Disaster Relief is powered by volunteers from all walks of life —retirees, college students, men, women, and everyone in between. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” mold for serving in this ministry. We’re also blessed with married couples who choose to volunteer together, combining their skills and hearts for service.

We’re talking with Robin and Sheri Ellis about life, faith, and what it’s like to serve side-by-side as a couple in Disaster Relief.

Can you introduce yourselves and tell us a little about your background and how you met?

Robin and I were set up to meet each other back in the fall of 1977 by his sister. We married in September 1981 and went on to have three handsome sons who are all married, have children of their own (our precious grandchildren). Robin is a retired machinist and I’m a retired middle school secretary. 

How did you first get involved in California Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Ministry?

Shortly after the 2010 fires in San Bernardino, our youth pastor at the time, Michael Kell, told us that if we trained with Disaster Relief, we could help. We completed the training then, and this past March, we renewed it.

How does your faith influence your desire to serve in Disaster Relief?

Robin and I could NEVER do enough for the grace and mercy of Christ’s death on the cross as payment for our sins. 

What are some unique strengths you bring as a team?

Over the 44 years we’ve been married, Robin has gained so much knowledge in building as he has totally remodeled our home. For me, I’m known for my smile, positive attitude, flexibility, and thoroughness at what I’m instructed to do. 

Can you share a particularly memorable moment from a deployment that impacted you both?

Robin has been on two deployments, but the Vado, New Mexico deployment was my first. While in Vado, we were tearing out the drywall in a house that had been affected by floods. While we took our first break, the husband who had built the home played a couple of praise songs he had written, and we all sang Amazing Grace together. It was a truly special time of praise and worship!

How have you seen God work in unexpected ways through your service?

We heard about a gentleman we had helped, who had recently accepted Christ. He was scheduled for surgery to remove a tumor from his spine just before the flooding in New Mexico. The surgery was postponed, and in hindsight, we realized that if he had gone through with it, he would have been bedridden during the flood—a situation that could have cost him his life. God truly spared him!

How has your involvement in the ministry affected your family or community back home?

With our Pastor’s blessing and encouragement, our prayer is not only that more of our church members will become involved with Disaster Relief, but our service for God’s glory will be a testimony leading family and others to Christ.

What advice would you give to other married couples who are considering volunteering in Disaster Relief?

DO IT!

You will be so blessed in meeting all the different families and how appreciative they are. It is such a privilege for us as a couple to serve in this ministry. 

How can the church and individuals best support couples who serve in this kind of work?

Encourage couples to become involved in Disaster Relief. Pray for them. Pray for safety and pray that the hearts of those we serve will be open and clearly hear the gospel. 

Is there a scripture that has encouraged you throughout your journey?

Robin: Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."



Sheri: Ephesians 3:20 – “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us."

How can we pray for you as you continue to serve?

Pray that we both will recognize each other’s needs as we serve together side-by-side. Pray we will become closer with each deployment. Pray for our safety. 

We are grateful for Robin and Sheri Ellis and all our volunteers for saying “yes” to bringing help, hope, and healing in Jesus’ name. The work is abundant, and this ministry wouldn’t be possible without the generous men and women who give their time to serve alongside us.