Disaster Relief Recommendations

RIO TOWNSEND • SMOKY MOUNTAIN CHURCH • Pastor Ronnie Hepperly

After almost 30 years of disaster relief all over the world on my own and partnering with Denominations, Churches, Military, NGOs, Government Agencies, and do- gooders, I feel I have learned some valuable lessons.

To educate and not alienate, I offer a few observations and recommendations that I feel strongly about.

These recommendations are:

  1. We can get a lot more done if we don’t care who gets the credit.
  2. We aren’t in competition with each other rather and more importantly weare trying to alleviate suffering.
  3. If you always have to be in charge please stay home.
  4. If you are standing around and not wanting to get dirty, you will likely bein the way of those who don’t mind doing so. Please make the better choice and stay home.
  5. Those who have lost so much just need us to help restore their self-respect rather than take what’s left of it. We should look for ways toencourage and support them.
  6. Pray for people-hug them, cry with them, and show them you care.
  7. You don’t always need to say something. Your presence speaks louder than words.
  8. Roll up your sleeves and get busy with the task at hand. This isn’t the time to be a hero.
  9. After the picture is taken and the gawkers have moved on to the next big thing. These hurting people will still be hurting.
  10. The Government and Big Agencies lots of times mostly muddy the waters rather than help.
  11. Things change rapidly so be flexible, listen, and pay attention. The needs tomorrow will probably be different than the needs today or next week.
  12. All disaster relief areas aren’t the same and one size doesn’t fit all. Just as one type of response doesn’t work everywhere.
  13. Humility is of major importance. People don’t care if you are an expert, a retired General, or the President. They just need understanding and help.
  14. Investigate or vette any organization or individual you give money to.There are a lot of people who prey on other’s pain.
  15. Sometimes you have to see it to really feel it and then tell the story.
  1. Telling your story without exaggeration or stretching can be a great way to assist the restoration effort and funding.
  2. Accountability is your lifeline to more and ongoing support. Do what you say and prove it.
  3. Credibility is king! Reputation- good character, integrity, and Godliness- are still of major importance.
  4. Don’t be a hindrance or hurdle to people wanting to get involved. Everyone has a circle of influence and resources. “All hands on deck” is a great mindset!
  5. Don’t make promises you can’t or won’t keep. Don’t give suffering people false hope.

These are my opinions you can disagree if they differ from your opinions.

We can agree to disagree.

Pastor Ronnie