Whether the destruction is caused by a hurricane, tornado, or flood, the process of cleaning up, repairing, and rebuilding is long and tedious.  And even when a dwelling or business is fully insured,  during the chaotic time immediately following a natural disaster, those affected may experience limited communication, inadequate supplies,  a need for temporary accommodations, and suspended employment.

Even as individuals are applying for FEMA funds or completing tedious insurance paperwork, there is a immediate need for resources and assistance. I am grateful for churches, community groups, businesses, non-profits, and individuals who give generously of their time and resources to assist those in the zone of destruction.

After a disaster strikes, one of the welcomed blessings is seeing neighbor helping neighbor, and seeing diverse groups and individuals put aside their political, theological, or personal differences and join forces to serve those afflicted by the disaster.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Michael I have been asked numerous times, “Where is the best place to send my donation?” After all, no one wants to be scammed.  As a pastor who has been on ground zero where tornadoes and hurricanes have hit, I have partnered with numerous organizations that I have found to be dependable and trustworthy accountable managers of disaster relief resources.

The following is a list of organizations that I have donated to or  worked with on the ground and found to be reliable and accountable:

• Your local church
• Volunteers of America
• Christian Ministries of Pensacola
• Florida Baptist Disaster Relief
• Pensacola Bay Baptist Association
• Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Disaster Relief
• Baptists on Mission (NC)
• The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR)
• Catholic Charities
• Campers on Mission
• Mennonite Disaster Services
• LDS Charities
• Samaritan’s Purse
• The Salvation Army

This list is exemplary and not exhaustive.  I am sure that there are many other outstanding organizations that could be on this list.

When disaster strikes, it takes all kinds of groups working together cooperatively to meet the needs of those in distress.  By all accounts, rebuilding after Hurricane Michael will be ongoing for the next few years.  However, during these first few weeks after the storm, our generous gifts can make a life-sustain, life-changing impact.

Join me in giving a generous gift to Disaster Relief/Hurricane Michael.