Churches vital to recovery

By John McNeil

After the first tier such as Civil Defence, Red Cross, Police and Fire Brigade, the Church is the biggest provider of social services and support in the aftermath of the two major earthquakes that have devastated Christchurch in the last five months.

This became clear from a meeting of several hundred pastors and leaders of churches and church-based social services held at Spreydon Baptist Church on Wednesday, 2 March. The meeting was convened by Murray Robertson and Max Palmer, who between them have extensive networks in the city and around the country.

As leaders told of the work being done by their people, a story emerged of a massive response which began within hours of the 22 February quake, and which is bedding in for the long haul.

Churches across the city have been sending out teams to clear properties, particularly of the silt thrown up by liquefaction. They have been setting up welfare centres, distributing food and water, running impromptu children’s programmes, opening cafes and drop-in centres – in many cases giving out free food – providing parents with respite care, making their facilities available to others whose buildings have become unusable, door-knocking to check on residents, and offering counselling to those traumatised by the events.

In many cases, the churches have been responding to direct requests from authorities such as the Christchurch City Council, Civil Defence and Police, or have had their efforts endorsed by them.

For instance, Grace Vineyard Church’s Beach campus at New Brighton set up a couple of days after the quake in co-ordination with Police. It was timely, as the Civil Defence welfare centre at Cowles Stadium had to be closed because of health concerns. Without the Beach centre, the eastern suburbs – the worst-hit part of the city outside the CBD – would have been left without a welfare centre. Organisers at the campus say while they have responded well to needs, they have been overwhelmed and desperately need helpers and food.

As needs were made known at the meeting, those with resources to spare quickly responded.

The Salvation Army has provided the overall supervision for the remainder of the city welfare centres. It has also been distributing large amounts of food from its bulk food store at the Linwood Corps.

Christian-based aid agencies have also swung into action, and are working together under an NGO Disaster Relief Forum. Agencies include World Vision, TEAR Fund, Oxfam, CWS, and CBM (formerly Christian Blind Mission). CBM has the particular responsibility of helping people with disabilities. The Disaster Relief Forum is being overseen by Nick Clarke, and those wishing to contact him can email nick.clarke@cws.org.nz

A number of churches, such as Hornby Presbyterian and St Albans Baptist, have taken responsibility for large sectors of the city, and are working with Civil Defence, WINZ and the Ministry of Social Development.

However, Murray Robertson told the meeting that the community of faith is fractured, and not being as effective as it could be. “We need to co-ordinate and work with each other and with the secular agencies. We need to better match resources and needs.”

As church leaders shared during the meeting, many said they had people eager to help but did not know where to go. Others were stretched and needed help.

All agreed that the biggest single need is better co-ordination. Some of this is being done through such organisations as the Disaster Relief Forum, and the Baptist Churches have employed a full-time co-ordinator to link churches and resources. Local chairman Paul Askin said they would welcome other churches joining in.

A survey of church endeavours, needs and resources was filled out by all at the meeting, and Murray Robertson said the responses will be collated and an action plan quickly developed.

ENDS

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