Despite the dangers, Christian missionary organization sends relief workers to natural and man-made disasters
“Our goal was to get the word of God into the hands of the people of Ukraine along with practical aid in food, clothing, supplies, and chaplaincy counseling,” said Sean Malone, Director of Crisis Response International (CRI) in a recent video update for their network of 12,000 disaster relief missionaries. The ministry wrapped up what turned into a 3 month response effort bringing the gospel into Ukraine.
When news first broke about the Russian invasion of Ukraine in March 2022, the disaster relief ministry organized trained responders into waves to bring hope to Ukraine to distribute food, medical aid, orphan care, food pantry, supply distribution, ministry to widows and the elderly, prayer and worship, and rebuilding space and homes for those who’ve experienced loss.
CRI is a Christian ministry based in Blue Ridge, VA that has designed a framework and process to plug trained workers into their work reaching people in crisis with the gospel and with practical help. Despite the dangers, the ministry’s network of responder missionaries are ready to go at a moments notice. Though the ministry has scaled back Ukraine efforts, CRI is focused on building its responder base to be ready to respond locally, nationally, and around the world.
“We love seeing ordinary people step out of their comfort-zone and serve others in mission work. God shows up in amazing ways, and meets people right where they are at,” said Director Sean Malone.
To continue building the pipeline of trained volunteers, CRI has made available its online training and in-person disaster relief training to mobilize as many volunteers as possible to aid in relief efforts.
“We respond to disasters because we love God and want to share that love with others. We also want to give practical aid to those who are in need. We want to answer Jesus’ call to go into all the world with the gospel. Crisis provides an opportunity for people to hear and an openness to Christ,” said Sean Malone.
The ministry’s accomplishments in Ukraine include feeding over 400 people a day, along with hygiene, and audio Bibles in Russian and Ukraine.
This obedience has positioned CRI responders in major disaster zones since 2007 including Hurricane Katrina, Iraq, Philippines, and more.
“We want to be in the right place at the right time,” said Malone. “It’s why we make prayer a central part of our work at our base in Blue Ridge, VA.”
For those who want to put their faith into action, the ministry has designed a number of ways to be involved in disaster relief missions and put faith into action including their training, mission’s base staff, and volunteers, online training, and partnership opportunities.
Next up, Boot Camp Training for those who are ready to go all in with disaster relief missions works.
