History
Christian Emergency Relief Teams (CERT) International was founded in 1974 by David Courson in response to a hurricane in Nicaragua. Courson and members of his local church in California continued relief initiatives throughout the Nicaraguan civil war. As stability slowly entered the region, CERT began to branch out to other areas of need throughout the world.
“CERT, a non-profit group, supplies aid to war-torn countries through volunteers. Emergency medical forays usually last about 2 weeks, and members pay their own transportation and expenses.” – David Courson, 1989
In 1991, Courson chose to pursue other ventures and the leadership of CERT was given to Dr. Ken Daugherty. Daugherty continued to expand the organization’s reach across the globe and the focus of CERT changed from crisis response to bringing emergency relief and aid to developing countries. As a pastor, Daugherty, emphasized the importance of building up the local church internationally. The organization began working exclusively with churches and missionaries abroad to help strengthen their ministries through providing free healthcare, aid and construction.
Today CERT International strives to honor the past while allowing God to direct our future. We continue to follow the 2 week volunteer model and work to build lasting relationships with churches and missionaries on the field. We serve people groups that have little to no access to healthcare and bring humanitarian aid into unstable regions. It is our prayer that the local church across the world would be equipped to help every person live to their fullest potential in Christ: spirit, soul and body.
Mission Statement
CERT International is a non-denominational 501 (c) (3) dedicated to serving international churches and missionaries. We assist their ministries, creating open doors by meeting the practical needs of the local people and refugees. Free medical/dental clinics and humanitarian aid are provided in response to healthcare and emergency situations in underprivileged communities to show the love of Christ.
Foundational Scripture
Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” – Matt 9:35-38
updated through 2023
