FAQ

When we go active for a disaster we welcome newcomers to join us! We operate on a “meet us there” principle. What this means is that GRC does not guarantee to cover everyone’s cost for responding. This could include travel, lodging, and other expenses incurred during the response. 

This question, in one form or another, may be one of the most asked questions we get. Many people do not like the answer, and some even decide that they do not want to join another response because of it. The simple answer is that we don’t always have a plan. 

Imagine a hurricane strikes an island in the Caribbean. In faith the team begins to assemble as close to the region as possible knowing God can open the doors when the time is right. God opens doors in ways that we could not have planned ourselves though people we meet along the way. A connection through a friend of a friend knows someone who has a place for the team to stay. And before we know it we have transportation and a place to stay on a disaster stricken island. We are a relatively small organization with limited resources, but God provides every time. We’re not always comfortable and sometimes the going gets hard; but a special bond forms for those who endure hardship as a team together. 

We strongly believe that if we were to wait till a plan from start to finish was made plain before responding we would not be able to do the work that we do. If you come with us, be prepared to face unknowns and wait with the rest of the team as the way forward becomes clear in real time. If you require an itinerary with a detailed schedule this is NOT for you. 

To be in the know on when we deploy give us a call and ask about our telegram channel. You can also check our active and recent response page. 

Helpful people will be helpful. In disaster response there is usually a task suited to the different abilities within the team. Being willing to do even the humble tasks is key. Certifications are not needed to hand someone a bottle of water, or to pray with them, or to lend a hand to pick up branches in the yard. Get the idea?

We find ourselves doing a variety of tasks depending on what we find to do. Sometimes we may be handing out food, other times we may be listening for life underneath earthquake debris. We believe that God is well able to match the team with the mission. 

The opportunity to save life when it comes can be exciting. However, the majority of our responses don’t involve technical rescues due to timing and circumstances. If you are looking to come because you want to do technical rescue then you will likely be disappointed. In the past those who have joined the mission with a hero complex often become the most difficult people on the team to work with.