NORTH TEXAS PRESBYTERY

(NTP) DISASTER RESPONSE

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NTP DISASTER PREPAREDNESS,

RESPONSE & RECOVERY PLAN

GOAL: Have a high level of disaster preparedness and quick response capabilities by helping churches and families to: • Plan in advance for emergencies• Become aware of potential disasters in their community• Develop a plan to survive after a disaster • Minister to others.

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WHO WILL GO?

Working together, the churches of the NTP can have a much larger impact.

Coordinating our efforts with the PCA’s Mission to North America Disaster Response can further leverage our efforts.

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“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I; send me!’ “ (Isaiah 6:8, NIV)

RESPONDING TOGETHER

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)

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The Plan allows NTP to pull together resources which may include funds, volunteers, equipment and facilities to respond to disasters locally and/or regionally as an act of mercy, to give that community relief from a calamity and, at the same time, to plant seeds for the Kingdom of God.

GIVING TO OTHERSWe take seriously our stewardship of the resources God has provided that we may be prepared to serve in both the “day of prosperity” and the “day of adversity.” (Ecclesiastes 7:14, ESV)

“…For in a severe test of affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity. …they gave according to their means… and beyond their means. …your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need…” (2 Corinthians 8, ESV)

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CARRYING EACH OTHER’S BURDENSDisasters can strike quickly and without warning. Helping others through a difficult time is what Christ asks us to do.

“Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, NIV)

“…Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep.’” (John 21:17, ESV)

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HEARTS OF COMPASSION

Providing hope through the hope you have received in Christ Jesus.

“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10, ESV)

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12, ESV)

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USING OUR GIFTS

Knowing what to do is the best protection and every-one’s responsibility. We can and should be prepared in the event a disaster occurs. With God’s help, families and churches, can, and do, cope with disasters by preparing in advance and working together.

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)

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TO GOD BE THE GLORY!Coordinating – our efforts locally and nationally.Collaborating – on disaster response to take advantage of our individual church resources.Communicating – so all within the NTP are aware of opportunities and to become more efficient and effective in disaster response ministry.Cooperating – on training and responding.Celebrating – what God is doing in our midst.

“…whatever you do, do all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31, ESV)

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SPIRITUAL WORK

It is all spiritual work!

“…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16, ESV)

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COMFORTING OTHERS

“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another , agree with one another, live in peace: and the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Corinthians 13:11, ESV)

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As you reach out to help others following a disaster, seek opportunities to minister to them and to share your faith with those around you.

DOING UNTO OTHERS

“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do as just as I have done to you.” (John 13:14-15, ESV)

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.”(Matthew 25:35-36, ESV)

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RESTORING OTHERS

“…Truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40, ESV)

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Is God calling you or your church to respond with compassion, kindness, generosity and the Word during disasters?

Are you preparing yourself and your church on how to respond?

Are you helping to protect your community?

TOOLS AVAILABLE

•Sample Presbytery Disaster Response Plan• Sample Church Emergency and Disaster Response Plan• Church Assessment Questionnaire• Family Emergency Plan• Checklist for 72 hr Family Survival Kit• Devotional Guide for Volunteers• Presentations• Training Resources• Preparedness Resources

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“You will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.”

Isaiah 58:12 (NIV)