MBC disaster relief training set for two locations in October

MBC disaster relief training set for two locations in October

October 4, 2005

SPRINGFIELD – Missouri Baptist wondering how they can play a part in future disaster relief and recovery efforts should circle Oct. 21 and 22 on their calendars. Second Baptist Church will offer disaster relief training that weekend with courses in chainsaw, chaplaincy and mass care feeding.

John Rhodes, the disaster relief coordinator for the southeast region, is also hosting a similar training event Oct. 7 and 8 in Braggadocio. He said there are no special requirements other than being 18 years old for volunteer training. For example, to be a chaplain, one need not be an ordained minister or pastor.

The feeding crews will learn to operate within the strict guidelines of a mass care kitchen. Chainsaw teams, which help remove debris after a disaster, will focus on safety with their donated saws, while chaplain training will focus on learning to listen, and to help people vent their feelings in a healthy manner, while sharing with them the love of Jesus.

Just because one volunteers and goes through the training, does mean one is committed to deploy at a moment’s notice.

“We don’t use the draft; remember you’re a volunteer,” Rhodes said.

For more information or to sign up for the Springfield training e-mail Dick Ballard at dickb@getatlas.com or call the Baptist Building at 1-800-736-6227, Ext. 631.