The world of humanitarian relief changed dramatically during the increase in civil conflict and people movements that took place during the 1990s. Relief now takes place in the midst of conflict and the relief worker is no longer sancrosanct. This article attempts the map out the complex nature of the changing world of the Christian relief worker. There is a brief survey of the biblical and theological themes that undergird the Christian humanitarian response. The nature of the problem of uprooted people and responding to them is explored. The article concludes with a list of the current challenges that Christian relief organizations must find answers to in order to remain faithful, professional and effective in this changing world of relief.
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