Traditional classroom projects begin and end with a grade in the class, but that is not the case at the Baptist College of Florida where students take seriously making a difference and changing the world.  In direct response to an assignment and the desire to reach out to people struck by devastation, a new full fledged ministry has emerged from a spring class. 

“It started off as a class project from LA 303,” stated Laura Clark, a member of the student group organizing the Disaster Relief Team.  “We had to plan some kind of an event or a project that required a team effort.  We originally started out with a Habitat for Humanity chapter, but it turned out we couldn’t do that.  Dr. Richards [BCF student services director] suggested disaster relief.  We didn’t want to leave this on paper; we wanted to benefit the student body, the community, and others in the state.  If another tragedy happens, with this program in place we would be able to help the people it affects.” 

BCF student Laura Clark in the Coffee Shop accepting donations for the new BCF Disaster Relief Team ministry.

Receiving approval and full support from BCF President Thomas A. Kinchen, the team met with the state director for disaster relief and began brainstorming to select dates for volunteer orientation training.  Each training session will include a combination of state certifications in clean-up, roofing, Barnabas care (needs assessment), and feeding units.  Orientation is designed to properly train and equip disaster relief volunteers for the response ministry and will be held two to three weekends a semester. 

“Disaster relief is a growing opportunity for our churches to minister at a time of great need," stated Dr. David Coggins, assistant professor of leadership at BCF and disaster relief team sponsor.  "This will be a great opportunity for students to begin now by getting their certification and carrying that training into the church and leading them to get involved.  This is a win-win for all involved -- the college, churches, and the state convention.  It is something we have wanted to do for a long time and now it is coming to fruition.  I believe we will see great benefit come from their effort.”

The disaster relief team plans to hold the first certification orientation during the Fall 2008 semester.  For more information on the BCF Disaster Relief Team and other ministries at BCF, please contact 800.328.2660.