Expressing the compassion of Christ through humanitarian response, resilience and sustainable community development.
Relief & Development carries an auxiliary function of AfAN by responding to human need and supporting community wellbeing. Its mandate is to coordinate compassionate assistance during crises while also encouraging longer-term initiatives that strengthen dignity, resilience, livelihoods and local capacity.
These responsibilities translate the mandate into consistent ministry practice, planning and accountability.
Assess needs and coordinate appropriate humanitarian response.
Mobilise food, clothing, shelter or other assistance when justified and available.
Develop community initiatives in livelihoods, education, water, sanitation or other priority areas where appropriate.
Partner responsibly with churches, communities, professionals and credible organisations.
Maintain transparent beneficiary, financial and distribution records.
Support disaster preparedness, resilience and recovery where possible.
Local assemblies are often the first to see families in distress. They can identify genuine needs, mobilise volunteers, provide pastoral support and work through accountable AfAN structures for larger responses. Assistance should protect dignity and avoid favouritism or exploitation.
Activities should be planned, budgeted, reported and evaluated within the appropriate AfAN leadership structure, with programmes remaining consistent with the church’s doctrine, vision, mission and policies.
Connect with your local AfAN leadership to learn how you can participate, volunteer, pray, give or help strengthen this area of ministry.