Arizona Disaster relief prepares to serve

By Kay Harms
Photos by N. John Keller

Just in time to be mobilized to the Midwest to help with flood recovery this spring, well over 100 people recently received training in various Arizona Southern Baptist Disaster Relief operations.

“We trained 30 people in the preliminary course, Involving Southern Baptists in Disaster Relief (ISBDR), at First Southern Baptist in Tucson on Feb. 17,” said Patty Kirchner, associate state director. “Additionally, we offered introductions to flood recovery and feeding unit.”

March 1-2, an additional 84 people attended the annual statewide Disaster Relief training at Gateway Fellowship, Gilbert. Forty-five new volunteers received the initial ISBDR training, but participants also received training in practical first aid, feeding, chainsaw, shower, recovery and assessment. Plus, 15 seasoned volunteers participated in a chaplaincy refresher course.

“For most of April, we had scheduled equipment maintenance,” Kirchner said, “but when all of our equipment is ready to go again we know we will be sending units out.”

In fact, the shower unit has already been serviced and is awaiting a request. Meanwhile, a team of five left Arizona April 22 to assist with flood recovery in Nebraska. They will be followed by other teams May 2 and May 11.