Earlier this year Charis Disaster Response launched in an effort to help Charis Fellowship churches minister to people and areas affected by natural disasters in the United States.
One of the ways Charis Disaster Response is ministering to affected areas is through partnering with the organization On Mission Network. Tim Hodge, who was instrumental in connecting with On Mission Networked, called the partnership “very much a God thing.” Tim was made aware of an opportunity to connect with On Mission Network through Joe Caruso, Fellowship Council member and pastor at Grace Church in Akron, Ohio. Knowing the Charis Fellowship’s desire to take ownership of stateside disaster response, Joe told Tim about an event for On Mission Network taking place in May. Tim was able to attend the two-day event in Texas to “learn more about the On Mission Network efforts to collaborate in Christ-centered disaster response initiatives.”
Upon returning from the event Tim spoke with other Charis leaders and moved forward with partnering with On Mission Network.
Most recently On Mission Network and Charis Disaster Response partnered together to respond to Hurricanes Helene and Milton which hit the East Coast in late September and early October. Their focused efforts set up a central command station in St. Petersburg, Fla., to assist the Tampa Bay area.
Todd Derry, who leads Charis Disaster Response, said of the partnership with On Mission Network: “Our partnership with On Mission Network enabled Charis Disaster Response to be much more effective in sharing the love of Jesus. Charis Disaster Response chose to serve in St. Petersburg due to the churches we had in the area. On Mission Network connected us with several partner churches and organizations. Galilee Missionary Baptist Church provided lodging facilities and meals for those serving. Grace Church Cape Coral provided a shower and laundry unit. Texas On Mission provided a plethora of leadership resources, tools, and supplies. Charis volunteers that didn’t respond to St. Petersburg were able to choose any of five other partner locations in Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and other parts of Florida.”
Response efforts are ongoing in Florida. More updates will be given as information becomes available. Learn more about the On Mission Network on their website here.