Billy Graham Rapid Response Team to Train Area Students in Crisis Response

Event at First Free Church in Manchester Will Prepare Teens to Offer Hope in the Aftermath of Tragedies

 The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team – a nationwide network of specially trained chaplains ready to deploy whenever disaster strikes – has developed a student chaplain program to equip young people to offer hope to their friends who are going through difficult times, and even deploy into disaster areas to minister to affected teens.

On Saturday, Nov. 12, First Free Church will host this specialized training for area students. The “Sharing Hope in Crisis – Student Training” seminar will offer biblical teaching on suffering and grief with practical tips on what to say and not say to those who are dealing with a crisis. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Free Church, 1375 Carman Rd., Manchester, Mo., and will cost $10. The training is appropriate for students ages 14-17, and parents or guardians are welcome to attend.

“I believe we have gifted youth in our churches who are spiritually prepared to go on to a new level of ministry. Whether suffering is caused by an everyday crisis or major disaster, this training will help students engage with their peers to appropriately share God’s love and hope when life hurts,” said Jack Munday, director of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team. “This is ministry preparation which will help students respond to the emotional and spiritual needs of those around them.”

More information on the training – as well as a registration form for those planning to attend – can be found online at http://www.billygraham.org/rrtshic_manchester.asp. A preview video for the training is posted at http://bit.ly/vq6HZn.

The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team was developed by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. It has since grown into a nationwide network of chaplains in 44 states who are specifically trained to deal with crisis situations. They have deployed to more than 120 disaster sites, including shootings, floods, hurricanes, wildfires and tornadoes. Participants in the Nov. 12 training will learn of opportunities to deploy as student chaplains with the Rapid Response Team when major disasters occur.

For more information on the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team, visit www.billygraham.org/rrt. For videos, photos and news articles from recent Billy Graham Rapid Response Team deployments, visit www.billygraham.org/response. Ministry updates are posted at www.facebook.com/BGRapidResponseTeam.

About the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world by every effective means available through a wide range of domestic and international evangelism ministries. Visit www.billygraham.org. Get news updates on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/BGEAnews.