The Church of God Emergency Relief

In 2021, the members of the eastern United States engage in recovery efforts in areas affected by Hurricane Ida.

The Church of God carries out emergency relief activities to bring hope to neighbors in despair from various disasters, following the teaching of the Bible: “Be the salt and light of the world.”

Church members around the world regard humanity as one global family and respond swiftly to disaster-stricken areas, including those affected by earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and volcanic eruptions. They provide both physical and emotional support to victims, helping them regain stability through rapid recovery efforts, free meal services, and donations of funds and relief supplies. By October 2021, the Church had conducted 1,658 emergency relief efforts in 23 countries, with the participation of more than 78,000 people.

Background of the Church of God’s Emergency Relief Efforts

On December 19, 2017, General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol (left) of the Church of God donated 100 million KRW to Pohang City Deputy Mayor Choi Ung to support earthquake victims.

Unexpected disasters around the world threaten the lives of global family members and disrupt the foundation of their daily lives. Emergency relief efforts at disaster sites serve as the first step in helping victims regain their everyday routines and rebuild their homes and communities.

With the heart of a mother who dedicates herself to the health and happiness of her family, the Church of God provides sincere support to neighbors in need, treating them as their own family. In cooperation with government agencies, public offices, and local governments, the Church identifies areas in urgent need and carries out systematic and essential relief efforts, including medical aid, donations of funds and supplies, and free meal services. Additionally, members worldwide raise funds through charitable concerts, delivering love and support that transcend national borders.

Disaster Recovery Efforts

Earthquake Emergency Relief

During the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, the Church of God delivered food to mountain villages in the Himalayas 14 times using helicopters.

Sudden earthquakes cause immense damage to lives and property. A variety of materials and manpower are essential to rescue those in immediate danger at the disaster site, protect victims who have lost their homes, and expedite their recovery. The Church of God actively engages in direct relief efforts at disaster sites, focusing on restoration and rescuing casualties. It also provides financial support and relief supplies to assist earthquake victims.

On April 25, 2015, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Nepal. When the earthquake occurred, members from across Nepal immediately set out to restore affected areas and rescue people in various locations, despite the risk of aftershocks. Due to the chaos caused by the earthquake, even basic relief supplies, such as gloves and masks, were difficult to obtain, making volunteer support even more critical. The members worked tirelessly, removing rubble from collapsed buildings with their bare hands. Over approximately 100 days, 15,000 local members participated in recovery efforts at 710 locations.

Additionally, the Church of God donated emergency relief supplies worth 100 million KRW, including tents, mats, water, rice, lentils, and salt to the victims. Food was delivered to a total of 1,000 households in remote mountain villages in the Himalayas 14 times using helicopters.

For details, refer to: Earthquake Recovery Efforts by the Church of God in Nepal

On August 15, 2007, a magnitude 7.9 earthquake struck off the southern coast of Peru, causing severe damage to Ica, Pisco, and Chincha. In response, members from Huancayo and Lima organized charity bazaars on October 14 and 26 to raise funds. On November 11, they built and donated ten wooden houses in Tambo de Mora, Chincha. About 160 members from Lima departed the night before and began construction early the next morning. While building houses, they also provided medical care and hairstyling services to support the victims.

Ruth, one of the house recipients, expressed her gratitude, saying, “Seeing the Church of God members travel such a long way and volunteer as if it were their own responsibility, I realized what true love is. I went through a very difficult time because of the earthquake, but I will never forget the Church of God for giving me hope again.” Domingo Farfan Gonzales, the Mayor of Tambo de Mora, also expressed his appreciation, saying, “It is truly fortunate to have encountered the Church of God members, who devoted themselves to service. I was deeply moved by their sincerity. On behalf of the citizens, I sincerely thank you.” He then presented a plaque of appreciation to the church.

Major Efforts in Earthquake Emergency Relief

Date	Region	Activity	Participant
2020-01-19	Guanica, Puerto Rico	·Donated 1,000 relief kits and directly delivered them to 300 households	About 80 members from Puerto Rico
2019-07-07	Kern County, CA, US	·Donated 2,800 bottles of drinking water to victims in Ridgecrest	25 members from Los Angeles
2017-12-09	Pohang, Rep. of Korea	·Donated 100 million KRW to Pohang City Hall to support victims ·Provided free meal service at Heunghae Gymnasium (12,500 servings)	Members from Pohang and nearby areas
2017-09-13--14	Juchitan, Oaxaca, Mexico	·Conducted recovery activities and donated food (worth 20,000 pesos)	More than 40 members from Puebla and Mexico City
2016-04-17--05-01	Santo Domingo, Ecuador	·Carried out disaster recovery activities in Manta and El Carmen	20 members from Quito
2015-04-26-- (About 100 days)	Kathmandu, Nepal	·Carried out disaster recovery and relief efforts in more than 710 locations ·Donated 1 million rupees for relief, and provided food and supplies	15,000 members from Kathmandu
2014-03-20	Tokyo, Japan	·Donated clothing to the Japan Re-Fashion Association	Members from Tokyo
2012-12-13	San Marcos, Guatemala	·Donated 800 blankets to the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) in San Marcos	Members from Guatemala City
2012-03-11	Christchurch, New Zealand	·Conducted disaster recovery efforts in Darlington	50 members from Christchurch
2012-01-29	Christchurch, New Zealand	·Conducted disaster recovery efforts in New Brighton, Shirley	60 members from Christchurch
2011-09-25 and 10-02	Santa Rosa, Guatemala	·Donated relief supplies to 100 households in Kuilapa	About 20 members from Guatemala City
2007-11-11	Chincha, Peru	·Provided medical service and free hairstyling services to victims in Tambo De Mora ·Donated 10 new wooden houses	About 160 members from Lima
2005-12-30	Azad Kashmir, Pakistan	·Donated food and relief supplies	Members from Lahore

Charitable concert to help Haiti earthquake victims is held at the KBS Hall in Busan on February 21, 2010.

In addition, the Church of God actively holds charitable concerts to help global neighbors affected by earthquakes. In response to the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, the Church of God in Denver, CO, U.S., held a charitable concert and delivered a donation of 50,000 USD to the Nepalese embassy. In 2017, the Church of God in Faucett, Peru, held a charitable concert to help the earthquake victims in Mexico and delivered $7,000 to the Mexican Embassy in Peru.

On February 21, 2010, the Charitable Concert to Help Haiti Earthquake Victims was held at the Busan KBS Hall. The donation raised through the concert and other events, amounting to 100,000 USD, was contributed to United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) on June 29.

For details, refer to: Church of God Charity Concert

Flood Emergency Relief

Members of the Church of God in Manchester, U.K., remove a fallen tree damaged by a flood.

Powerful hurricanes, typhoons, and floods sweep away the foundations of our lives. In flood-stricken areas, members of the Church of God remove muddy household items from homes, clean them, and assist with street cleanups. They donate emergency food and relief supplies, as well as coats to victims staying in temporary shelters, bringing warmth and comfort.

During the rainy and typhoon seasons, members of the Church of God in Korea visit flood-affected areas to support recovery efforts. When record-breaking damage was caused by Typhoon Rusa in 2002 and Typhoon Maemi in 2003, a total of 6,400 members from Gimcheon, Gangneung, Daegu, and Daejeon carried out extensive recovery efforts in disaster-stricken areas. In August 2020, following the rainy season lasted for over 50 days, more than 500 members conducted flood recovery activities in Cheolwon, Namwon, Gokseong, Gwangju, and Gurye. They worked tirelessly to scoop out mud and debris that had even entered homes, lift fallen crops, and repair fish farms inundated by heavy rains. They also dismantled damaged greenhouse structures and took measures to ensure the safety of residents.

Members of the Church of God in Faucett, Peru, deliver relief supplies for flood victims

In Peru, the worst flood occurred in the coastal regions in 2017 due to abnormal climate caused by El Niño. When a landslide occurred, local members gave up their days off to carry out recovery activities. They supported the victims by donating relief supplies such as drinking water, rice, and clothing, raising funds through charitable concerts, and organizing blood drives to assist injured individuals. In the same year, when Hurricane Harvey struck Texas, U.S., local members carried out recovery efforts over several days. In October, members from the eastern United States collected approximately 11 tons of relief supplies, including food, to assist Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. These supplies were delivered to Puerto Rico in January of the following year. The members of the Church of God in the U.S. also actively assisted neighbors in recovering from major hurricanes, including Hurricane Ida in 2021, Sandy in 2012, and Hurricane Irene in 2011.

In Chile, when a landslide occurred due to the heaviest rains in 80 years in the Atacama Desert, local members conducted recovery efforts and donated relief goods, bringing comfort and courage to the affected residents at the disaster site.

For details, refer to: Church of God Peru Disaster Recovery Volunteer Efforts and Church of God U.S. Hurricane Damage Restoration Work

Major Efforts in Flood Emergency Relief

Country	Activity
Republic of Korea	·2022-09-11 Typhoon Hinnamnor recovery efforts ·2018-10-10–21 Typhoon Kong-rey recovery efforts ·2016-10-09–26 Typhoon Chaba recovery efforts ·2012-09-18 Typhoon Sanba recovery efforts ·2012-09-02–03 Typhoon Bolaven recovery efforts ·2011-07-31 Mt. Umyeon landslide recovery efforts ·2010-09-05 Typhoon Kompasu recovery efforts ·2007-09-23 Typhoon Nari recovery efforts ·2005-09-21 Typhoon Nabi recovery efforts ·2004-08-20--29 Typhoon Megi recovery efforts ·2003-09-17–21 Typhoon Maemi recovery efforts ·2002-08-10–09-13 Typhoon Rusa recovery efforts and relief fund donation
Republic of South Africa	·2022-05-01 Flood recovery efforts at Durban Country Club Beach
Malaysia	·2021-12-26 Flood recovery efforts in Petaling, Selangor
United States	·2021-09-05–06 Hurricane Ida recovery efforts ·2017-10-05 Donation of relief supplies to areas affected by Hurricanes Irma and Harvey ·2017-10-03 Donation of relief supplies to areas affected by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico (Approx. 11 tonnes of supplies) ·2017-08-30–09-10 Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts ·2016-09-25 Flood recovery efforts in Charlotte, NC ·2016-06-26–07-03 Flood recovery efforts in Clendenin, WV ·2014-03-16 Flood recovery efforts in Vinton, TX ·2013-12-22–2014-01-12 Flood recovery efforts in Socorro, TX ·2013-04-21 Flood recovery efforts in Lisle, IL ·2012-10-30–11-18 Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts ·2011-09-11 Hurricane Irene recovery efforts
India	·2021-05-20 Typhoon recovery efforts in Virar Vasai, Palghar, Maharashtra ·2019-08-07 Flood recovery efforts in Pune, Maharashtra ·2016-04-14 Typhoon recovery efforts in Shillong
Peru	·2021-04-30 Flood recovery efforts in Cajamarca, Cajamarca ·2017-04-23–05-21 El Niño flood recovery efforts, including relief efforts, cleanup, blood drives, and charitable concerts ·2015-02-15 Flood recovery efforts and provision of drinking water and clothing in Chosica, Lima
Mexico	·2021-01-21 Donation of groceries and relief supplies to 260 flood victims in Tabasco
Japan	·2018-08-30 Assistance for Typhoon Prapirun victims in Kurashiki, Okayama
Nepal	·2017-08-16 Flood recovery efforts in Gairi Village, Itahari ·2016-07-13 Donation of Rs 30,000 for the reconstruction of a flood-damaged bridge in Tarkeshwor, Kathmandu
Dominican Republic	·2016-11-20 Flood recovery efforts in Las Lagunas
Australia	·2015-04-26 Flood recovery efforts and donation of daily necessities in Wallarong, NSW
Chile	·2015-04-16 Donation of 600 kg of rice to landslide-affected areas in Copiapo
New Zealand	·2014-03-06-07 Flood recovery efforts in Christchurch
United Kingdom	·2014-01-19 Flood recovery efforts in Binsey Lane, Oxford
Philippines	·2013-11-24–2014-01-19 Typhoon Haiyan recovery efforts and donation of relief supplies ·2012-12-24 Typhoon Bopha recovery efforts
Cambodia	·2013-11-12 Donation of clothing and groceries to flood victims in Kampong Cham
Canada	·2013-06-30 Flood recovery efforts in High River ·2013-06-23 Donation of drinking water and relief supplies to High River flood victims

Volcanoes and Fires Emergency Relief

The Church of God in Faucett, Peru, raised funds through a charitable concert in 2019 and donated 350 blankets to volcanic victims in Moquegua.

When a volcanic eruption occurs, the lava spewing from the crater is threatening, but the volcanic ash, toxic gases and rocks ejected during the explosion cause significant damage to people, crops, and homes in the surrounding area.

On December 30, 2012, when the Tungurahua Volcano erupted in Ecuador, members of the Church of God provided relief supplies and free hairstyling services to support the victims. Medical professional members, including dentists, conducted health checkups, provided emergency treatment, and prescribed medications to the victims. Additionally, when the Taal Volcano erupted in the Philippines, local members strove for recovery efforts and delivered relief supplies.

In South Africa, university student members conduct library restoration work at the University of Cape Town (UCT), which was damaged by a wildfire.

When fire disasters occur, the Church of God carries out restoration work at the disaster site and provides financial support to bring hope to the victims. On April 18, 2021, a wildfire broke out on Table Mountain, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, in South Africa. University student members actively participated in restoration efforts at UCT’s library, which had been damaged by the fire.

Additionally, recognizing that most fire accidents are human-induced, the Church of God promotes fire prevention activities such as clearing flammable waste, installing fire alarms, and running prevention campaigns. For instance, the Church of God in the Seoul region organized a large-scale wildfire prevention campaign on Mount Gwanak during the dry winter season when wildfires frequently occur in the mountains. It involved more than 500 participants and aimed to raise awareness among hikers.

Major Efforts in Volcanic and Fire Emergency Relief

Country	Activity
Republic of Korea	·2022-04-27 Donated 100 million KRW to help wildfire victims in Gangwon-do ·2021-01-13 Donated 50 million KRW to help wildfire victims in Gangwon-do ·2019-04-05 Provided snacks to Mount Sulhwa Wildfire Disaster Relief Headquarters in Asan ·2011-01-30 Cleanup at Jungang Market Fire Site in Jecheon ·Conducted recovery efforts and donated relief to fire-damaged households ·Organized wildfire prevention campaigns at Mount Gwanak
Republic of South Africa	·2021-04-29 Conducted recovery efforts for the wildfire at the University of Cape Town library
Philippines	·2020-01-22 Donated relief supplies to Taal Volcano eruption victims: 900 kg of rice, 3,000 bottles of water, 300 mats, and 300 blankets ·2015-07-01: Donated food to fire victims in Pagadian: 300 kg of rice, 700 packs of instant noodles, and 130 cans of food
Peru	·2019-08-12: Held a charitable concert to help Ubinas volcanic eruption victims and donated 350 blankets ·2017-01-11–31: Provided free meal services to fire victims in Villa El Salvador, Lima (2,000 servings)
United States	·2019-05-26 Conducted street cleanup and fire prevention campaigns in Oakland, Alameda County, CA ·2019-01-30 Installed smoke alarms for about 40 households in South Salt Lake, UT ·2014-07-27–08-03 Donated relief supplies to forest fire victims in Okanogan County, WA ·2014-02-09 Raised funds to assist fire-damaged households in NY
Brazil	·2018-12-24 Conducted fire damage recovery activities in Educandos, Manaus, Amazonas
Ecuador	·2012-12-30 Provided relief supplies, medical care, and hairstyling services to help victims of the Tungurahua volcanic eruption

Heavy Snowfall Emergency Relief

Heavy snowfall paralyzes traffic and threatens the safety of passersby. The weight of accumulated snow increases the risk of various accidents, making prompt snow removal essential.

Every winter, during heavy snowfall, the Church of God in Korea conducts snow removal services in areas such as busy roadsides and narrow alleys where snowplows cannot enter. These efforts aim to minimize traffic inconvenience and prevent accidents on icy roads. Members scrape off the snow with a snow plow and use their own tools to break the thick ice in the shade to secure a passage.

The Church of God members in the U.S. and Canada also actively assist their neighbors affected by heavy snowfall. In January 2022, members of the Church of God in Philadelphia helped 50 elderly households by clearing snow after a severe snowstorm. In February, Illinois experienced 15–30 cm (6–12 in) of snowfall overnight, prompting a state of emergency. Members of ASEZ WAO, the Church of God Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group from Chicago, carried out snow removal in Naperville, helping 17 families. Additionally, members in cities such as San Diego and Washington, D.C., also actively participate in snow removal efforts every winter to support their communities.

In Mongolia, where winter is particularly long, snow removal was carried out as part of the Mother's Street Project. In 2017, during November and December, over 200 church members participated in clearing snow along a total of 1.2 km in Ulaanbaatar and Erdenet. In 2014, members from Sapporo, Japan, carried out snow removal efforts to assist seniors living alone and residents of nursing homes.

Free Meal Service at Disaster Sites

The Church of God’s free meal service at the site of the Sewol ferry sinking incident

The Church of God carries out volunteer services to those in need, following the example of Christ’s love. In line with this, they also serve heartfelt meals at disaster sites to support victims during difficult times, hoping to help them regain their healthy daily lives.

In 1995, when the Sampoong Department Store collapsed, the Church of God prepared yukgaejang (a traditional Korean spicy beef soup) for rescuers working tirelessly day and night. Cho Soon, the Mayor of Seoul at that time, visited the site and later sent a letter of appreciation to the Church of God, stating that their efforts had touched hearts and provided significant help in addressing the tragedy. Additionally, the Church of God in Korea sets up meal service camps during national disasters such as the Daegu subway fire, the oil spill off the coast of Yeosu, the sinking of the Sewol ferry, and the Pohang earthquake. They shared in the pain of the people by offering free meals to victims, their families, and rescue workers.

In January 2017, members of the Church of God in Faucett, Peru, prepared a total of 2,000 meals over 18 days to support fire victims in Villa El Salvador.

For details, refer to: The Church of God Free Meal Service

Responses to COVID-19

Donation of groceries to vulnerable groups affected by COVID-19 in Aysen and Coyhaique, Chile, in 2020

The Church of God actively participated in preventing and responding to COVID-19 and is working to overcome disasters in the global community. Following COVID-19 prevention guidelines, the Church of God worldwide provided various preventive items, daily necessities, and relief funds to government offices, medical staff, and vulnerable groups in each country.

In March 2020, the Church of God in Korea donated 30,000 face masks to Daegu, which had been declared a special disaster zone. In the United States, members in Salt Lake City, Utah, donated 600 handmade masks to the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office. In Cambodia, ahead of the reopening of schools that had been closed due to COVID-19, local Churches donated 5,000 face masks and 1,100 hand sanitizers at the request of the government. Minister of Cults and Religions Chhit Sokhon expressed his gratitude and presented a certificate of appreciation to the Church of God. In Accra, Ghana, hygiene products were donated to 45 public schools. Similarly, in countries like Peru, Brazil, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia, local Churches of God cooperated with governments and local authorities to provide preventive items

They also provided the support for vulnerable groups actively. In Venezuela, members walked 5 kilometers under the scorching sun to deliver water to families who had been without water for two months. The Church of God in Quezon City, the Philippines, comforted and encouraged quarantined residents by donating 500 kg of rice and 200 cans of food. In Mongolia, members donated 1.2 million tugriks to the Bayangol District Office in Ulaanbaatar for families of confirmed cases and provided 30 sets of groceries to vulnerable residents at the request of the district office.

The Church of God donated a total of 230 million KRW to the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association over two separate contributions.

In Korea, the Church donated a total of 230 million KRW to the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association over two separate contributions. Jeong Seo-yun, Director of the Fundraising Headquarters of the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association, said, “Whenever a disaster happens, volunteers are of great help to us. I know you’ve supported us with donations this time because volunteering at the scene can put anyone at risk of infection. We will make sure that the warmhearted support of the Church of God can reach every corner of the country, which the government cannot cover.”

Meanwhile, members of ASEZ, University Student Volunteer Group, and ASEZ WAO, Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group, worldwide expressed their gratitude to the medical staff, police officers, and firefighters through handwritten letters and snack kits.

For details, refer to: Church of God COVID-19 Response

Completion of Emergency Response Training

Members from the New York region learn disaster response skills through the CERT education program.

The Church of God members in the U.S. complete the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) education program to systematically respond to sudden disasters and carry out effective relief efforts.

CERT is a program designed to train volunteers in disaster response skills such as fire safety, search and rescue, and animal relief. Those who receive CERT certification can quickly access disaster sites under police control and carry out critical relief activities to assist affected residents during emergencies. Through a total of ten CERT training sessions, approximately 1,800 members successfully completed the emergency response training program.

David Musick, an official from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), encouraged the members, saying, “You are the people who can help others, guide communities in disaster preparedness, and contribute to achieving our goal of making the nation safe and resilient. I want to say thank you to all of you, and I truly believe you deserve a round of applause.”

Media Reports on the Church of God’s Emergency Relief

• "Support for wildfire victims: the Church of God donates 100 million KRW to Gangwon-do office". Hankyung.com. April 9, 2022.
• "The Church of God donates 100 million KRW for the east coast wildfire victims". Shina Ilbo. April 7, 2022.
• "The Church of God supports COVID-19 prevention and control around the world". Kyeonggi Ilbo. April 4, 2021.
• "The Church of God conducts snow removal services in response to heavy snowfall across the country". Sports Donga. January 10, 2021.
• "The Church of God donates 30 million KRW to the Hope Bridge for overcoming COVID-19". JoongAng Ilbo. January 2, 2020.
• "'All the flood victims, cheer up!' The Church of God rolls up their arms for flood recovery". Monthly Chosun Newsroom. August 8, 2020.
• "The Church of God works hard for flood recovery efforts in Namwon, Gokseong, and Cheolwon". Munhwa Ilbo. August 5, 2020.
• "The Church of God donates 20,000 face masks to Daegu". Monthly Shin Dong-A. April 2020.
• "[Picture] The Church of God donates 200 million KRW to love neighbors affected by COVID-19". JoongAng Ilbo. March 1, 2020.
• "[World Mission Society Church of God] They were there where there was pain". Dong-A Ilbo. July 4, 2016.
• "'We go wherever we can practice love'". Daegu Shinmun. July 4, 2015.
• "[Religion] From Taean to Paengmok Port: Filled the pain with love". Gyeongnam Shinmun. June 4, 2015.
• "Presidential Citation for contribution to marine environmental protection and disaster relief for many years: The highest group honor". Kyunghyang Shinmun. June 3, 2015.

See also

• World Mission Society Church of God
• The Church of God’s Community Service Activities

Related videos

• [WATVnews] How to Rescue in the Time of a Disaster?

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