A disaster (fire, flood, tornado, hurricane, earthquake, or the like) can lead to a tremendously difficult season in the lives of its victims. Sometimes, the victims are members of the church. In these instances, by virtue of our belief in the doctrine of the Communion of the Saints, we are compelled to “relieve each other in outward things, according to (our) several abilities and necessities” (WCF XXVI:2). As we are able, we seek to relieve each other! Other times, the victims are not members of the church. These are opportunities for us to follow the Lord’s command that we “love our neighbor as ourselves,” and serve others as a reflection of the mercy and compassion that has been shown to us in Christ Jesus.

It was in 2005, following the OPC's relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina, that it became evident that a permanent disaster response ministry and coordinator was needed in the OPC. Read more.

Click here to read about what makes the church's response to disaster unique.

"To demonstrate the love and compassion of Christ in very tangible ways to those with whom the OPC has contact, who are suffering from the effects of a disaster.”

The Committee on Diaconal Ministries stands ready to lead the OPC in responding to disasters that impact OPC property or members directly, or are of a magnitude such that they impact 10,000 persons or more. When such an incident occurs, we will communicate all of the details regarding the OPC's response efforts, including procedures for joining a disaster response team:

—On this website

—In the Disaster Response Insider Post (D.R.I.P.) Newsletter emailed to OPC Disaster Response Registrants

—On the OPC Disaster Response Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.

—In Special Editions of the S.T.O.R.M. Report

Please feel free to notify us directly at OPCDisasterResponse@opc.org if you have details or updates on any ongoing disaster, or with any needs, questions, or concerns.

Click here for some pointers from a veteran team leader.

Click here to view a brief testimony from homeowners who were served by OPC Disaster Response volunteers.

Click here for all Disaster Response posts.