Spiritual Care in Disaster Response

For Churches, for Families, for Children

It's some weeks after—when the television cameras leave and early relief centers close. Many hands have removed debris, and the electricity works, most of the time.

But for persons directly affected by a disaster, the emotional impact may be delayed for weeks or months. It can take a long time for survivors to get a handle on the permanence of their losses.

What can faithful, caring people expect? And, just as importantly, what can we do?

Here's a start. Spiritual Care in Disaster Response is a new collection of resources provided by UMCOR to assist congregations, families and children involved in disaster—as survivors or as people who emotionally support them.

Grace, wholeness, recovery—all are marks of a compassionate ministry in disaster response.

These materials were adapted for UMCOR by the Rev. Mary E. Hughes Gaudreau, LPC, Oklahoma Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, and UMCOR disaster response consultant.