By Nathan D. Pietsch
In early December, I was able to make a road trip to Redding, California. I am part of the Bethel Global Disaster Response Team. As a member of this team, I could get deployed anywhere in the world following a major disaster. A disaster could include: wild fires, tornadoes, floods, mud slides, avalanches, hurricanes, or the like.
I was able to help train new members of the team through disaster simulations. For the simulation, I got to "act" like a stressed-out Haitian pastor following a major earthquake. It was the trainees responsibility to calm me down, gather information, pray for me, and plan relief aid. Even though the situation was only a simulation, it was a wonderful way to begin training for a real disaster.
I was also able to help train up the attendees in food distribution. Food distribution is perhaps one of the most dangerous aspects of relief aid. When people are scared and hungry, they can become violent and forceful. We were able to train the group on how to prepare for a real-life food distribution.
It is exciting to be trained in Disaster Relief, and I'm prepared to go if I should get called, but it's never fun having a disaster strike a region. Our teams have already been deployed to numerous areas around the US and to Africa. Please pray for safety and protection.
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