By Nick Vujicic for TODAY’S CHRISTIAN LIVING
When disaster strikes, people don’t just lose homes and possessions — they lose hope. The aftermath of historic wildfires in Los Angeles, the catastrophic floods in North Carolina, the devastation in Lahaina, the relentless hurricanes in Florida, and even man-made tragedies like the recent attack in New Orleans leave communities shattered, physically and emotionally. While first responders handle the immediate crisis, what happens in the days, weeks, and months that follow? Where do people turn when the headlines fade but their grief remains?
More often than not, they turn to the church.
Dr. Eric Scalise, President of Hope for the Heart, and has spent over 40 years counseling those in crisis. He notes that approximately 80% of people first reach out to a church or community leader when facing trauma or hardship. Post-pandemic, this number has only increased, with schools and churches fielding unprecedented levels of emotional and spiritual distress. But despite the growing need, there simply aren’t enough trained caregivers to provide adequate support.
According to Dr. Scalise, who also serves as Executive Board Member of the International Christian Counseling Institute,with only 30,000 faith-based counselors nationwide — out of 200,000 total — it means that those seeking help through their local church have access to just 15% of available counselors. The numbers don’t lie: the need is overwhelming, and the church must be ready to step in.
The wildfires in California destroyed entire communities, leaving thousands homeless. Families in North Carolina and Louisiana have been displaced by floods, struggling to rebuild what was lost. The fire in Lahaina wiped out generations of history, leaving deep scars that go beyond physical destruction. And the hurricanes that ravaged Florida last year left behind more than damaged buildings — they left behind traumatized souls.
