CRWRC (now World Renew) Disaster Response Services (DRS) marked a significant milestone as the ministry celebrated 40 years of bringing hope, help, and practical assistance to communities affected by disasters across North America.
A celebration and worship service was held on August 23 at Friendship Christian Reformed Church in Byron Center, Michigan, to commemorate four decades of service and God’s faithfulness through Disaster Response Services.
David Myers, director of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Faith-based & Neighborhood Partnerships, was scheduled to speak at the event. The worship service itself, however, remained at the heart of the celebration.
Bill Adams, DRS director, shared in a letter:
“We will celebrate 40 years of DRS history by worshiping our God and thanking him for bringing us to this point. Friends and partners will help us with the service as we look back at some highlights from the past, and as we look forward, trusting God for the good work that he has planned for us in the years to come.”
40 Years of Disaster Response Services
Over four decades, Disaster Response Services responded to some of the most significant natural disasters in North America.
Just two years after DRS was established, volunteers assisted communities affected by a tornado in Xenia, Ohio, in 1974. They also responded following the 1987 earthquake in Whittier, California, and Hurricane Andrew’s devastating impact on southern Florida in 1992.
In 2005, amid the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina, DRS volunteers once again answered the call.
According to Adams, volunteers “brought hope and help to those who lost everything.”
These responses helped shape the ministry’s long-standing commitment to disaster recovery, rebuilding, and supporting families as they recover from crises.
Learning and Growing Through Partnership
As part of the anniversary activities, DRS managers gathered throughout the week for workshops and training sessions with representatives from other disaster relief organizations.
The experience provided opportunities to learn, share best practices, and strengthen partnerships that enhance future disaster response efforts.
Managers would later apply this knowledge when deployed alongside volunteers to communities recovering from disasters.
Volunteers: The Backbone of DRS
At the heart of Disaster Response Services are its dedicated volunteers, often known as the “green shirts” because of the shirts they wear while serving.
Their commitment has enabled DRS to respond effectively to disasters for generations.
“One of the most important ingredients needed for a successful volunteer program is volunteer leadership – volunteers who are willing to take on management responsibility for the day-to-day program in the field,” wrote Adams. “They are, in fact, the very backbone of our North American disaster response program.”
As Disaster Response Services celebrated 40 years of ministry, the anniversary served as both a reflection on God’s faithfulness and a reminder of the vital role volunteers continue to play in bringing hope and restoration to communities facing disaster. With dedicated volunteers, strong partnerships, and God’s guidance, DRS looks forward to continuing this work for many years to come.
Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2012, prior to CRWRC’s name change to World Renew.
