Bruce Drummond

Professor Pamela Rollins

English 1113-1934

10/24/24

A View from the Front Lines: Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief Program

            When everyone else is running away from disaster, the volunteers of the Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief are running towards it, driven by an intense sense of purpose and service. This dedicated group, primarily assembled of Southern Baptist church members, embodies the spirit of compassion and willingness to help in times of crisis. Whether it is clearing debris with chainsaws, providing hot meals, or setting up mobile showers and laundry units, these individuals answer the call to serve wherever God leads them.

            My interest in this community stems from my own experiences as a volunteer firefighter, where I witnessed people serving their community in a big way. These were average people with average professions that embodied sacrifice for their fellow community members. There was a sense of pride and honor among these individuals, I knew if I were ever in a tough situation, these godly men would have my back and do whatever they could to make sure I made it home.

            I aim to explore what motivates these volunteers, the skills they bring to their mission, and the impact of their work on communities in crisis. The volunteers step into crises around the nation whenever disasters, such as flooding or tornados strike. By being on the front lines and serving others, they are able to provide hope in a disastrous situation. In an era where emergencies can strike without warning, understanding the heart of this organization reveals not only their dedication but also the vital role they play in fostering hope.

            Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief is represented by a dedicated group of volunteers who respond to natural disasters across the United States. This community is primarily made-up of volunteer members from Southern Baptist churches. They engage in various relief efforts, including chainsaw crews for cleanup, building repairs, or rebuilding and providing essential services like mobile showers and laundry units. The qualifications for becoming a volunteer with Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief include being at least 18 years old, a member of a Southern Baptist church, and training in the skilled area you wish to serve in. Volunteers undergo orientation which can be online or in person. Most training can be done online, but if the volunteer wishes to help run equipment, this training must be done in person. Throughout my research on the Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief team, I plan to explore the motivations and values that attract individuals to this community and how their collective efforts impact those in need.

            My initial assumptions about the Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief revolves around their commitment to providing aid during emergencies. I envision a group primarily composed of older, retired individuals that are skilled tradesmen who have the flexibility to respond swiftly to a crisis. I believe this organization is perceived to be valuable and worthy of donations, so that says to me that people hold this organization in high regard since they routinely donate. However, I wonder about the limitations faced by this organization. Are there restrictions on where they can deploy resources? How do they manage their budget to ensure assistance in various locations? What is the culture there? Also, understanding how they recruit volunteers and maintain engagement will provide valuable insights to a lot of organizations.

            Studying the Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief organization offers an opportunity to explore into subjects of community resilience, volunteerism, and the intersection of faith and service. I believe this research will reveal the complex dynamics of how communities mobilize in times of crisis. I anticipate learning skills from volunteers that range from construction, plumbing, electrical, running equipment, water purification, how to cook meals for an army of workers, how their mobile laundry and hot shower units work and how these abilities contribute to effective disaster response. I seek to understand the organizational and leadership strategies that enable such a large group of individuals to respond promptly to emergencies, as well as investigate their funding sources. I would like to learn whether they rely on government support or donations.

            To conduct my research, I will use my connection with my mentor, who is a member of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. He can facilitate a connection with the president of the Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief. I plan to participate in an orientation session to gain firsthand experience of what a volunteer goes through, also interviewing key members of the relief team to see their perspectives on their experiences and motivations. Also, I will utilize their official website as a resource for understanding their mission, goals, and volunteer opportunities.

            Researching the Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief is significant not only for understanding this community, but also understanding the great significance of volunteerism during disasters. In an age where emergencies can strike unpredictably, knowing how to mobilize resources and support can make a critical difference. As a resident of Oklahoma, situated in Tornado Alley, I recognize the importance of being prepared and informed about available assistance.

            My aspiration is to serve in a similar capacity in the future, possibly during retirement or when I am financially stable enough to dedicate time to volunteer work. This research will shine the light on the essential role of organizations like Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief, reinforcing the idea that there are individuals ready to run toward disaster and help others, embodying the spirit of service that is vital for America.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Works Cited

Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief, Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, 2024, www.okdisasterhelp.org/. Accessed 25 Oct. 2024.