AWARE-READY-THERE   

The Christian Emergency Network is a membership organization rallying Christians to be aware of God's purpose in uncertain times; to be ready spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically; and to be there responding as courageous, mature Christ-followers praying, caring and sharing effectively in emergencies. Members form local Chapters to maximize the capcity of Christians to give a biblical response to emergencies:

• Personal preparedness - most Christians are not ready to take care of their own person or household in an emergency
• Organizational preparedness - churches and other Christian organizations are behind in their preparations
• Motivation - the perception is that emergencies, especially disasters, are 'remote possibilities'. Everyday people are caught in crisis with nowhere to turn but the church.
• Structure - everyone is working off of a different game plan and competing for the same dollars and same volunteers. Government and NGO rules and regulations can be complex and contradictory. Figuring out who is in charge, who to partner with and what to prepare for is not always obvious. 
• Resources - there is a lack of resources that are specifically geared towards Christians and Christian organizations
• Awareness - the scope of the problem is not clear, nor is the opportunity clear; what would happen if Christians had been ready for 9-11, or Katrina or for that matter the next disaster or crises that comes our way?
• Faith - do we believe we are needed to respond to emergencies? Do we see it as a biblical mandate to be ready? Will we take God at his word and show our trust by doing what he has asked us to do?

On average,  a church is within walking distance of every American. What would happen if we connected them altogether into a response network? 

CEN is organized into Chapters that work locally to network and prepare Christians and Churches to respond to emergencies big and small. Chapters set up and operate Activation Areas: geographic areas of approximately 100,000 in population in which the church is capable of reaching every resident within an eight hour period. Chapters pay small monthly dues to receive training, support and communications infrastructure from CEN National. Chapters adapt methodologies to fit the needs of their constituents, recruiting and providing member churches and organizations services and opportunities to serve.

Chapters connect Christians to serve in emergencies through:

1. Network Leader Development - recruiting and training local Christian leaders in the principles of Biblical readiness, how to organize and mobilize Christians to support the efforts of community leaders and emergency managers while sharing the love of Christ in word and deed.
2. Network Building - convening willing participants to plan, set protocol and support and community-wide Christian response to crisis or disaster. 
3. Network Initiatives - campaigns and other efforts to build capacity of Christians and Christian Churches. For example, the Ready Church Initiative mobilizes Christians to prepare and learn how to help others. CEN member churches get access to resources for instruction, activities, and tools to network, prepare and respond to personal or community-wide emergencies, training to set up and operate a church Emergency Team, and resources to complete a four-week campaign.
4. Network Communications - Ready Christians and Ready Churches opt in to receive alerts and advisories from CEN National and their local Chapter to celebrate successes, stay abreast of current needs and invitations to respond to emergencies outside the local activation area. Members may also communicate with the greater network requesting support in emergencies. 
5. Network Mobilization - CEN coordinates the efforts of Christians and their Churches when they are called into action directing resources and volunteers to areas of need. CEN Chapters provide members crisis communications services in the event of an emergency.

CEN Chapters fill the collaboration and communication gap that exists between the various Christian organizations (local churches or ministries called upon to provide volunteers and services) that respond to emergencies and the Emergency Managers at all levels.  The Chapter helps manage Christian support and seeks the ability to mobilize Christians effectively. 

Christian Emergency Network operates in a non-traditional structure. Member groups are self-organizing, self-funding and self-mobilizing. CEN provides the structure, the principles and the pathway to effective service. Members opt-in to support as much as they are willing and able. The CEN Charter establishes minimum requirements for Chapters leaving lots of room for Chapters to adapt to local conditions. 

Chapters may be established by Christian leaders who demonstrate an ability to lead, access and relationships with local leaders, a commitment to community-building and community-reaching and affirm the CEN Statement of Faith.

Begin Chapter Registration and Application Process>>

Ready Christian - Ready Church - Ready to Respond 

Ninety percent of people facing a crisis ask the question "Where is God in this?"  Are you ready to respond?

CEN Chapters train Christians to become ready to respond spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically. Individuals can join for free and groups pay a small yearly membership to their local chapter for guidance, support, training and crisis communication services. 

Christians prepare by logging on to CEN and completing the Ready Christian Track; a simple, step-by-step online tool for setting up a personal emergency response network, preparing for crisis, and learning how to help others. 

Sign Up now. It's free for individual members.>>

To get churches ready to respond, CEN Chapters spearhead the Ready Church Campaign in which local churches join together to prepare for their part in crisis and disaster. As part of the campaign, Emergency Teams are established in each church to handle the safety and security of the church facility and members, and to help church members ready. Once underway, Chapters also aide in setting up Prayer, Care, Share programs or network existing programs to expand the capacity to biblically respond to crisis needs in the community.  

Sign Up now for as little as $99 a year>>

Emergencies, Big and Small

Eighty-nine percent (89%) of volunteers in disaster are faith-based. Most of those are Christians, but Christians can do more. Christians can be prepared to respond to crisis in a number of ways:

1. Serving on Emergency Teams to provide for the safety and security of members of Christian organizations.
2. Creating a community PrayerNet to learn about and pray for the needs of people in the areas around the church.
3. Setting up Care Ministries to address emergency needs specific to a community.
4. Holding 'share' events in which people can get answers about why bad things happen and what they can do about it.

The Church has a role to play in disaster. On average, there is a church within 2. 5 miles of every person in America. That makes it an ideal care station, when properly prepared, for relief of all kinds. An effective response to a disaster happens when Christians are aware, ready and there where they are needed most, working effectively with NGOs, Emergency Mangers and government agencies in charge of a response. Christians can be prepared to support emergency response, recovery and mitigation in numerous ways:

Together We Will Stand    

CEN inspires Christians to unite with people in crisis praying and caring and taking every appropriate opportunity to share Christ. Christians make a Together We Will Stand Covenant between two or more people or two or more groups to stand for each other during crisis. Ready Christians make this commitment with their readiness partner while churches are encouraged to make this commitment with another church. CEN publishes TWWS guides, activities, and programs to provide Christians ways to minister to friends, family and neighbors facing life threatening illness, etc.  

CEN National Staff

Chapters are supported by a National leadership team.  

Participating Organizations  

These participating organizations collaborate with CEN on initiatives and join in the call for Christians to be aware, to be ready and to be there for others in crisis and disaster. Register as a CEN participating organization to promote complimentary program, activities and initiatives to the network>>

BridgeBuilders International (BB)

BB provides disaster-specific prayer prompts and prayer service guidance on behalf of the National Prayer Committee to CEN partners nationwide through email advisories and online updates during activation. Before activation NPC leads the national prayer ministries in readiness. After a disaster it makes recommendations and improves national disaster-prayer responsiveness.

Prayer Transformation (PT) Ministry

PT provides disaster-specific prayer prompts and prayer service guidance on behalf of the National Prayer Committee to CEN partners nationwide through email advisories and online updates during activation. Before activation PT leads the National Prayer Committee ministries in readiness. After a disaster PT makes recommendations to improve the readiness of prayer leaders.

The Salvation Army (TSA)

TSA provides disaster-specific strategic news and care ministry coordination on-site in any national disaster. Before activation TSA leads national care ministries in response and recovery. After a disaster it makes recommendations and improves national disaster responsiveness and improves CEN partner coordination of efforts. TSA coordinates with government and non-government agencies.

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA)

The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (RRT) deploys trained chaplains and ministry volunteers to bring God's hope and comfort in times of a man-made or natural disaster.  In cooperation with Samaritan's Purse and other disaster response organizations, the RRT provides direct support to local churches, first responders and those tragically affected by the disaster.  For additional information to serve as a volunteer chaplain and to review the RRT schedule of training seminars and conferences, go to billygraham.org/RRT.

Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN)

CBN provides support to its many TV affiliates with programming during disaster.

Before activation CBN is the designated CEN TV leader for partners. After disaster CBN assesses how to improve their affiliate relations.

CDR Radio Network (CDR)

CDR provides disaster-specific strategic news and interviews to CEN radio partners nationwide online during activation. Before activation it leads the radio ministries in readiness. After a disaster it makes recommendations and improves systems in readiness.

Church Communications Network (CCN)

CCN provides SAT TV disaster-specific instructions to Christians within churches or whomever currently takes their SAT feed or simply their SAT TV monthly programming. Before activation CCN provides various disaster emergency training for personal, church and community readiness. After a disaster it makes recommendations and improves systems in readiness.

Luis Palau Evangelistic Association (LPEA)

LPEA provides Gospel proclaiming events and broadcasts during activation. Before activation LPEA improves its communications systems and provides information critical to determining the overall evangelism response nationwide to CEN. After activation it provides recommendations to CEN to improve readiness.

NeedHim (NH)

NH provides Gospel proclaiming 24/7 telephone counselors, online salvation follow-up, and the continual hotline "1-888-NeedHim" for seekers wishing to know more about accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior. NeedHim does not do disaster related counseling, purely spiritual counseling leading to making a commitment to follow Christ before, during, and after activation. NH also leads in the sharing aspect of CEN leadership nationally.

InterVarsity (IV)

IV provides assistance with strategic interviews which keep our CEN partners up to date on the Christian worldview response to any disaster. Before activation IV improves media news relations. After activation it recommends improved readiness steps to CEN.

Mission America Coalition (MAC)

MAC provides critical expertise in the area of City/Community, Church, and National Ministry collaboration. Before activation MAC provides the doctrinal unifying foundation for CEN and the Pray-Care-Share message which unites our partners around a common Mission to the United States and beyond. MAC encourages partnership and participation in CEN. After activation MAC continues to develop its collaborative systems with CEN.

Somebody Cares America (SCA) 

The Somebody Cares Disaster Response approach is that of Church-Based response.  Throughout the many disasters the Somebody Cares network has been part of—from Tropical Storm Allison flooding in 2001 to the Southeast Asia tsunami to Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Ivan and Wilma—we’ve seen over and over again how the church responds quicker and more precisely than any other agency. Even the government has taken note of this!  A Homeland Security Institute report issued in December 2006 states: “It was neighborhood congregations….—the local fabric of America—that appeared to have carried the day to a great degree more>>

Zondervan

Zondervan provides leadership and expertise to the print media of CEN before, during and after activation. Zondervan assists with advisories, news releases, and other forms of pint media for CEN. While not in activation Zondervan leads the print partners of CEN to achieve improved print resources for our partners to sustain the vital Pray-Care-Share message and response.

Campus Crusade for Christ International (CCCI)

CCCI Rapid Resource Team provides print Gospel proclaiming resources specific to any national disaster within 72 hours of an event. Before, during, and after activation CCCI assists in the overall leadership of CEN.

National Preparedness Committee (NPC)

NPC provides the overall Homeland Security leadership in national readiness. Before activation it forges a national readiness campaign each year culminating in the National Preparedness Month in September. NPC provides media resources, events, and guidance to the annual campaign.

Business Proverbs (BP)

BP provides CEN financial and business oversight and guidance. During activation BP serves as a lead partner in the logistics and strategic direction of CEN within the Command Center itself. Before and after activation BP provides consulting to the Founder and President of CEN.

Initiatives 

CEN works with participating organizations to promote initiatives which meet a specific needs in assisting Christians to be aware of the times, be ready to help themselves and others, and to be there with those who find tragedy an open door to placing their faith in Christ. Initiatives are a significant part of how CEN serves the Christian Community at-large related to emergency readiness and response of all kinds.

Initiatives such as those listed below are in collaboration with Christian organizations from a wide variety of Pray-Care-Share delivery ministries such as the National Prayer Committee, Mission America Coalition, The Salvation Army, Billy Graham Rapid Response Team or NeedHim; all forms of media delivery outlets such as Christian Broadcasting Network, Family Life Radio, Church Communications Network; governmental organizations such as the National Preparedness Committee and Homeland Security Institute; or individuals with expertise such as Church training or sermon series production who have expressed a desire to work together to accomplish the CEN Mission.

Here are some of the accomplishments of CEN partners...

    * Ready Church (Sermons For Disasters)

    * Lighting the Way: A Guidebook to Sharing Your Faith

    * Church Safety and Security Training

    * CDC (Center for Disease Control) Faith- Based Checklist Project

    * FEMA Florida Volunteer Faith-Based Reception Center Pilot 2007 for National Replication

    * Hurricane Katrina: Higher Ground Evangelistic Booklet

    * AZVOAD Interactive Website

    * Promotion of Emergency Services, Training and Resources

    * ICSM New Jersey Training Pilot 2007 for National Replication

    * CERT New Jersey Training Pilot 2007 for National Replication

    * Promotion of Citizens Corps Representation with Ministry Partners

    * Praying In Uncertain Times

    * Email Campaigns for 7,000 Organizations to Distribute Timely Info through their Databases

    * Developed and Distributed a Church Readiness 101 Sermon Series

    * Distributed National Association of Broadcasters Emergency Manual to All Christian Networks

    * Distributed Home Prep Guide Developed by the Dept. of Homeland Sec, FEMA, Salvation Army

    * Developed Questions to Ask Before Sheltering Guidebook for Churches

    * Developed a 72-Hour to One-Week Survival Kit with Spiritual Resources and Volunteer Info

    * Homeland Security Institute's Report on 2005 Hurricanes Faith-Based Practices

    * National Christian Readiness Campaign

    * National Dept. of Homeland Security Preparedness Committee (annual campaigns)

    * Mobile Communication Command Center to Assist FEMA Volunteer Faith-Based Reception Centers 

History 

The Christian Emergency Network (CEN) formed after Sept 11, 2001 to respond more intentionally and collaboratively to national emergencies. CEN began originally by several Mission America Coalition members,with 10 national ministry partners who were moved to unite together to reach our world for Christ when emergencies occur, which are historically pivotal times for those without a personal relationship with Christ.  and they either will be turned toward Him or reject Him completely - most often for a lifetime. CEN was originally called Operation Eternal Hope and was changed to become Christian Emergency Network when it recognized that all emergencies were opportunities for Christians living out the Hope of Christ.

Because they were impressed that events like 9/11 or other natural emergencies may continue, that our nation had become sorely under-prepared after WWII, and that the Greater Church was likewise not ready spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically (especially in the benchmark of maturity to stand as faith-sharing disciples), these Christian leaders believed that their first role of leadership was to alert Christians to BE AWARE of the times, Be Ready and then rally all Christians to BE THERE praying for the victims, caring for them in sensitive ways, and then sharing the Hope found only in Christ.

They committed to meet every month for four years to develop the CEN ministry and bring their unique expertise and contacts to the network. Whether it was the outstanding media ministries of Christian Broadcasting Network, [CDR Radio Network], [Family Life Radio Network] and the many reporters nationwide, the city leaders from [Mission America Coalition], the National Prayer Committee or the usual "first responder" type ministries like The Salvation Army and Gospel Rescue Mission or the share responders like the BGEA Rapid Response Team , Luis Palau , Zondervan , and NeedHim.org - all ten ministries gave guidance to the founding and implementation of the Christian Emergency Network.

Facts and Figures 

Founded – October, 2001 following September 11, 2001 event

Message -  “Be Aware, Be Ready , Be There!”

Participants – over 7,000 Christian organizations including ministries and media are involved in CEN along with 47,000 churches who receive CEN resources in addition to millions of individuals (in one day CEN had over 20 million hits to its website)

Funded - CEN is a U.S. based Christian Emergency Readiness Collaboration and Communication public service-based ministry funded by the Widow’s Mite Foundation a 501c3 non-profit

Media Outlets – 1200 radio, 1600 print outlets, SAT TV feeds, as needed 24/7 CBN and SRN networks

Statement of Faith

CEN affirms the Lausanne Covenant and encourages member churches to use it as a guide for aligning values of working together in evangelism, ministry and community service. The Lausanne Covenant was established several years ago under the leadership of Dr. Billy Graham and others who saw the need for a clear statement of doctrinal agreement to unite the body of Christ in worldwide evangelization. CEN participants are asked to read and affirm the Lausanne Covenant as a first step to involvement with CEN. Affirmation is on the honor system and materials that are posted or printed must conform to the doctrinal statement for inclusion. For more active involvement, such as an Initiative CEN requires a commitment in writing adhering to the Lausanne Covenant . Services which may be offered may or may not apply.

FAQs

What is the Christian Emergency Network?

The Christian Emergency Network is a membership organization rallying Christians to be aware of God's purpose in uncertain times; to be ready spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically; and to be there responding as courageous, mature Christ-followers praying, caring and sharing effectively in emergencies. Members include Christians, Churches and Christian ministries and participating organizations. CEN has organized thousands of ministries, churches and media to work together before, during and after local, regional or national emergencies. 

How can I get involved?

You can join CEN today and begin preparing to be a Ready Christian, sign up to become a Ready Church or begin the application process to set up a CEN Chapter in your area.

What does it mean to be a CEN Participating Organization?

Participating organizations collaborate formally or informally with CEN lending support, partnering for initiatives or sharing CEN resources with their own constituents.  Participating organizations may offer goods or services to members under partnering agreements. Register now or talk to a representative.

Who are the National Partner Organizations who give Leadership to the CEN Mission?

    * Mission America

    * CDR Radio Network

    * BGEA Rapid Response Team

    * National Prayer Committee

    * Luis Palau Evangelistic Association

    * Church Communications Network

    * NeedHim.org

    * InterVarsity

    * Christian Broadcasting Network

    * Zondervan Publishing

    * The Salvation Army

    * Campus Crusade For Christ

    * Family Life Radio Network

Christian Emergency Network is a standing partner with the the Dept. of Homeland Security National Preparedness Committee, the Dept. of Homeland Security Faith-Based Office, Homeland Security Institute, CERT (Citizen Emergency Response Team), Citizens Corps, Center for Disease Control (CDC), as well as a member of National Religious Broadcasters, Evangelical Press Association, Mission America Coalition, Arizona VOAD, and the Christian Disaster Association. 

How can my organization partner with CEN? 

CEN collaborates with thousands of ministry and media partners throughout the U.S. They all fall within area(s) of expertise in prayer, care, or share delivery or all forms of Christian media, service, outreach, and first responders. Each partner would have various levels of involvement from agreeing to distribute CEN News to their own constituents, to a more formalized Memo of Understanding (MOU)  outlining a collaborative working relationship.  

Partners may be from specific cities, regions, states, nationwide or international in scope but with a distinct national application or presence. Partnering can happen at the Chapter, State, Regional or National levels.

Organizational partners present initiatives  in collaboration with CEN for direct involvement of members or to be promoted by CEN. CEN may spearhead an initiative in response to a distinct need drawing expertise from Christian response or emergency partners. Many partner relationships are managed through MOUs, however not all collaborations with a partner requires an MOU. For example, if an organization has a training, book, or press release on a CEN Mission -related topic they simply contact us with a request for consideration. 

If your organization would like to partner with CEN and be listed in the partner directory, please  register now>>

What does CEN do during an Emergency?

CEN National  

• CEN collaborates first with our lead national Partners to determine the scope and response needed and then continues supporting CEN partners whether in the field or beyond throughout any activation.
• CEN e-Alerts its partners with timely pertinent information within minutes of any activation. Advisories continue to offer a Biblical direction to Christians through focused prayer,  ways to care for the most critical needs, as well as ways to present hope found only in Christ to any unique emergency situation on through the recovery process.
• CEN provides Media radio and TV interviews, online instructions, and conference calls with national Christian leaders to offer support for their pressing needs.
• CEN collaborates with government officials to provide timely emergency information pertinent specifically to the greater church.
• CEN reports  to CEN partners on what to do in an emergency and how Christians are praying, caring and sharing Christ effectively in response to the emergency through the efforts of nationwide reporters.
• CEN Mobile Communication Command Center Media may provide on-site emergency communications, equipment, and a reporter base of operations as needed to drive volunteer traffic, resources, and support to the most critical Christian response needs as well as to discover timely prayer -care - share stories from the field to sustain a strong Christian response. 

CEN Chapters  

• Chapters mobilize Christians according to activation protocol.  They may provide the following support services. 
  • Sheltering
  • Warehousing and distributing supplies
  • Crisis Counseling
  • Offering worship and other religious services to survivors, responders and volunteers
  • Volunteering for clean-up or rebuilding efforts
  • Case management in disaster areas
  • Transportation 
  • Staging areas for volunteers, materials or vehicles
  • Referring survivors of the crisis or disaster to the appropriate agencies or services in the communities

What does CEN do During Non-Emergency Times?

 CEN National

• CEN networks with participating organizations to provide church disaster readiness training , and media services such as daily Public Service Announcements, advisories, and newsletter updates on the Mission of CEN.
• CEN challenges Christians to be aware, be ready and be there to give a biblical response to emergencies.
• CEN collaborates with its partners in  strategic initiatives and services to build the capacity of Christians, churches and communities. 

  CEN Chapters 

• Chapters assess and prepare Christians and churches.
• Chapters grow the network through Network Leader Development, Network Building, Network Initiatives, Network Communications and respond to local emergencies through Network Mobilization.

Why is CEN Needed?  

CEN fills the collaboration and communications gap between Christians responding crisis and disaster. CEN was formed to unite all elements of the Christian body around one message and Pray-Care-Share response; around one Person Jesus; around one strategy - Biblical collaboration using the most commonly needed vehicle, yet usually weakest link, communication.

 

• Cohesive Biblical messages as to the "heart" of Christian disaster response
• Unity among spokespersons and delivery organizations
• The whole church being involved in some way not merely first responders
• Immediate, specific and focused prayer
• Knowledge of effective personal care and volunteer direction
• Effective and well-represented media coverage of Christian relief efforts
• Knowledge of doctrinally sound ministries for donations which spread the Gospel
• Sharing Christ effectively which results in the salvation of multitudes  

CEN fills the care cap left by responding organizations. 

• Calling up volunteers for the recovery phase
• Promoting the efforts of groups working to rebuild years after an incident
• Providing spiritual, emotional and mental recovery care for survivors through participating church programs.

 How does CEN provide Christian emergency focus, coordination, and mobilization? 

• Prayer: Drawing churches and individuals together to pray for specific needs of our nation, families, neighbors, coworkers, and military organizations during a crisis How to Pray
• Care: Communicating the care/relief needs of the nation, families, neighbors, coworkers, and military organizations before, during, and after a crisis; alerting individuals and churches about regional and national efforts. How to Care
• Share: Informing churches and individuals about united efforts to share the love of Jesus Christ--nationwide, as well as with family, neighbors, coworkers, and military personnel; providing tools to share with or counsel others. How to Share
• Communication: Christian news and crisis information, up-to-the-minute news (print, audio, video formats), messages of hope from well-known national ministry leaders. Media
• Resources: Free downloads, printable guides and Resources for on-site emergency use, immediate Training for prayer, caring, and sharing
• Services: Support to small and large efforts Services
• Initiatives: CEN collaborates with partners to develop needed projects that directly affect the Mission of CEN partners. Learn more about collaborating with CEN through Initiatives

What is the CEN Message?  

1. Be aware of what God is doing in our uncertain times.
2. Be ready personally and as a Church to survive crisis and disaster and to support others in need.
3. Be there in emergencies to pray, care and share the Hope of Christ.

 When does CEN activate?    

1. CEN National activates when mainstream media gives round-the-clock coverage of a disaster or incident, and many lives in the USA are affected by any given natural emergency, terrorist attack, or other national crisis. The Christian Emergency Network website will provide updated readiness information during and after an activation. Alerts, advisories, interviews and other forms of communication will be used to direct partners to timely information and resources.
2. CEN Chapters activate locally based up preset activation protocol assigned by participating members or when called upon by CEN National according to preset agreements.

How do I use the CEN website?

The website is the online hub for training and communication. Set up as a "social network"  added features provide members access to e-learning and communication tools.  Members log on to network, prepare or respond to emergencies: 

1. Christians: The Ready Christian Track provides Christians step-by-step instructions on how to build a personal emergency network, prepare for emergencies and learn how to help others in need. Individual membership is free. Other services available to members include: Resources for preparing and responding to emergencies; Networking features included in popular networking sites like Facebook tailored for the emergency preparedness and response uses; Discounts on products and services.
2. Churches: The Ready Church Track provides Churches step-by-step instructions on how to build a church emergency network, prepare for emergencies and learn how to help the surrounding community in crisis. Churches join for as little as $99 a year. Other services available to churches include:  Networking features included in popular networking sites like Facebook tailored for the emergency preparedness and response uses; Ready Church Campaign guide and downloadable campaign resources - fliers, brochures, banners, posters, bulletin inserts; Emergency Team Training Guide; Discounts on products and services.
3. Chapters: The Chapter Leader Track provides step-by-step instructions on how to build a Christian Emergency Network locally, set up and operate and activation area and involve Christians in emergency preparedness and response.  Chapter dues are a minimum of $50/month and vary depending on the size of the chapter and the agreement with local sponsoring organizations (call for more details). Other services available to churches include:  Chapter Manual; Chapter business model and strategic plan templates; Resources for Network Leader Development, Network Building, Network Initiatives, Network Communications and Network Mobilization; Networking features included in popular networking sites like Facebook tailored for the emergency preparedness and response uses.

Where does CEN operate? 

Christian Emergency Network activates within the boundaries of the United States of America, yet reaches international media outlets. Many foreign countries use CEN Resources , Media , Services .  CEN plans to expand service internationally after developing US capacity.

Why do I need to be Involved with CEN?  

Because as Christians we are stronger together than we are separately; because Jesus called us to unite; because He called us to spread the Good News; and because we live in an age when media is often a powerful compelling tool that we can use to further a biblical worldview.

How is CEN Funded?  

The Widow’s Mite Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit charitable foundation funds the base operational expenses of selective high-impact ministries including Christian Emergency Network.  In Scripture the widow gave all she had from her poverty to serve the Lord's work which multiplied her gift a thousand-fold. (Mark 12:41-44). The Widow’s Mite Foundation believes that “Little is much when God is in it!” CEN collects member dues and donations to cover the expense of services provided to members. 

• CEN is a public service educational ministry of the Widow’s Mite Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit organization.
• CEN partners represent all forms of media and ministries serving in a pro bono capacity. 
• Widow's Mite funds the public services CEN offers such as Web Hosting and Designing, Publication Editing, Phone Conferencing, Press Credentials, Initiatives (such as providing free sermons to pastors), National Public Service Announcements Production and Distribution, and Training to name a few.
• 100% of donations go to member services and initiatives that build the capacity of Christians to respond to emergencies. CEN Founder and President Mary Marr does not draw any compensation from the CEN ministry. Key staff members receive salaries or work on contract to provide member services. 

 Why Donate to Christian Emergency Network?

Those who see the need for unity among believers related to emergency response, the desire to bring multitudes into the Kingdom thus turning emergencies into opportunities, and who understand the vital role of communication in the process are invited to donate. 

The weakest link in emergency response is in the area of Public Communication.  Christian Emergency Network is a Christian Public Service Communication and Collaboration ministry. CEN maximizes the capacity of Christians to respond to crisis and disaster:

 

• Helpless survivors will receive vital life-saving response prompts provided by CEN e-Alerts
• Christian volunteers will know where to go and what to do to assist provided by CEN e-News
• Survivors who have not yet known the Hope of Christ in the midst of hopelessness may hear the comforting words of Christ
• Through CEN e-News and CEN partner collaboration within the field of service, CEN mitigates e the delivery of critical resources, both human and material, making sure what is needed reaches its destination and supplies which are not needed do not bog down the system due to poor communication  
• CEN helps Christians and churches with the best of intentions avoid the risks and expense of responding due to lack of knowledge of specific emergency-response protocol (such as site access, not sheltering criminals, not prohibiting victims from receiving services) 
• CEN continues to promote recovery efforts of ministries who are serving in the field long after the lights have gone out in mainstream media to sustain support. Many responder organization do not have media departments to make appeals. CEN meets that need for partners and participating organizations.  
• Churches are trained to effectively and responsible share the Hope of Christ in emergencies through Ready Church and Ready Christian training tracks. 
• Media outlets united around a Christian message are strengthened and can deliver a Christian message of hope, can respond to mainstream attacks on Christians and be a trusted voice for calling Christians into service across denominational lines. 

Who Receives Funds from CEN?

CEN promotes the efforts of local churches to respond to emergencies. Funds received for crisis or disaster response are given directly to Chapters to distributed as needed. CEN directs funds to areas of need:

 

• Distributing large gifts from ministry partners to responders
• Mini-grants to Chapters to build capacity in communities 
• Crisis communication 
• Designated giving

How do I donate to Christian Emergency Network?

Donations to the Christian Emergency Network may be made online or make checks payable to: Christian Emergency Network 3434 W. Anthem Way Suite 118-614 Phoenix, AZ 85086 (A tax-deductible receipt will be sent from The Widow’s Mite Foundation.)

Donate online by going to the Donate section of the CEN website.