But whether that happens or not, we are committed to love and work with all people who have the same project goals and want to participate with us. Relief is helping someone in need of something quickly. It is immediate help, but temporary. In times of disaster such as flooding, earthquakes, war, or hunger we must respond with relief immediately. Relief is a hand-out, and sometimes that is needed.
Development works slower, but it is more long lasting.
It is concerned not so much with helping people have more, but helping them be more. It empowers people to develop to their full potential, not to remain beggars. It builds their self-respect and helps them see themselves as loved and cared for by God and encourages them to work together to help others in need. Both relief and development are needed in different contexts. In that group, some agencies major on relief.