Beyond Our Fears

Following Jesus in Times of Crisis

Is Your Congregation Ready For Disaster?

Are you ready for a tornado, flood, earthquake or flu pandemic?

• How would you find your members following a disaster?
• Do you know which members have special needs?
• Do you know who your shut-ins are, and what medications they need?
• How will you ease anxiety and fear for your congregation’s children?
• How will you minister to your surrounding community in times of great suffering?

These and other questions are addressed in Beyond Our Fears, a new four-session study guide for churches from MDS, Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite Publishing Network.

Through this guide your congregation can learn:

• The biblical and theological basis for disaster preparation
• How the church has responded to pandemics and disasters throughout history
• How to prepare a congregational disaster plan
• How to alleviate the fears of children about potential disasters
• How to serve your community during an emergency

At the same time, Beyond Our Fears can help your church in its ministry of care by helping you uncover needs in your congregation—needs you may not even know exist. Be ready for a pandemic or other emergency—order Beyond Our Fears today!

"Being prepared for times of crisis is both a ministry and a mission of the church. I encourage you to order Beyond Our Fears for your congregation so you can be ready to be the hands and feet of Jesus during an emergency."
—Kevin King, Executive Director, MDS

Click on the links below for more information about the books, including a look inside, and to order.

Leaders Guide
Participant’s Guide
For Children: Don’t Be Afraid: Stories Of Christians in Time Of Trouble

Read a news story: Cost of Not Preparing For Disaster Too High
Read about the 2007 Faith & Pandemic Summit: Faith Groups Will Have "No Excuse" For Not Being Prepared When Next Pandemic Hits
Learn more about church and pandemic at www.churchpandemicresources.ca, a website created by Mennonite Church Canada.