As the director of Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief and Chaplaincy, Jason Yarbrough has the privilege of leading an incredible group of trained Disaster Relief volunteers from across Oklahoma, as they respond to disasters of many types. He also oversees the various chaplain ministries across our state.
Regarding Disaster Relief, Jason leads the team that recruits, trains, equips and mobilizes Oklahoma Baptists in disaster responses, whether that be hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires or ice storms. The goal is to help meet the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of people who have been impacted by disaster—whether they be fellow Oklahomans or people living in other parts of the U.S.—who need someone to bring help, healing and hope.
Jason firmly believes that when we meet the practical needs of people, their hearts are open to hear and embrace the Gospel of Jesus.
“Our ministry tends to meet people at a point in life where they are really open to the hope we have in Christ,” he said. “I really do believe that meeting practical needs opens the door for spiritual conversations and opens individuals’ hearts to the Gospel.”
Jason also leads chaplaincy ministry for Oklahoma Baptists. Chaplaincy is an effective means of reaching secular society because it provides opportunities for the local church and its staff to extend their ministry into areas of the community that may otherwise be closed to them. Ministry areas include Disaster Relief, healthcare, pastoral counseling, law enforcement, corrections, in corporate environments and in each branch of the military. Each of these areas of chaplaincy provides opportunities for full-time, part-time and volunteer participation for ministry-oriented persons.
These ministries are made possible by the generous contributions of churches and individuals to the Cooperative Program and by our even more amazing God who hears and responds to the prayers of His people. Please pray God would give Jason wisdom as he leads chaplains and disaster relief workers. Pray also that Jason’s marriage to his wife, Vickie, would grow ever stronger as they both balance the demands of ministry.
Because of the generous giving of Oklahoma Baptists through the Cooperative Program, an amazing array of ministries are supported. This unified giving encourages fellowship with other believers all over the world. Collectively, Oklahoma Baptists are advancing the Gospel together.
Jason Yarbrough is featured in the 2023 Missionary Prayer Guide for Oklahoma Baptists. For more information about the Cooperative Program, visit oklahomabaptists.org/cp.
