CERT International :: Trips

Christian Emergency Relief Teams (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.

We are founded on the principles of Jesus from Matthew 9:35-38: He went out to the people, healed the sick, and preached the good news of the kingdom. He ministered to physical and spiritual needs, setting a model for holistic ministry.

CERT International was established in 1974 by David Courson in response to a hurricane in Nicaragua. Courson and members of his local church continued relief initiatives throughout the Nicaraguan civil war. As stability slowly entered the region, CERT began to branch out to other areas of need worldwide. 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 global reach, 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 by providing free healthcare, aid, and construction.

Today our focus has not changed. We serve people groups that have little to no access to healthcare and bring humanitarian aid into unstable regions. We aim to increase the kingdom of God by providing these services and working to build lasting relationships with churches and missionaries on the field.