By Scarlette Jasper, CBF field personnel
Over the past year, I have been continually reminded that disaster relief is far more than responding to an emergency—it is a ministry of presence. Long after the floodwaters recede and the debris from tornadoes is cleared away, families continue to live with the emotional, financial and spiritual impact of disaster. It has been a privilege to serve alongside churches, volunteers, community partners and generous supporters as we have walked with families recovering from the devastating floods in Eastern Kentucky and the tor
nadoes that forever changed communities in Laurel and Pulaski Counties.
Throughout this journey, my calling has been to share the love of Christ in practical and meaningful ways. With your support, I have provided emergency crisis funding to help families meet immediate needs, assisted with home repairs, furnished homes for those starting over and helped individuals navigate the long and often overwhelming road to recovery. Every repaired floor, every delivered piece of furniture, every utility bill paid and every home made livable again has represented more than assistance—it has been a tangible expression of God’s faithfulness through God’s people.
One lesson this ministry has reinforced is that healing involves much more than rebuilding structures. Disasters leave emotional and spiritual wounds that are often invisible. Many survivors continue to struggle with anxiety, grief, uncertainty and exhaustion long after the initial crisis has passed. Providing mental health support, offering pastoral care, listening without judgment, praying with families and simply showing up consistently have become just as important as providing financial assistance or construction materials. Recovery happens best when people know they are seen, valued and never forgotten.
One family has especially shaped my understanding of faithful, long-term ministry. Since the tornadoes struck nearly a year ago, I have had the privilege of walking beside them through every stage of their recovery. There were setbacks, delays, disappointments and moments when hope seemed difficult to hold onto. Yet through the generosity of ministry partners and the grace of God, I continued to encourage them, provide practical assistance and remind them they were not alone. Just two weeks ago, they moved back into their home for the first time since the tornado. Celebrating with them after they unlock their front door and stepped inside was an emotional reminder that restoration is about more than rebuilding walls. It is about restoring dignity, renewing hope and helping families believe that brighter days are still ahead.
This experience has affirmed that disaster ministry is not measured by how quickly we respond, but by how faithfully we remain. Recovery is a long journey, and our commitment must extend beyond the first days of crisis into the months and years that follow. The ministry of presence requires patience, compassion and a willingness to stay when others have moved on. 
I remain deeply grateful to God for the opportunity to serve through Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and for every church, volunteer, donor and community partner who has joined this mission. Together, we have witnessed God’s love made visible through acts of compassion, generosity and steadfast presence. As Scripture reminds us, “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ,” (Galatians 6:2). It is a privilege to continue carrying those burdens together, trusting that od is bringing healing, hope and restoration to every community we serve.