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