Christian Emergency Relief Teams (CERT) International is a non-denominational 501(c)(3) organization that exists to serve international churches and missionaries by assisting their ministries and creating open doors through meeting both physical and spiritual needs in their communities. By offering free medical and dental clinics, humanitarian aid, and outreach, we create opportunities for the local Church to share the love of Christ in tangible ways.

For over 50 years, we have mobilized both medical and non-medical volunteers to bring care, dignity, and hope to those with little to no access to healthcare.

What We Do

We organize short-term, one to two-week mission trips that deliver general practice medical, dental, and humanitarian care in partnership with trusted local churches and missionaries.

Our proven clinic model is led by experienced team leaders and supported by volunteers from diverse backgrounds: physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, and non-medical team members. We work together to serve efficiently and compassionately.

By meeting practical needs, we help open doors for local ministries to build lasting relationships and share the Gospel within their communities.

Our History

Christian Emergency Relief Teams (CERT) International was founded in 1974 by David Courson in response to a devastating hurricane in Nicaragua. What began as a single act of service quickly grew into an ongoing mission, as Courson and members of his local California church continued relief efforts throughout the Nicaraguan civil war.

Once stability returned to the region, CERT expanded into other areas of need around the world, sending volunteer teams to provide medical care and humanitarian aid.

In 1991, leadership transitioned to Dr. Ken Daugherty, who helped broaden CERT’s global reach and refine its mission. Under his guidance, the organization shifted from primarily emergency response to a more sustainable model; partnering directly with local churches and missionaries to strengthen their ministries through healthcare, aid, and community support. His pastoral leadership emphasized the importance of equipping the local Church as the foundation for long-term impact.

Today, CERT International continues to honor this legacy while following God’s leading. We remain committed to our one to two-week volunteer model, building lasting relationships, and serving in regions where access to healthcare is limited or nonexistent.

Why We Serve

We believe every person is created with dignity and deserves access to care, compassion, and hope. Our mission is not only to treat physical needs, but to support the local Church in helping individuals live fully in Christ—spirit, soul, and body.

Everything we do is rooted in faith and driven by a desire to see lives transformed and communities strengthened through the love of Jesus.

Our Mission

CERT International is 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.

Our Foundation

“Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.’”

— Matthew 9:35–38