Category: ConfDirectors

We regret to announce the passing of Pr. Ray Lamare Elsberry on August 26, 2021, at age 78 in Dora, Alabama. He served as the ACS and ACS Disaster Response Director for the Gulf States Conference for over 14 years and held these positions unofficially for over 22 years in various capacities, as well. Ray also held the State VOAD Chair position until he retired from his responsibilities in October of 2019. In addition, he pastored the Seventh-day Adventist churches in Columbus, Mississippi and in Phil Campbell, Alabama. He was a devout Christian who never met a stranger and was a friend to everyone he came across.

Ray was an instrumental leader over the decades for ACS ministry. He was recognized for his work in ACS at the Gulf States Conference Executive Committee meeting in October of 2019, where he was presented with plaques from NAD ACS and the Gulf States Conference to honor his dedication to helping others. “I so enjoyed working with Ray within the Gulf States territory. I could count on him to know exactly who to speak with in order to accomplish the work that needed to be done. Ray was truly a resource and I will miss him,” said, W. Derrick Lea, NAD ACS Director.

Please keep Nita Elsberry, wife of Ray, and the family in your prayers for strength and comfort during this difficult time.

Bob Mitchell, ACS and DR Coordinator of the Potomac Conference, is not only actively involved with ACS and VOAD, but also volunteers with the local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) as an instructor. He has been serving on their Steering Committee for over a decade and is a CERT staple every season, attending most of the classes and offering his wonderful insight and experiences to their students. Bob, who has always been a vital part of the CERT program, won the ‘Volunteer of the Year’ award presented by the Virginia Emergency Managers Association (VEMA).
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This year, he went above and beyond and attended every level 2 course for their fall program. When the instructor for the very first class of the season had to cancel at the last minute – literally five minutes before the class was scheduled to start – without a second thought, Bob jumped to the front of the room and with grace and ease co-taught the class with Maribel Street, Acting Emergency Management Coordinator of Charlottesville-UVA-Albemarle Office of Emergency Management.

“Bob’s continued displays of passion and his effort to ensure we have a well-rounded program, is truly inspiring. Our students love coming to class to soak up Bob’s stories and learn about all the opportunities CERT has to offer,” stated Ms. Street. The Charlottesville-UVA-Albemarle CERT program has taught over 1,000 individuals and continues to increase enrollment each season, thanks to leaders like Bob, who drive student participation and create strong volunteers. “I wish every CERT program had a member like Bob. He has made an immeasurable impact on our program and in our community,” continued Ms. Street.