Category: Emotional & Spiritual Care

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Community Donations Emotional & Spiritual Care Local Church NEWS

ACS Responds to Miami Building Collapse

One of our Emotional and Spiritual Care providers speaks with Search and Rescue workers during one of their breaks, offering support to those working on the scene.

UPDATE – July 7, 2021

Adventist Community Services Disaster Response (ACS DR) teams continue to assist with Recovery Efforts in Surfside, Florida. Donations are pouring into the Warehouse which are being sorted and categorized for distribution for families of those affected by the condo collapse. Local churches such as the Tabernacle Seventh-day Adventist Church are being utilized as Distribution Sites where the survivors and other community members can have access to these donated goods that include food, clothing, personal care kits, and other essentials items. Several areas surrounding the Disaster Site are shut down and multiple buildings in Miami have been evacuated due to safety concerns. The American Red Cross is helping displaced residents and emergency providers find a safe place to stay by setting up shelters in a hotel nearby, as well as offering their headquarters to house evacuees. In addition, we are working in coordination with them to provide counseling through our credentialed personnel. ACS Emotional and Spiritual Care providers are teaming up with Red Cross providers to render aid to residents and community members in various areas around the Disaster Site.

One particular survival story was told by a young lady who lived in the collapsed building. She explained to our Providers that her mother had saved her life. Upon inquiring as to how this was so, she went on to share that the only reason she was not home on that fateful night was because her mother had fallen ill earlier in the day. She decided to leave her apartment and stay with her mother that night just to ensure that she would be okay. As she spoke, she got emotional and our Providers offered to pray with her. Right there in the middle of the hotel lobby, our Providers prayed and asked God to continue to be with her and her mother. At the end of the prayer, she asked if she could receive a hug. Though as Providers we are careful with how touch is used, each of the Providers embraced and asked God to be with her. “There are more stories that could be told, but needless to stay ACS is participating in work that will have impact on those affected by this event,” said W. Derrick Lea, Director of NAD ACS.

Click here to read article on the Miami building collapse by NAD Communications.

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UPDATE – July 1, 2021

ACS Disaster Response personnel from the Southeastern and Florida conferences assembled early this morning at Feeding South Florida in Pembroke Park which will be utilized as a Warehouse. It is located about 15 minutes away under normal traffic conditions from the Disaster site. This area of the city is shut down currently allowing only designated response personnel and residents within a 15-block radius of the site, and police are ensuring these restrictions are enforced through verification of credentials every other block. ACS conference directors Conrad Duncan and Robert Moore outlined the plan of operations for the team. Each person was designated with a particular role and then a tour of the facility was given to the entire team.

In addition to collecting the donated goods that come in, we have identified various Distribution Sites which include our local churches. We will utilize our ACS Volunteers to operate at these sites in order to be able to provide these goods directly to families of those affected. In addition, the team traveled to the Disaster site and met with Serve Florida at their Command Center. They discussed what support ACS would consider helpful which included travel cost coverage for our volunteers, increased messaging to the public of the donations that will be helpful, and transportation support for the Warehouse to deliver goods to those affected.

Video: Southeastern Conference ACS Director Robert Moore and Florida Conference Ryan Amos speak about ACS involvement.

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A 13-story condominium tower, Champlain Towers South, located near Miami, Florida, partially collapsed in the early hours of June 24, 2021 morning. Sixteen people have been confirmed dead and around 150 unaccounted for. We are working together with the ACS teams at the Southern Union Conference, and Florida and Southeastern conferences who are assessing the situation in order to determine how to best serve the affected community. The local authorities of Florida State have requested ACS to assist with Warehouse operations. ACS Disaster Response (ACS DR) leadership from both conferences are working in a coordinated way to form a Warehouse Management team and are in discussion on how the Recovery Efforts will take place. ACS Directors Robert Moore and Conrad Duncan have each identified trained members from their conference that will outfit this team for 24 hours a day during the first week of operations.

In addition to the need for a State Warehouse, we are also attempting to set up Distribution Sites for community members. We’ve also been asked by the American Red Cross whether our Emotional and Spiritual Care Providers could be utilized to provide assistance for families affected by this tragic event. We will be in discussion with them to determine the particulars of this assignment for this phase. Since Florida has been the site of several challenging circumstances, we have credentialed Providers who are ready to be of service. W. Derrick Lea, Director for North American Division Adventist Community Services, is currently onsite meeting with our ACS team members at the Warehouse to put the operational plan in place, set schedules of those assigned, and collaborate with authorities responsible for overall Response in the community. “The days will be long, but we trust that many will be helped through our efforts, and that those who observe us will see Christ working through us,” said Lea.

Please keep the individuals and families who have been affected by this tragedy in your prayers.

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Emotional & Spiritual Care Food Aid Local Conference NEWS Partnership

ACS Responds to Mass Shooting in Colorado

BOULDER, CO - MARCH 22: Healthcare workers walk out of a King Sooper's Grocery store after a gunman opened fire on March 22, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado. Dozens of police responded to the afternoon shooting in which at least one witness described three people who appeared to be wounded, according to published reports. (Photo by Chet Strange/Getty Images))

On Monday, March 22, a gunman opened fire at a supermarket in Boulder, Colorado, leaving ten people dead. Among the casualties was a police officer who was responding to this heinous act of violence. Derrick Lea, North American Division ACS Disaster Response director, has been in communication with Cathy Kissner, Rocky Mountain Conference ACS director, the Emergency Management in Boulder, Colorado VOAD, and other associated entities to discuss a plan as to how we can render assistance to the affected community. We have been requested to serve by filling the role of providing emotional and spiritual care. The local ACS team has selected some individuals who have been trained and equipped for this task. We’ve also communicated with the local Adventist church in Boulder, informing them of the resources we can provide. Additionally, we’re working with Salvation Army that has been asked to distribute food to the community to see if we could partner with them.

“While the tragedy is one we had hoped would not happen again, the reality of these type of events is hitting us with more regularity. Our continuous desire is to be prepared for these type of crisis events and also ultimately represent the love of Christ in our acts of service to those hurting,” said Lea.

Click here to read the statement put out by the Rocky Mountain Conference.

Please remember the families who have lost loved ones, the survivors, as well as those who are responding to this tragedy.

BOULDER, CO – MARCH 22: Healthcare workers walk out of a King Sooper’s Grocery store after a gunman opened fire on March 22, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado. Dozens of police responded to the afternoon shooting in which at least one witness described three people who appeared to be wounded, according to published reports. (Photo by Chet Strange/Getty Images))
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Disaster Response Emotional & Spiritual Care

ACS Responds to Mass Shooting – El Paso and Dayton

Update – August 8, 2019

The Family Assistance Center in El Paso has been serving those affected by the shooting. Yesterday, the Center helped over 200 people. The city officials informed the leadership within the Disaster Response community that they would be taking over the operation. Though this did not affect our work on the ground much, another event took place that had a very definite impact on the operation. President Trump had decided to visit both Dayton and El Paso today. However, several residents were against this visit and a protest was set up at the Walmart where the shooting took place in Texas. Many of those that were expected to visit the Center decided to go and voice their opinions at the protest. Hence, today’s numbers were around 50. The team was not deterred in the least, and our Emotional and Spiritual Care Providers gave assistance to those that did visit the facility.

Our Disaster Response Team met with the Mexican Consulate this morning to ascertain how we might be of more help to the Latino population at large that live both Stateside and across the border. It is believed that some of those injured may not be coming for help because of their legal status. Regardless of this situation, our team members were ready to help all those who were in need of our services and this point was stressed repeatedly. Our current team will be in place for the remainder of this week. We have planned a second team to be used starting Sunday who will continue to render care to those affected. Our Care Providers have been observed and well-appreciated by those receiving services, as well as members of the Disaster Response Community.

Derrick Lea, Director of Adventist Community Services Disaster Response, met with American Red Cross and Emergency Management contacts overseeing the Family Assistance Center for families affected by the horrific shootings in El Paso, Texas. A team of ACS bi-lingual Emotional & Spiritual Care providers were approved and vetted to assist and support the individuals and families experiencing great trauma. In addition, Andrew Mobley, Adventist Community Services Director of Allegheny West Conference has reached out to the local leadership in Dayton, Ohio and has a team on stand-by. Read more here!

Please pray for the ACS teams as well as the families that are suffering due to this tragedy.

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Educational Emotional & Spiritual Care Events

Emotional & Spiritual Care Session at NAD

The first ACS Emotional & Spiritual Care session at the North American Division headquarters was held on December 11-12, 2018. It was conducted by W. Derrick Lea, NAD ACS Disaster Response Director. Twenty-six pastors, lay members, and community service leaders took advantage of this opportunity which provided participants needed practical skills for critical incident response. The majority of participants were from the Chesapeake, Allegheny East, and Allegheny West conferences.

The session started out with the 2-hour ‘Special Issues in Emotional & Spiritual Care’ class which was followed by the 13-hour ‘Assisting Individuals in Crisis’ class forming a joint 2-day intensive program. Derrick presented useful tools and techniques on how to assess and reach people in various critical situations to meet their immediate needs. The session consisted of interactive lectures, group activities, videos, and role-play scenarios. Participants also shared stories and experiences of their encounters with individuals in crisis, and how they addressed their concerns. The session ended with the participants receiving their certificates, followed by a brief speech by Elder Debra Brill, NAD Vice President for Ministries, who addressed the attendees and also appreciated them for their dedicated service and efforts in community outreach.

The classes were well received. The participants found them to be extremely helpful in enhancing their crisis management skills to respond to individuals affected by a disaster or trauma by providing emotional and spiritual care. One pastor stated, “It is helping prepare me as a community pastor to minister to those who encounter emotional crisis.” Another participant said, “These classes provided invaluable information that helps me better to be equipped to serve.” The participants are now eligible to become a credentialed ACS Emotional & Spiritual Care Provider I.

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Educational Emotional & Spiritual Care

ACS Offers Emotional & Spiritual Care Session in Rwanda

Our first ACS Emotional and Spiritual Care class outside of the North American Division was conducted last week in Rwanda. The ‘Assisting Individuals in Crisis’ course was taught by W. Derrick Lea, NAD ACS Disaster Response Director, in the city of Kigali from August 13-15. A few months ago ADRA Rwanda reached out to us asking if we’d be willing to offer guidance in Emotional Spiritual Care training to their team onsite. Many of the other ADRA country offices in Africa also expressed interest in attending the training, as well. We had 35 people from seven countries (Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi, Congo, Kenya, and Tanzania) that turned up for it.

One of the clearest indications of how different some of our work is within the NAD occurred during the introductions when each participant was asked to say their name along with a disaster they had responded to in the last six months. The list of events that was compiled included cholera, malaria, Ebola outbreaks, refugee influxes, cyclones, drought, and mudslides. War conflicts within countries were also highlighted as one of the major crises. These events signify the degree of trauma many in attendance were dealing with daily. As the first day of the class began, it was evident that the attendees had a need to share their experiences and the challenge of meeting their concerns was one Derrick took very seriously.

Each day of the session focused on how part of our task was to offer support to communities that in several cases were still recovering from crisis events in various areas. An example of this was described by one of the country directors from the South Congo. Since war has been a reality in this area for over 20 years, many of those he encounters have been displaced from their homes and living in a refugee camp for 5-10 years, which is beyond the norm and original intent of a refugee camp. These families continue to be impacted by the loss of a home and exposure to an outbreak of cholera in the area, leaving them in a perpetual state of crisis. These are the type of multilevel events that compound an already challenging situation.

Another country director spoke of communities that are in such a sense of shock that they will not verbalize or communicate the level of tragedy to anyone trying to help or assist them in any way. This challenge complicates the assessment of the needed support for this group. These are the type of issues that were discussed over the course of the session with those in attendance. The responses we received from them was overwhelmingly positive. “I hope we can again work out the particulars of how ACS and ADRA can work together in support of communities that experience crisis around the world. As we become more familiar with the strengths both organizations bring to recovery efforts, those affected will ultimately be better served by the Seventh-day Adventist Church,” said Derrick.

Here are a few photos of the Emotional & Spiritual Care session in Rwanda:

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Disaster Response Emotional & Spiritual Care Local Conference Volcano

ACS Responds to Hawaii Volcano Situation

The Hawaii Conference hosted a ACS Emotional and Spiritual Care session this week in the aftermath of the volcanic eruption that has devastated hundreds of homes and property. Thirty-five pastors and lay members took advantage of the classes that were taught in Oahu by W. Derrick Lea, NAD ACS DR Director. The Hawaii ACS DR Director, William Payne, is also hosting a wonderful series of Disaster Response training that started with Derrick and will continue until the weekend by the Pacific Union ACS Director, Charlene Sargent.

After the sessions, Derrick headed to the Big Island of Hawaii to support Pastor Lopez, our lead on the ground. His Team has been feeding the community at least two days a week and working at two shelters that are housing those whose homes have been overtaken by the lava flow. Currently, Camp Waianae in Oahu has opened its doors to over 30 children who live on the Big Island. This has provided respite and rejuvenation for a group that will be confronting challenges in the long run.

Derrick had an opportunity to speak with some of the children that were flown to Oahu from the Big Island. Each of them was so excited to express how much fun they were having learning new things and taking part in the nightly vespers. “It was thrilling to hear the excitement of the youth and just as encouraging to see the work our young adult Counselors put into making this such a wonderful experience,” said Lea. He added, “While the Camp does provide a respite to the children, as I walked around two of the shelters on the Big Island, I was struck by the reality the children will return to.” Due to limited space, both shelters provide beds closely positioned next to the other. Tents were set up around the parking lot and in the lawn area. This seems to provide some level of privacy, but the daily rain makes this an uncomfortable circumstance.

In addition, there were other challenges that the residents were facing. Breathing in this environment is extremely difficult, even for those without asthma. Many of the occupants and workers talked about having a constant headache for days. Though the Governing authorities suggest the air quality is acceptable, those on site have a differing opinion. The ACS DR Teams continue to work with the local community to ensure a long-term Recovery Plan is being worked on that will meet the needs of the community.

Click here to get a glimpse of the work that ACS was involved in this week.

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Disaster Response Emotional & Spiritual Care

ACS DR Team Renders Support to Orlando Victims

The NAD ACS Disaster Response Team is currently in Orlando to assist the conference and local leaders on how to best help the community coping in the aftermath of the mass shooting tragedy. W. Derrick Lea, NAD ACS DR director, has reached out to various conferences and organizations such as the Florida Conference, Southeastern Conference, Florida Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to discuss the possible need for Crisis Care within the local community.

They identified local pastors, Crisis Care members, and possible partners in the local area, who could render support and assistance in their endeavors. Some of the partner organizations include American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, and United Way. Their joined efforts produced a team of 15 individuals who were willing to serve as spiritual care providers for the recovery efforts. A number of activities are currently taking place by various churches, which include prayer vigils, blood drives, the offer to host funerals by several central Florida Adventist churches, and churches being open for the public to come and talk.

On the morning of June 15th, ACS Disaster Response, along with six crisis care workers/pastors, visited families that had members being treated at the Florida hospital. They were also able to speak with the patients and provide them care and counseling, for which they were truly grateful. The staff was so touched by the impact they had on the patients and families that they were asked to offer prayers at a prayer vigil given for the entire hospital.

Let us remember those who have been affected by this tragedy, and those who continue to lend service to them.