DART Newsletter

July brought the start of the Atlantic hurricane season and the return of DART to the Caribbean, responding in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting above normal storm activity with four to seven major hurricanes in 2024.

With likely more storms on the way, it is a good time to take a look at how Jesus used a storm to teach His disciples. In Mark 4, after some “classroom” time discussing parables about sowing seeds with the disciples, it was time to do an immersive “object lesson.” Jesus decided to take His students to the other side of the Sea of Galilee.

“And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filing. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, 'Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?'”

When the disciples shout at Jesus that they are perishing, it is ironic on a couple of levels. On a physical level, they have already seen Jesus perform miracles, including raising the dead. On a spiritual level, concern for those who are perishing in the world is exactly why Jesus came to earth.

On DARTs, you may meet a survivor of a storm asking whether God cares. He does. Jesus calmed the storm on the sea that night and He has, through the work of the Cross, calmed our storm of sin and separation from God.

As we move forward through this hurricane season, take time to pray for communities threatened by storms. Pray and prepare now for your participation in the calming of the physical needs and for the opportunities you will have to share with others the eternal hope we have in Jesus.

In Christ,

Nick Bechert International Disaster Response Unit Manager, International Projects

Hurricane Beryl tore through northern Grenada and the island of Carriacou on July 1, after rapidly intensifying into a Category 4 storm. The eye of the hurricane crossed Carriacou leaving significant damage and life-threatening conditions for residents in the affected areas.

Samaritan's Purse immediately responded. Teams were sent to Carriacou, St. Vincent, and Jamaica.

Kristina Mederios, deploying for the first time, shared,

“This has been the most amazing experience! As an ER nurse, I've had the opportunity to be part of the Mobile Medical Unit. We've had the privilege of traveling to all of the local shelters, hospitals, and clinics, and making home visits throughout Carriacou and the surrounding islands. It is beautiful to see how kind and grateful the locals are. God is healing this place a little bit more every day”

Our Emergency Field Hospital staff, that was stationed in Carriacou, treated infections, provided critical medications, and shared the Good News of Jesus Christ with those they served, letting them know that God loves them and hasn't forgotten them. In addition to medical care, we also aided in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programs, non-food items (NFIs), shelter, and more across the islands. To date, over 378,000 liters of water, 8,500 jerry cans, 10,000 tarps, 6,500 hygiene kits, and 3,000 Bibles were distributed. All response efforts concluded on August 11.

A new DART Cyber Security Training has launched that covers key topics on digital hygiene and how to take steps to protect your information against bad actors that could harm our work or beneficiaries. All staff have received an email with instructions and a link to guide you to the training. We are requesting that the training be completed by Aug. 30. Please reach out to your respective office with any specific training questions.

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Upcoming Trainings

• Program Manager & Ministry: Nov. 12–15, 2024, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina
• Shelter Training: Nov. 19–22, 2024, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina
• Food Program Manager: Nov. 18–21, 2024, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina

If you were hired for one of these roles or have the preferred skills/experience listed, express interest in attending here!