Disaster relief can only happen through partnerships. Local churches and local governments. Native speakers and those who need a translator. Long-term workers and short-term volunteers. OM needs trained individuals who can put their skills to work long-term in communities around the world. Relief teams need finance people, teachers, and government advocates. These long-term team members are vital to building relationships within communities. You can browse long-term opportunities here.

Another integral part of relief work is having a medical team. You can serve in OM long-term as a medical professional, or join a short-term medical mission team. Tabitha Moore, who arranged a recent medical mission outreach, is a full-time OM staff member who understands the need for continuity between short-term teams and long-term partnerships. Often when relief teams come in, people are touched to see strangers so committed to their well-being and they become believers. Moore says, “We have to go back and work with the local churches to connect to the new believers. We now have a responsibility to help grow the new believers.” Pray about being part of relief work, either short-term or long-term.