepened their understanding of disaster ministry, clarified the mission of Disaster Response teams, and affirmed the theological grounding of this work in the Book of Doctrines and Discipline. The retreat culminated in a new training proposal to help churches and conferences prepare for and respond to crises in their communities.

This retreat also marked a milestone in a journey that began months earlier. In November 2023, disaster ministry leaders began training efforts with the Florida and Alabama conferences. Those efforts quickly shifted into action, as a series of devastating events unfolded.

A Call to Response and Relief

Between November 2023 and February 2024, the focus was on organizing and developing procedures. However, as disaster after disaster struck, the ministry was thrust into action—even as they continued laying the groundwork for new processes within our denomination

Here’s a snapshot of a few disasters our network has served in recent months:

– Slidell, Louisiana Tornado (April, 2024): An EF2 tornado cut a destructive path through the area. Assessments began within days, and a Florida team quickly deployed, joined by teams from Louisiana, Arkansas, and South Carolina. Over 700 homes were impacted.

– Houston Flooding (May, 2024): Heavy rains caused widespread flooding. Local churches worked with conference leadership to call for aid, resulting in assistance to over 100 homes and six churches.

– Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton (August – October, 2024): Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, Virginia and surrounding areas endured multiple hurricanes in a short period of time. Teams were sent all over, with funds and supplies flowing steadily. Support for hurricane relief has exceeded $1.2 million dollars, with donations still coming in.

– Monkeypox in the Democratic Republic of Congo (November, 2024): The DRC was overwhelmed by a severe Monkeypox outbreak, affecting thousands. Faithful Global Methodists stepped up and donated approximately $10,000 to ease the suffering of this vulnerable population.

– Super Typhoon Man-Yi in the Philippines (November, 2024): This super typhoon was the sixth of the year and caused significant devastation. Thousands were displaced, homes destroyed, and livelihoods disrupted. The Mega Manila and Covenant Philippines Annual Conferences mobilized to provide food and shelter to affected families and Global Methodists again donated aid nearing $4,000.

Amid these ongoing disasters, communication among passionate volunteers expanded significantly. The need for structured training remains a key initiative for 2025. The goal is to develop a comprehensive disaster recovery and relief committee that can proactively equip annual conferences and churches for future emergencies.

Strengthening Through Partnership

Participants also reviewed a draft application for potential partner organizations during the Knoxville retreat. A vetting process was introduced to ensure all partners align with GMC values— Christ-centered, theologically grounded, accountable, and experienced in disaster work.

As we reflect on this past year of faithful response, we’re reminded that disaster response is not just about logistics—it’s about love in action. It’s about showing up, stepping in, and serving those in the deepest need.

Please continue to pray for all affected communities and for our teams in the field. May God grant us a season of calm—but as storms inevitably return, may we be ready to meet them with courage, compassion, and Christ at the center.