PEACE Relief Efforts

The Bible is clear that in a broken world we will have problems, trials, despair, and even storms. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation,” and that he will “deliver the righteous out of affliction.” That promise gives us hope, even in the worst of storms.

This past month our nation was hit by all types of storms, from Hurricane Harvey in Texas to Hurricane Irma in Florida. Further devastation struck with two earthquakes in Mexico and yet another hurricane in Puerto Rico. In the aftermath of these disasters, Saddleback Church stepped up to assist those in need—the “A” initiative of our Daring Faith goals.

When Hurricane Harvey hit on August 25, Pastor Rick challenged our church family with four calls to action: pray, give, go, and serve. So far YOU have generously provided just over a million dollars, and have sent relief teams to all the disaster sites that have been impacted.

Within 24 hours, a Saddleback team was in the air, and we still have members onsite encouraging local pastors, sharing God’s love, and serving survivors in need. Over 1,800 Saddleback members volunteered to help locally or on the ground in Houston, resulting in the distribution of 78 pallets of donated goods. Not only have we sent relief teams to Texas and Florida, but we’ve given three shipping containers full of supplies.

“This is so typical of the spirit of generosity of Saddleback Church,” said Pastor Rick. “Our members have a reputation for being first responders. In Saddleback’s 38-year history, we’ve given relief to 32 natural disasters and have donated millions to recovery efforts around the country. I am certain that no other church has sent more volunteers to help those in crisis.”

Saddleback’s long-term recovery efforts are based on a six-step process: First, our PEACE Team calls local pastors who act as our direct line of contact. Second, we send our own advanced assessment team to determine exactly what is needed for recovery. Third, we send our members and volunteers to meet the needs with food and other supplies, all of which are distributed through the local church. Fourth, we find ways to care for the caregivers, including nurses, law enforcement, social workers, firemen, pastors, and doctors. Fifth, we offer all local pastors a sermon series on recovery to encourage their members and communities. Lastly, we give everyone at Saddleback an opportunity to pray, give, go, and serve, with one hundred percent of designated donations going to those in need.

“We always do the same six things in a disaster,” said Pastor Rick. “We stay behind to rebuild. Saddleback is in for the long haul.”

The rebuilding has just begun for those-affected areas. According to Food Pantry Director, Steve Mahnke, there is still a great demand for donations to be distributed through our Purpose Driven network of churches. With the latest disasters in Mexico and Puerto Rico, we also need volunteers to help collect and sort through donations here at home.

According to Julie Sathoff,Central Director of Ministry, our members are serving in countless ways around the world.“Our members are doing everything from tearing out drywall to ministering to broken hearts,” she says.

In the first critical hours of any disaster, we join the response efforts of our partner churches in the affected area and unite with them. We stay for months, and even years, to rehabilitate the community long after outside agencies have disappeared. When resources dwindle and headlines fade, we still stand united in hope and love.

It’s because of your gifts that we can help strengthen a network of churches throughout the affected areas. Your giving is multiplied many times over by the churches we partner with worldwide. Thank you for your prayers, your sacrificial giving, and for helping survivors in the long process toward healing.

To learn more about joining Saddleback’s PEACE relief efforts around the world, visit saddleback.com/relief.