Disaster Preparedness and Response Ministry Team (DPRMT)

About the DRPMT

We live in a tumultuous time, full of natural and human disasters. What we have been witnessing in past years regarding weather is expected to continue; events are happening more often and are more serious in nature. We also recognize religious organizations are under more threats of physical attacks because of their ideology. There is hope. God calls us to care for our brothers and sisters and the IKC takes that call very seriously. The IKC Disaster Preparedness and Response Ministry Team (DPRMT) exists to establish and coordinate disaster preparation and relief efforts within and beyond the conference borders. Which means, we go beyond sending thoughts, prayers, and used clothing by providing more effective ways to give, through our dollars and through our time. Let’s be honest, disaster recovery is a justice issue. Some of the most marginalized are the ones affected most negatively by a disaster. We at the IKC and the DPRMT take justice seriously.

DPRMT concentrates on five areas:

1. Preparedness – We want to do more than just respond after disaster hits. DPRMT produces materials to assist congregations and families in preparing for emergencies, such as the Emergency Management Flip Chart, Family Emergency Plan, Risk Assessment Worksheet, etc. We also encourage congregations to collect contact information so they can assist their members at the time of a disaster. Tap on the Disaster Preparedness for Churches tab below to see the complete list of resources which are available for download.
2. Relief Coordination – We don’t try to swoop in and save the day because we know we don’t have all the solutions. Instead, we communicate and collaborate with other volunteer and governmental agencies so that we do not become part of the “second disaster” with unusable donations or unskilled volunteers.
3. Material Collection – We coordinate collection and delivery of food, clothing, rebuilding supplies and other materials needed for disaster recovery. We also raise funds as needed for disaster recovery.
4. Recovery Work – We train volunteers, support, and coordinate disaster recovery work camps throughout the geographical boundaries of the conference.
5. Mitigation – The DPRMT looks for ways to minimize the damage before and after a disaster, caused by tornadoes, flooding and fire. When recovering after a disaster, we focus on building back better to reduce similar damage if a future event occurs.

DPRMT is a team of ten volunteers from throughout the conference who meet 2 times a year at the conference office in Indianapolis and several other times through zoom conference calls. For more information about getting involved with this team, please contact the IKC office, attention Rev. Greg Denk, IKC Disaster Coordinator.

Donate to the DPRMT

If you’d like to help our efforts, but cannot volunteer, consider making a donation to the IKC DPRMT. Where it says “Add special instructions to the seller,” please type in “DPRMT” so we can be sure your donation gets to the right people.

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