Watermark’s Disaster Relief Plan

Watermark Community Church is committed to responding to natural and man-made disasters and recognizing that God calls his people to care for the afflicted, downtrodden, and vulnerable, especially in times of crisis. The Disaster Relief Fund deploys resources to affected areas during the rescue and relief phases, empowering local churches and nonprofit partners to be the hands and feet of Christ in bringing help and hope to those in need.

At Watermark, disaster relief funds are used to bring immediate help and hope to those affected by crisis. Funds support rescue and relief efforts such as food, water, shelter, and medical care by empowering trusted local churches and nonprofits to meet tangible needs while sharing the message of Christ. Every funding decision is carefully evaluated to ensure the resources are used effectively and in a gospel centered way.

Partnering with Texans on Mission for Central Texas Flood Relief

In response to the recent devastating floods in Central Texas, our church is partnering with Texans on Mission to provide immediate and ongoing support to affected communities. Texans on Mission is a trusted disaster relief organization known for their swift, compassionate, and effective response. Through this partnership, we are coordinating volunteer opportunities, delivering critical supplies, and providing resources focused on rescue and relief efforts to help those impacted in this crisis. We invite our church family and community to join us in prayer, giving, and serving as we come together to bring hope and healing.

FAQ

What are the four phases of disaster response?

We follow a strategic and compassionate approach to disaster response. Every natural disaster unfolds in phases, and understanding each one helps us serve wisely and effectively:

  1. Rescue – Emergency, life-saving efforts to remove people from danger. This phase is often led by first responders and trained rescue teams.
  2. Relief – Providing immediate essentials like food, water, shelter, and medical care to those impacted.
  3. Recovery – Helping individuals and families get back to a sense of normal—repairing homes, replacing belongings, and reconnecting with support systems.
  4. Development – Investing in long-term solutions like rebuilding homes, restoring infrastructure, and helping communities regain stability and thrive again.

At Watermark, we actively participate in the Rescue and Relief phases through trusted partners and volunteer efforts. While we stay informed on the broader recovery and development efforts, our primary focus is providing urgent help when it's needed most.

How does Watermark decide where to give financially in a crisis or disaster?

Disasters require a thoughtful and strategic response to avoid unintentionally causing harm. At Watermark, we prayerfully steward resources and evaluate funding opportunities through trusted relationships and clear criteria. Before allocating funds, we consider the following:

  1. Trusted Leadership – We prioritize working through local churches and trained disaster response teams who are known and accountable.
  2. Capacity to Deploy Resources – The organization must be equipped to acquire and distribute supplies or mobilize volunteers effectively.
  3. Impactful Use of Funds – Requests must meet real needs in the appropriate phase of disaster response (Rescue, Relief, Recovery, or Development). We prioritize direct funding to specific needs over general collections.
  4. Gospel-Centered Approach – We support organizations that provide both tangible aid and the hope of Christ. We do not fund general crowdfunding efforts.

All giving decisions are reviewed with prayer and pastoral oversight. Our goal is to bring real help and lasting hope in the name of Jesus.

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