Do Jehovah`s Witnesses Assist With Disaster Relief

Do Jehovah’s Witnesses
Assist With Disaster Relief?
Yes, Jehovah’s Witnesses often help when disaster strikes. We provide practical relief assistance to both
Witnesses and non-Witnesses, in harmony with the Bible’s instruction at Galatians 6:10: “Let us work
what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith.” We also try to give the
emotional and spiritual support that victims sorely need at such times.—2 Corinthians 1:3, 4.
Organization
After a disaster, the elders of the congregations in the affected area try to contact all who are associated
with those congregations to see if they are safe and to find out what help they might need. The elders
then report the results of their survey and initial relief efforts to the local branch office of Jehovah’s
Witnesses.
If the need for relief is beyond what the congregations in the area can provide, the Governing Body of
Jehovah’s Witnesses arranges to supply what is needed. This is similar to the way early Christians cared
for one another during a time of famine. (1 Corinthians 16:1-4) The local branch office appoints Disaster
Relief Committees to organize and direct the effort. Witnesses from other areas volunteer their time and
resources to help out.—Proverbs 17:17.
Funding
One of the ways donations sent to the branch offices of Jehovah’s Witnesses are used is to relieve
victims of disasters. (Acts 11:27-30; 2 Corinthians 8:13-15) Since the work is performed by unpaid
volunteers, the funds that are allocated go toward actual relief, not administrative expenses. We are
careful with all donations.—2 Corinthians 8:20.