The Disaster Paradigm© and a Review of Priorities in Disaster Relief

Disaster response provides tremendous opportunities for compassion ministry and short-term mission teams. The 7 Standards of Excellence in Short-Term Mission will be reviewed in the context of disaster relief. These standardshelp to insure appropriate focus on long term relief and recovery, participation and empowerment of national workers, and prevention of dependence and paternalism.

With the increasing frequency of natural disasters and the church’s heart to respond,
we are witnessing a great number of volunteers working in areas impacted by disasters. Establishing a sound strategy of engagement is critical to insure team safety and security, as well as to insure that our response is appropriate and will “first do no harm,” and second
will accomplish the desired outcome in relief, recovery, and development. Priorities and best practice standards for disaster relief will be discussed, which will be relevant to both domestic and international involvement.