Ministry in a disaster setting can take on many different forms – hauling flooded debris, removing trees from homes, or simply offering a smile and listening ear. This year’s workshops are designed to give you some basic skills that are needed in ministering to people through U.S. Disaster Relief and through our new Rebuild Program. You can IMPACT the world for Eternity!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Participants may select two of the 3-hour courses or the 6-hour Christian Life & Witness Course. Some classes will have a limited number of spaces. Participants will be placed on a first-come first-serve basis.
Chainsaw Training (3 hours)
This hands-on workshop will give you basic instructions for operating a chainsaw in disaster relief situations safely and effectively. You will learn how to assess situations where a chainsaw is needed and learn techniques for safely removing trees and fallen limbs. This session is ideal for volunteers who are familiar with Disaster Relief and want to learn how to better lead a chainsaw team responding to hurricanes and ice storms. *Class size is limited.
Skid Steer Loader Training (3 hours)
In this workshop you will gain a basic understanding of the “work horse” of disaster relief – the skid steer. Learn how the equipment is designed, when it is used, how it is used, and how to operate it safely. The course will give you hands-on familiarity with the equipment. It is designed for volunteers who would like to operate a Skid Steer at a disaster site. *Class size is limited.
Disaster Relief Basic Skills (3 hours)
In this workshop you will learn proper techniques for responding to all types of disasters. We will review safety issues related to each type of disaster and provide “How-To” instructions for mud-outs, mold remediation, and tarping. This session is ideal for volunteers who have never responded to a flood or a hurricane; or for volunteers who want to ensure they are aware of proper safety measures for themselves and their team. Anyone who leads a team from their church/group is encouraged to attend.
Construction & Rebuild: An Intro In To Long-Term Recovery (3 hours)
In this interactive session you will learn more about the Samaritan’s Purse rebuild program, hear what to expect if you volunteer for a rebuild project, and view demonstrations of some of the work typically done on a construction rebuild site. These could include but are not limited to flooring installation, properly hanging drywall, shingling a roof, etc. This session is good for novice carpenters or volunteers who want to learn a new skill.
Abiding In Christ (3 hours)
When you are in over your head in ministry – whether on a disaster site or just in everyday life – how do you stay connected to the Power Source? In John 15, Jesus said the secret is staying connected to Him. During this session, you will focus your attention on the true Power Source – Jesus Christ. Learn the importance of remaining in Christ before a disaster strikes, during a disaster, and after the disaster has passed. This session is geared for volunteers at all levels of disaster relief experience and all levels of spiritual maturity.
New Levels of Ministry With Disaster Relief (3 hours)
The Lord may use just one encounter, or just one week serving as a volunteer with U.S. Disaster Relief to open your eyes to a new area of service for Him. This workshop is designed to introduce you to other ministry opportunities within Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Relief including how to become part of the Site Management Team; how your church can become a beacon of hope to your community as a Lighthouse Church; how you can lead your team on an international mission trip; and learn more about temporary and full-time job opportunities with Samaritan’s Purse. Each of these aspects will be presented with a question and answer time to follow.
Christian Life & Witnessing Course (6 hours)
Led by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, The Christian Life and Witness Course helps people understand who they are in Jesus Christ, according to God’s Word. This course also equips believers to share their faith with others. Participants learn what to say, how to share their faith in daily situations, and how to take care of new believers. Typically this class is taught in three 2-hour session over the course of several weeks. But we are blessed to be able to offer it to our volunteers in an all-day format. This course is a must-have for anyone wanting to become bolder and better equipped in sharing their faith.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Workshops held on this additional day of training are geared for volunteers who want to take their disaster relief ministry to the next level by serving as a first responder or a member of the Site Management Team. To participate in these workshops, you must be registered for the standard conference (June 4-6). There will be an additional charge $150 per couple, $95 per person (single occupancy), or $75 per person (double occupancy). Room check-in for participants of these workshops begins at 2:00 PM, Thursday, June 3.
Incident Command System (ICS) 100 & 200
Both ICS 100 and ICS 200 are required National Incident Management System (NIMS) training courses. ICS 100 introduces the Incident Command System (ICS) and provides the foundation for higher level ICS training. This course describes the history, features, principles, and organizational structure of the Incident Command System. It also explains the relationship between ICS and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). ICS 200 provides more details about leadership roles within the Incident Command System. Although these courses are usually taught on-line, we are blessed to have an instructor donating his time to provide these two courses live in an interactive classroom setting. This course is designed for volunteers who want to take the initial steps in becoming credentialed volunteers who are authorized to serve as First Responders immediately following a disaster.
Samaritan’s Purse & ServSafe
This workshop is a modified version of the ServSafe course for anyone preparing or handling food at one of Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Relief Sites. It will cover five key areas including Basic Food Safety, Personal Hygiene, Cross-contamination & Allergens, Time & Temperature, and Cleaning & Sanitation. It will also review Samaritan’s Purse policies and expectations for cooks who support the Disaster Relief teams. This interactive course is designed for volunteers who would like to serve with U.S. Disaster Relief preparing meals for our volunteers serving at a disaster site.