ATLANTA – The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship had a presence in Southeast Asia prior to tsunami destruction Dec. 26, and the organization has committed to staying in the region even after immediate relief efforts subside.

"We have a commitment to be there as long as we are welcome to be there," said Barbara Baldridge, CBF Global Missions acting coordinator.

The Fellowship’s prior presence in the region has helped in relief efforts. "Our field personnel in these regions have developed relationships and networks that are strategic in this time of crisis. They know the needs, as well as the opportunities, and are able to implement relief in effective ways," said national CBF coordinator Daniel Vestal.

With such massive destruction leaving many people unable to obtain food and other necessities, one of the Fellowship’s strategies for long-term impact is microenterprise development, which involves starting sustainable small businesses with small amounts of money, said David Harding, the Fellowship’s international coordinator for emergency response and transformational development.

"The long-term gives us the option to build trust and to have a meaningful relationship with people over time in order to meet their holistic needs," Harding said.

For immediate relief efforts, the only volunteers being sent to the region through CBF volunteer missions are medical professionals and water filtration experts. In the long-term, Timothy Wood, CBF’s volunteer missions program manager, anticipates opportunities for volunteer teams to aid in the rebuilding process.

The need for volunteers will not diminish over time. In fact, as the immediate needs of water and food are addressed and the relief phases moves into a reconstruction phase, volunteers with a more general skill set will be needed. Wood said he will keep contact information on file and volunteer teams could be called on to go in about six months.

Experts predict the rebuilding process will take years, but the Fellowship’s commitment remains. "Our commitment is not only to immediate relief but to long-term transformational development and long-lasting relationships," Vestal said.

By accessing the Fellowship’s Web site, www.thefellowship.info, individuals can read up-to-date dispatches from the field, learn of the latest prayer needs or make a contribution online.

CBF is a fellowship of Baptist Christians and churches who share a passion for the Great Commission and a commitment to Baptist principles of faith and practice. The Fellowship’s mission is to serve Christians and churches as they discover and fulfill their God-given mission.