In the spring of 2008, we saw flooding at a magnitude that we
haven't seen in over 30 years. The recovery phase was our greatest
challenge since we were not equipped to deal with this type of
disaster. Samaritan's Purse is extremely self-sufficient, as they
come with the staff, resources, and tools needed to do their job.
They also recruit and coordinate all local volunteers.
We had no idea that Samaritan's Purse Disaster Relief services
and the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team exist in Canada. Their
disaster relief efforts provide not only the physical work to clean
up people's homes, but the Rapid Response Team emotionally supports
the community, allowing people to vent, or talk about their issues
and problems. A lot of people are scared of church-based
organizations, and they have preconceived ideas of what they would
be like. It wasn't like that at all, and the community was
extremely pleased with the emotional support and compassion they
received.
As responders, we had no idea how draining these circumstances
would be for our community. But the two organizations understood
people's frustrations and met them where they were at. I would
recommend to any municipality in this country facing crisis or
disaster that these are two organizations you should look at.
- Jody Price, Fire Chief - Oromocto, NB
Billy Graham Rapid Response is indispensable to those who want
to learn how to sensitively and insightfully support someone who is
going through a crisis. Immediately after the training, I
encountered a young man who had recently lost his wife to cancer.
Because of the training, I was able to offer the practical response
of a listening ear and an encouraging word of validation -- instead
of hesitating and being unsure of what to say. Thank you for
helping me to have the courage to enter into someone's
suffering.
- Dawn from B.C.
Being on the Rapid Response Team (RRT) has given me skills and
insight to be more empathetic. I am more able to look for Christ in
the situations people are going through. It's human nature to give
an answer to problems, but I've learned to say less and listen
more. I'm a shoulder to lean on, bringing calm into people's
tumultuous lives.
When I served during Operation Christmas Child season at
Samaritan's Purse Canada, I realized how incredible it is to be
surrounded by people with all kinds of stories and backgrounds. So
many Operation Christmas Child staffers were themselves in the
midst of hard times, even though it was Christmas. Serving with RRT
fulfills a huge need - helping to keep spirits high during such an
emotional time.
The training was intense, deep, and incredibly valuable. Any
person of faith who has a serving heart will benefit from it. Even
if you don't want to pursue chaplaincy accreditation, the training
can help you be supportive to family and friends.
- Angelika from Alberta