---
title: "How to Get Involved in Disaster Relief"
date: 2022-12-27
author: "Laurie Stroud"
featured_image: "https://birminghamchristian.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Janet-using-a-chainsaw-during-disaster-relief.jpeg"
categories:
  - name: "More"
    url: "/category/news/more.md"
tags:
  - name: "Featured"
    url: "/tag/featured.md"
---

# How to Get Involved in Disaster Relief

**Ways to Serve in 2023**

Natural disasters are often referred to as “acts of God,” but disaster relief efforts can be considered a different kind of act of God. These “acts” include teams of volunteers who put God’s love into action. Janet Adwell from Birmingham has been a disaster relief volunteer since 2017 when Hurricanes Harvey and Irma ripped through Louisiana and Florida. As a petite female volunteer and mother of two, I wondered what she had to say.

[![Janet using a chainsaw during disaster relief](https://birminghamchristian.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Janet-using-a-chainsaw-during-disaster-relief-181x300.jpeg "Janet using a chainsaw during disaster relief")](https://birminghamchristian.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Janet-using-a-chainsaw-during-disaster-relief.jpeg)Seen here is Janet Adwell serving on the chainsaw team. When asked why she chooses to serve on this team, she responded, “I think it’s fun! I like working outside.”**What prompted your interest in disaster relief?** “When the April 27 tornadoes came through the Birmingham area in 2011, I went to where I used to live to see what I could do to help. A lone American Red Cross worker was there and used me to help distribute food. I didn’t realize that the food was provided by the Alabama Baptists, not Red Cross. I was hooked!”

**With whom do you serve?** “I work with the Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief (ABDR) and Samaritan’s Purse (SP).”

**Are there any differences in jobs that females do versus males? “**No, but it helps to know your own strengths and weaknesses. Some jobs I cannot do as fast as a male, but I have proven myself to be a valuable chainsaw team member.”

**What teams are available on which to volunteer? “**ABDR has laundry, childcare, showers, feeding (for workers), mass feeding, mud-out, chainsaw, and roof tarping. SP has basically three general teams.”

[![Janet cooking food for disaster relief](https://birminghamchristian.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Janet-cooking-food-for-disaster-relief-223x300.jpeg "Janet cooking food for disaster relief")](https://birminghamchristian.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Janet-cooking-food-for-disaster-relief.jpeg)There are a variety of areas disaster relief volunteers serve. Janet Adwell shares that she always returns home after serving feeling blessed.**Where have you volunteered? “**Mostly in the Southeast, especially Louisiana. I’ve also been to Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Alabama. I have done a few one-day jobs locally.”

**What would you say to someone considering serving as a volunteer? “**If you have ever thought about it, give it a try. You come back feeling more blessed than before you left. I would encourage someone who may be feeling depressed to go. It will improve your disposition.”

Are you interested in getting involved with disaster relief? On January 27-29, you can attend Disaster Relief Training through the Shelby Baptist Association. Learn more at [shelbybaptist.org](http://shelbybaptist.org/).

[![Karen Allen](https://birminghamchristian.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Karen-Allen-150x150.jpg "Karen Allen")](https://birminghamchristian.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Karen-Allen.jpg)*-Karen Allen* *is a freelance writer and blogger. Her Bible study* Confronting Cancer with Faith *brings hope to survivors worldwide. Sign up for her blog at [ewerblessed.com](http://ewerblessed.com).*