Empowering Communities: Lutheran Disaster Response Training in Indonesia

Lutheran Disaster Response is transforming lives in Indonesia through disaster preparedness training for church members in vulnerable communities. With over 40 participants engaged in November 2024, this ELCA-supported initiative equips churches to act as first responders, spreading God’s love and building resilience in one of the world’s most disaster-prone regions. Read more at ELCA.org.

Asia is one of the most disaster-prone regions in the world, with Indonesia frequently in the news for its recurring floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other natural disasters. The devastating impacts of these events extend far beyond physical destruction, deeply affecting livelihoods, health, and community resilience. Women and girls, in particular, face disproportionate challenges, including gender-based violence, loss of opportunities, and discrimination during recovery efforts.

Recognizing the urgent need for strategic support in building resilience, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), through its Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) program, has been accompanying the Komite Nasional Lutheran World Federation (KNLWF) in Indonesia since 2023. Together, they’ve reached some of the country’s most remote and vulnerable areas, providing critical disaster preparedness and response training.

In November 2024, the second phase of humanitarian response training events was held in Sidhikalang and Mentawai islands, Indonesia. More than 40 participants actively engaged in these sessions, gaining tools and techniques to enhance their roles in disaster management. Led by trainers like Subhashis Roy and Chandran Martin, the training equipped church members to prepare for, mitigate, and recover from disasters, embodying Christ’s call to serve neighbors in need.

Participants shared overwhelmingly positive feedback, highlighting how these events have empowered them to save lives and rebuild their communities with dignity and hope. By strengthening the capacity of Indonesian Lutheran Churches to act as first responders, the ELCA spreads God’s love and ensures that His people are not forgotten in times of crisis.

This partnership exemplifies the ELCA’s commitment to accompanying global companions and fostering resilience in communities. It serves as a powerful testament to how faith in action can transform lives and restore hope, even in the face of repeated disasters.