Free crisis response seminar scheduled for May 4 in Farmington
Courtesy of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
Mike Maendel believes that daily, most people encounter someone who is going through a crisis.
“What’s the right thing to say? What’s the wrong thing to say? How is it best to help a person?” asked Maendel, who handles public relations for the New Meadow Run/Spring Valley Bruderhof Communities in Farmington.
To help those who want to learn how to assist in a crisis moment, whether it be big or small, the Bruderhof is hosting a free training May 4 held by the Bill Graham Rapid Response Team.
The team is a nationwide network that provides responders to disaster situations. Developed following the 9/11 attacks, the team has responded to more than 800 disaster sites across the globe, including shootings, floods, hurricanes, wildfires and tornadoes.
Maendel said one of the pastors in the Bruderhof community is a chaplain with the rapid response team. With recent tragedies in Fayette County, including a fatal crash that killed four adults and an infant last month near the Bruderhof, they felt it was an appropriate time to invite the team to the area for training.
The free, one-day seminar at New Meadow Run/Spring Valley is open to the public and will help equip participants to help those who are struggling following tragic events.
The seminar topics include effects of trauma, places of grief, listening skills, a ministry of hope and what to say and what not to say.
“Suffering and tragedy are all around us. It could be a loved one with cancer, the death of a friend, a job loss or a divorce. As people desperately seek answers to life’s problems, it is critical that we be able to know how to respond and share God’s hope and comfort with them,” said Kevin Williams, manager of training and community engagement with the response team.
Maendel said 300 people have already registered for the event, which can hold up to 500. He suggested those who are interested in attending register in advance, though walk-ins will be accepted if there is room.
The training is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 4 at Spring Valley Community Center, 100 Spring Valley Rd., Farmington, Pa., 15437.
To register online, visit https://rrt.billygraham.org/training-opportunities/.