Southern Baptists -- getting things done, genuinely caring for people, offering hope.
Did You Know That - Southern Baptist Disaster Relief is the third largest Disaster Relief organization in the United States, behind only the Red Cross and Salvation Army. Last year, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Teams prepared 272,693 meals, volunteered 32,556 days, presented the Gospel 25,743 times and led 2,642 people to professions of faith in Christ. There are currently 2,277 trained disaster relief volunteers in Illinois.
Why Serve In Disaster Relief - Many people work hard because they want their boss to recognize their accomplishments and reward them a higher paid position. Most people like their job and the product their company makes, and out of loyalty they work hard to make a better product.
Many of these hard workers hope that their good works (religion) will be rewarded by God someday. They count on their good works to get them into heaven. Another person has faith in God as their way to get them into heaven. They work out of gratitude and love for Him.
Someone may believe in God, attend church, say prayers, show kindness, and be seen as a good person, but this is not a substitute for faith in Jesus Christ. People with faith in Jesus for forgiveness of sin have assurance of entrance into heaven and seek to become more like Jesus.
The way to salvation is by grace...
It is not of works but is the gift of God (Eph 2:8-9). The only way to the Father is through faith in Jesus (John 14:6).
This is why Southern Baptists all over the United States volunteer to go wherever needed, sleep on the floor, eat what is available, and lovingly help people in a crisis situation. That’s what Jesus would do. Will you consider joining us?
~~My Thoughts~~
Being an Illinois Baptist Disaster Relief volunteer is a way for people to provide hands-on help in the event of a disaster. “In recent years there have been fewer call outs because of fewer disasters. However, recent disaster events in Japan, New Zealand, Haiti and other locations are reminders that we need to be prepared, trained and ready to respond to future disaster events. The question is not if, but when disasters will take place and will we be trained and ready to respond?”
All new disaster relief volunteers are required to take Disaster Relief 101: Introduction Training, which will be offered at each location. Other classes offered include mud out, mass feeding, chainsaw, communications, disaster relief chaplaincy and childcare. Childcare training will only be offered if at least 12 people pre-register for it at least one week in advance. The southern location will also have shower unit training.
~~MISSION OPPORTUNITIES - 2012~~
Disaster Relief training:
*April 27-28 @ Vale Community Church, Bloomington
*May 11-12 @ Streator Baptist Camp
*October 12-13 @ Lake Sallateeska
Missions Spectacular:
June 9- 1-day of hands-on ministry projects for individuals, families & church groups. Opportunities include prayer walking, partnering with church planters, community block parties & festivals, clean-up & improvement projects, & more. Online registration opens after February 20th. Cost- $25/person ($7.50 for children under 12). For more info, call 217-391- 3138 or go to IBSA.org/missions.
Illinois Campers on Mission:
(National network of Christian campers sponsored by North American Mission Board)
*April 15-22 @ Streator Baptist Camp
*May 13-18 @ Carterville, Ill
*June 17-22 @ Baptist Children’s Home, Carmi
*August 12-17 @ Bartonville Baptist Church
*Sept 16-23 @ Lake Sallateeska Baptist Camp
For more info about these projects contact Rex Alexander at 217-391-3134 or RexAlexander@IBSA.org
Del Halleman
CCBA DR Coordinator
Central IL VOAD Vice-Chair
217/502-3982
