P.E.A.C.E. Relief
We are not here to solve, but to serve
"Then the righteous will answer him, `Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
"The King will reply, `I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:37-40 NIV
P.E.A.C.E. Relief Purpose Statement
- To enable and prepare the body of Christ at a personal, local and global level to serve God by assisting others in a time of disaster
- To comfort the hurting, give hope to the hopeless and to move the survivors from relief to development with care and compassion
How Saddleback spells R.E.L.I.E.F.
- Rally our small groups
All of our relief work is done by and through our network of small groups, making it easier to rapidly mobilize a large volunteer force quickly.
"Always be ready to do whatever is good. Titus 3:lb (NIV)
- Engage local churches as relief centers
Local congregations are the most natural and effective base camps for relief for six reasons. 1) They already exist in every community. 2) They know their community and are trusted by it. 3) They have the greatest number of volunteers. 4) They have compassionate service as part of their mission. 5) They have an existing network. 6) They will remain in a community long after the short term relief agencies have packed up and gone.
" I will build my church, and the powers of hell will not conquer it." Matthew.l6:18 (NLT)
- Link with public and private partners
The government can provide rescue and evacuation services. Businesses can provide expertise and capital. Churches provide manpower, distribution centers worldwide and long term care. It takes all 3 working together - public, private and faith communities.
"Two are better than one, because together they can work more effectively/" Ecclesiastes. 4:9 (TEV)
- Include physical, emotional, & spiritual support
Human beings are more than a body, so they need far more than just medical and material support after a disaster. Churches provide the personal support that governments cannot offer.
"God puts poor people on their feet again; he rekindles burned-out lives with fresh hope, restoring dignity and respect to their lives." 1 Samuel 2:8 (Mes)
- Empower survivors to help themselves
Survivors deserve to be treated with dignity, not as dependent, helpless victims. People recover faster when they help in their own recovery. Often government and NGO relief is organized but also institutionalized and depersonalized. We treat people as equals.
"Show respect for all people." 1 Peter 2:17 (NCV)
"You obey the law of Christ when you offer each other a helping hand." Galatians 6:2 (CEV)
- Fund what's overlooked
Our relief offerings are used for strategic needs that typically go unnoticed.
"Two good things happen as a result of your gifts - those in need are helped, and they overflow with thanks to God" 2 Corinthians 9:12 (LB)
For more information on PEACE contact peace@saddleback.com or 949-609-8401.