Churches are known for stepping up after a disaster—but what if the real calling begins before the crisis? Kiva Maxwell, disaster preparedness planner for the CDC in the Houston area, joins host Jake Doberenz on Christianity Without Compromise (formerly Theology Meets World) to explore how faith, public health, and community resilience intersect. From her childhood obsession with Hurricane Katrina to her adult work equipping vulnerable populations, Kiva shares how Christians can offer tangible hope before the chaos. She critiques disembodied theology, emphasizes communal care, and outlines practical steps any church can take now to become a force for good when disaster strikes.

Key Takeaways:

Churches often neglect their potential as pre-disaster hubs, leaving critical resources and spaces unused until it's too late.

Disasters often expose long-standing injustices like housing insecurity and healthcare inequality—problems Christians should be addressing daily.

Faithful disaster response starts with embodied love: checking on the vulnerable, building trust across communities, and showing up before being asked.

Important Links:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Kiva Maxwell is a public health professional currently serving as a Public Health Associate at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stationed with Harris County Public Health in Houston, TX. In her role as a Preparedness Planner, she contributes to enhancing community resilience and preparedness initiatives. Kiva holds a degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Mission from Oklahoma Christian University, where she showcased her leadership capabilities by serving as the president of the Student Government Association.

Follow this show and Jake’s writings at jakedoberenz.substack.com.