By Hubert Yates
MS Disaster Relief Director
On Sunday, June 1, across the churches of the Southern Baptist Convention, the 40,000+ men and women of Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) will be recognized for their ministry and labor of love, sacrifice, and service to those affected by disasters and crisis situations.
These volunteers, known as the “Yellow Shirt Brigade” for their distinctive yellow shirts worn on deployments, have ministered in every major disaster event nationally in the past 50 years.
In October and November of 2024 in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, these volunteers deployed across seven states and 52 locations, representing the largest deployment of SBDR resources since Hurricane Katrina and the largest single organization response during the disasters. Additionally, because they are organized around state and local teams, they provide ministry to the smaller local disasters/crises that occur on a day-to-day basis that may only affect a few individuals.
In Mississippi, where disasters both large and small occur throughout the year, the dedicated group of some 1,842 volunteers make up the largest organized, trained, and credentialed non-government organization assisting in the dark times following a disaster.
Focusing on the homeowner and the survivors of disasters, the volunteers provide assistance in the physical needs created by disasters — a hot meal, help with removing debris, tarping for a damaged roof, or cleaning out a home following a flood — and in providing for the spiritual and emotional care of both the survivor and the responders. These volunteers truly are the “hands and feet of Jesus.”
For the volunteers of Mississippi Baptist Disaster Relief (MSBDR) and SBDR this descriptor is more than a label, it is the heartbeat of their ministry and effort.
A Heartbeat of Preparation
While many in Mississippi still hold to the principle of being a good neighbor and are quick to lend a hand to those in need, the volunteers of MSBDR take steps to prepare themselves to effectively and purposefully offer compassionate assistance following a disaster/crisis. Their desire is to be the best “hands and feet of Jesus” that they can be. Through the training and credentialing process, the volunteers of MSBDR move disaster response from spontaneous (I want to help) to intentional ministry (I can help effectively).
A Heartbeat of Caring
Like the Samaritan on the road to Jericho who saw the man in the ditch and went to his aid, the volunteers of MSBDR are moved with compassion to be the “hands and feet of Jesus.” This is the heartbeat of MSBDR volunteers’ ministry — caring for those in need, both physically and spiritually.
In the Gospel accounts, Jesus is recorded as having ministered to people 99 times in which Truth was proclaimed in addition to a physical need being met. There is wisdom in His example as His works afforded the opportunity to share. There is truth to the statement that “people don’t care what you say until they know how much you care.”
One of those served through disaster relief ministry said it best, “Some people say that they love you, other people show that they love you.” The volunteers of MSBDR are people who show you that they love you!
A Heartbeat of Going
Disaster and crisis events present unique opportunities for ministry that quickly fade as stability and security is returned to those affected. Again, like the Samaritan on the road to Jericho who encountered a disastrous situation and responded, the volunteers of MSBDR are quick to lay aside their plans, their work, their activities, and their families to go to the aid of their neighbor. Often at inconvenience to themselves, they GO to bring help, hope, and healing in Jesus’ name. Whether here in the state of Mississippi, the Southeastern United States, or other areas of the nation and world, they have gone faithfully for almost 50 years with hearts motivated by love and prepared to serve!
Thank you to the volunteers of Mississippi Baptist Disaster Relief and the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief network! For information on how to get involved in disaster relief ministry, contact the MSBDR Office at hyates@mbcb.org or (601)292-3335.
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