Disaster Relief Resources

Spiritual first aid for disaster survivors and first responders

About Beyond Disaster

The Beyond Disaster program from the Trauma Healing Institute provides materials to help people recover from natural and man-made disasters. The program integrates best practices in mental health into a biblical framework. We offer resources for survivors, first responders, and churches in several languages. Download free PDF copies, or order printed copies. Beyond Disaster is distributed by American Bible Society in the USA and by other partners worldwide.

Resources for Survivors

Order printed postcards and booklets for survivors of disasters. Or download a copy for digital devices or quick printing.

Beyond Disaster Booklet, cover image, English
Beyond Disaster (Survivor’s Booklet)

Beyond Disaster is a guide for spiritual first aid for people who have survived natural or human-caused disasters. It can be distributed any time following a disaster but is most beneficial once the initial shock has passed. The booklet offers (1) strategies to help people cope in the short term, (2) guidance on what to expect during the process of recovery, and (3) resources to begin a journey toward emotional and spiritual healing. Based on the globally proven model of the Trauma Healing Institute, this booklet integrates best practices in mental health into a biblical framework.

(72 pages, 4.38 x 6.38 inches, also available in sets of 24)

Beyond Disaster Postcard, English, Front
Postcard: Beyond Disaster

The “Beyond Disaster” postcard offers basic support for survivors immediately after a disaster. Designed for those who may still be in shock, the front of the card has an image by Makoto Fujimura and a verse from Isaiah 43. The back of the card lists typical physical and emotional reactions to trauma and short-term coping strategies. (4x6 inches)

Available in English and Spanish in sets of 50; one set is included with an order of 24 Beyond Disaster booklets

Downloads available in English, Spanish, French, German, Ukrainian, and more.

Cover, Booklet, French economy edition
Beyond Disaster (Economy Survivor’s Booklet)

Beyond Disaster: A Survivor's Guide for Spiritual FIrst Aid

Economy format, A5 size. Full content with fewer graphics and fewer pages.

You can print this document from Adobe Acrobat if you choose the "booklet" option when printing.

Beyond Disaster 7-Day Reading Plan

A 7-Day Reading Plan based on Beyond Disaster is now available in English on YouVersion, the Bible App, and on Bible.com. Click here or search “Beyond Disaster” in the app.

Ukraine Relief

Help Ukraine Heal from the Trauma of War

Free Bible-based resources

Resources for Small Groups & Caregivers

Small group guides and resources for use with teens and children.

Beyond Disaster Study Guide for Small Groups
Using Beyond Disaster with Small Groups

Guidance for using the Beyond Disaster booklet with small groups, which is a recommended way of encountering the material. This 9-page document includes background information, ideas for leading a group, and tips on facilitating discussion on the booklet. No professional training is required. This resource offers additional support to leaders who may feel unprepared to address the effects of trauma.

Cover image, booklet, Unstuck for Teen Disaster Survivors
Unstuck: A Teen Guide for Living in Uncertain Times

UNSTUCK helps teens cope during times of uncertainty, especially after a disaster. The materials are written for teens to go through on their own and at their own pace. Teens will also benefit by working through the resource with an adult leader, either one-on-one or in small groups over four weeks. Part of the Beyond Disaster suite of resources, this material can be used on its own or paired with material for adults and children. It draws from the Trauma Healing Institute curriculum for teens. PDF, 60 pages. NEW: An edition for use with refugees is now available in English, Ukrainian, and Russian.

Cover image, God Is With Me lesson
God Is With Me: A Family Guide to Living After Disaster

This is a Bible-based resource to help parents and children cope in times of uncertainty, especially after a disaster. It is informed by best practices in mental health as well as two decades of experience using trauma healing materials worldwide with Christian churches from every tradition. God Is With Me is designed for families with children ages 8–12 but can be adapted for other ages. It may be used on its own or paired with the Beyond Disaster booklet. PDF, 56 pages. New: an edition adapted for refugees is now available in English, Ukrainian, and Russian.

Resources for Small Groups During COVID

These resources are focused on living well during the COVID pandemic.

Healing from the Distress of the COVID-19 Crisis
Healing from the Distress of the COVID-19 Crisis

A lesson for small groups to help you begin to heal from the spiritual and emotional effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This lesson can be used two ways. If you do it as a standalone lesson, you can continue on with the booklet Beyond Disaster: A Survivor’s Guide for Spiritual First Aid to go further in the healing process. You can also use this lesson with a group that is going through Healing the Wounds of Trauma: How the Church Can Help, the classic curriculum from the Trauma Healing Institute.

Cover, Peace Be Still Covid Family lesson, English
Peace, Be Still: A Family Guide to Living in Crazy Days

This lesson offers parents a resource to use with children ages 8–12 during the COVID-19 pandemic. This six-part resource will help you help your children to feel safe during this time of uncertainty and change. It offers biblical and practical resources and age-appropriate activities for addressing our feelings and finding ways to express them appropriately. Developed by the children’s team at the Trauma Healing Institute. PDF, 38 pages.

Care for the Caregiver Lesson
Care for the Caregiver

Are you caring for others during this COVID-19 crisis? This lesson from the Trauma Healing Institute can help you care for yourself so that you can thrive even as you pour out your life for others. Designed for use either on your own or with small groups. Includes wisdom from the Bible, a stress test, reflection questions, and practical exercises. 

Brianna Leiendecker presents the Beyond Disaster booklet (screen capture)

For First Responders

Training Disaster Responders in Spiritual First Aid is a 12-part video series for first responders and others who provide care to survivors of disasters. It will equip you to serve people in crisis using the booklet Beyond Disaster: A Survivor’s Guide for Spiritual First Aid. If you are a responder or caregiver, these videos offer (1) an overview of the Beyond Disaster material; (2) opportunities to experience some of the material personally; (3) practical tips for using Beyond Disaster with individuals and groups; and (4) tools to take care of yourself and avoid burnout as you help others.

Watch the training series.

Resources for Churches
cover image for booklet: Beyond Trauma, Catholic edition
Beyond Trauma (Catholic Edition)

Beyond Trauma: A Catholic Guide for Spiritual First Aid, is a booklet for use by Roman Catholic parishes and dioceses as they serve people with trauma.

An adaptation of Beyond Disaster, it includes additional resources and recommendations from the Catholic spiritual tradition.

Cover Letter for the Beyond Disaster Kit

The cover letter for the Beyond Disaster Toolkit provides a helpful overview of the Beyond Disaster suite of materials and how to use them.

Contact the Trauma Healing Institute if you have questions about using these materials.

For help with resources, call us at 1.800.32.BIBLE
and mention “Beyond Disaster”

SIM Logo

What people are saying

Beyond Disaster: A Survivor’s Guide for Spiritual First Aid is a simple yet profound tool to care for those who have experienced trauma or equip those who will respond. A strong reliance on Scripture and practical approach takes an individual, family, or team through the emotions they are experiencing and the questions they may be asking in a way that is relatable and applicable to a variety of situations. This book has obviously been put together by people with real-life experience and a passion for holistic care.”

Nate Killoren, Director of Crisis Response, SIM

Image by Makoto Fujimura, Walking on Water—Azurite
”Walking on Water—Azurite” by Makoto Fujimura. Used under license. (About the art)

You will pass through deep waters.
    But I will be with you. I am the LORD your God.
    I am the one who saves you.
You are priceless to me.
    I love you and honor you.
Do not be afraid. I am with you.

Isaiah 43:2–5 GNT