There are times when people face horrible circumstances. In these times, the Lord allows us to extend our hands to reach each soul. It is then that we can either force people to "fend for themselves," or we can take the initiative to touch someone's life--which is indeed a great honor.

That's why we have the Anchor Baptist Missions Disaster Ministry. God has blessed ABMI with the tools to house, transport, and distribute needed goods during the time of need.

It is during these times that the Lord allows us to minister to people in the following three areas.

Disaster Response

Meal Care Boxes: A “banana box” filled with picnic type supplies which require no refrigeration or heating for a family of four to last 2 days.

This would include: Plates, cups, spoons, forks, napkins or paper towels, can opener, trash bag. Gallon of water.

Food for 3 meals per day for 2 days

Breakfast: Items such as pop-tarts, granola bars. Dried fruit, juice (in boxes, cans or small bottles)

Lunch: Items such as peanut butter, canned tuna, beans and wieners, Vienna sausage.

Supper: Canned fruits, jars or cans of cheese, canned meats, pork and beans, any other vegetables that can be eaten cold.

Snacks: Nuts, trail mix, etc…

Disaster Relief

Child Care Box - A small shoe box marked for a boy or girl and includes items such as a small coloring book, stuffed animal, non-perishable candy, etc… Also a toy such as a doll, legos, paddle balls, jacks, pick-up sticks, etc…

House Care Box - I “banana box” which is given to families trying to repair their home and includes items such as a flashlight, duct tape, box of trash bags, hammer, nails, work gloves, plastic wrap (roll or drop cloth), string or rope, knife and scissors, pad and pen, etc…

Personal Care Box - A large show box for a family of four which includes items such as 4 toothbrushes, disposable razors, small shaving cream, unisex deodorant, bar of soap, comb and brush, relief wipes, lotion, pain killers (aspirin, Tylenol, etc…) anti-acid, rubbing alcohol, ladies personal hygiene supplies, band-aids, a KJV Bible and tracts.

Baby Care Box - A box containing baby needs such as wipes, disposable diapers, formula, etc…

Clean Care Box -  A box with cleaning supplies to start getting their house cleaned, such as Clorox bottles, rags and sponges, paper towels, rubber gloves, wise broom, bust pan, general purpose cleaner, scrub brush, etc…

Clothing Care Box - A box containing new clothing for immediate needs for men, women, boys and girls.  These items would be separated by size and type and contain items such as underwear, tee-shirts, jogging suits, socks, tennis shoes in good condition (used accepted), etc…

Disaster Recovery

After the Response and Relief are complete (or in the process,) it becomes the responsibility of the believer to help rebuild the lives of those hurt in the disaster. As we reach out to the physical and spiritual needs of the world, we must not forget that the victims lives have been thrown into turmoil. With Disaster Recovery your church family, church leaders, youth group, work crew, construction group, family group, or any other group that desires to participate can do so by becoming active. You can assemble a crew, collect the necessary tools and materials for a certain project, and take some time to spend with the victims in their rebuilding efforts. Disaster Recovery goes on long after Response and Relief and is constantly looking for ways to help each family get back on their feet.

These crews are needed for this phase:

• CHAIN SAW CREW: This crew would consist of men who are skilled at handling chain saws and would be equipped with all of the safety gear and tools necessary to go into a storm situation to clear trees from roadways and from on houses. A great deal of emphasis needs to be placed on having survival type equipment to be able to operate in the disaster environment.

• CLEAN-UP CREW: This crew would consist of a group of men who would be comfortable with lifting and debris removal. The primary tools would be shovels, rakes and wheelbarrows and would assist in helping victims whose homes have been destroyed to dig out personal belongings and removal of debris.

• CARPENTRY CREW: A carpenter crew would be used primarily for securing houses which have had shingles or parts of the roof blown away. Tarps, plastic and tar paper (shingles if available) would be used to stop further damage and make the home livable. No permanent repairs would be made unless the individual is not insured and is not financially able to make the repairs themselves.

• HEAVY EQUIPMENT CREW: There might be someone who has a backhoe, bobcat, loader or other heavy equipment who would be willing to be on call in the event of a disaster. A heavy equipment crew would consist of the driver, machinery operator and those necessary in operating the machinery in a safe manner. It could be that the church where the operator is a member would be willing to sponsor and help defray the expenses of fuel, etc. for making such a trip.

• TRANSPORTATION CREW: This would be a man power crew that would be interested in the loading of trucks and transporting relief supplies to the disaster area. Truck size could range from pick-ups to semis, depending upon the need, and will supply emergency relief without regard to an individual's financial standing on a temporary basis.

If your group needs help or ideas, the staff of Anchor Baptist Missions is always available to help in your planning efforts. Each stage of preparation is important, and Anchor Baptist Missions has years of experience in Disaster Relief.