I often ask the question of people, “How many of you need something else to do?” The varied responses are interesting, but overall, everyone just laughs or just sits there with no expression. Very few people ever say they want something else to do.

But with that said, when disaster strikes, I find so many people that are willing to adjust, or even completely disrupt their lives to help people they do not know, go places they have never been, do things they have never done, to experience blessings God has awaiting for them. It is hard to explain until you experience what this truly means. We often say, this is the hardest work you’ll ever love.

The Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief volunteer family is an incredibly unique and special group of people. They often express to me that this is not something they just volunteer to help with, but this is a calling. Something God has burned deep within so when the call comes, they are willing and faithful to go.

During the past few months, some of these volunteers have served many weeks, some of them four, five, and six weeks in a row, only taking the weekend off.

KYDR has been actively on response since mid-February. From flooding in eastern Kentucky, local responses, tornadoes in Missouri, and most recently the statewide flooding in Kentucky. I am so grateful for the faithful servants who are following the call of their Savior.

Because of these faithful servants, doors of opportunity have been opened in many areas. We met a 68-year-old mother and her daughter who had never owned a Bible. Our volunteers gave them their first Bible. We have witnessed several who prayed to receive Christ and lives were changed. We have helped people who could not have cleaned their homes on their own. We have given people hope. We have helped them begin to heal.

But in the midst of these blessings, we too are blessed, and we realize life is more than going to work, doing our thing, and rushing here and there. We often get too caught up with our own little world.

Everyone can be involved in this ministry in some way. Let me share three:

PRAY – everyone can pray.

• Pray for our volunteers as they go, for safety, strength, and stamina.
• Pray for doors of opportunity to have gospel conversations.
• Pray for opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others, even those who may be believers, but have dropped out of church.
• Pray for the local churches as they care for their community during times of loss.
• Pray as God leads you.

GIVE– most can give.

• Your financial gifts help support the work of this ministry. Feeding our volunteers, fuel for the vehicles and generators, replacing and repairing equipment, operation costs, rebuilding, training, etc.
• Your gift cards are provided to affected families to help them recover.
• Give as God leads you.

GO – some can go.

• You can be part of the KYDR family as there is always room for more.
• You can experience the blessing of God when you simply say, “Here am I, send me.”
• You will develop new friends who often become extended family.
• Go as God leads you.

I am so grateful for your part in this ministry, and for the many faithful servants who are following the Savior who calls them to GO!

You can learn more about this ministry and how you can become involved by visiting www.kybaptist.org/dr.