Virginia Baptists are moving forward in their plans for ministering to children and their families who are affected by natural disasters. Members of the Children's Ministry Disaster Response Unit met with Terry Raines, the Virginia Baptist Mission Board's disaster relief coordinator, to discuss plans to equip the unit as well as recruit and equip volunteers to minister to children and families as part of a holistic disaster response.
Using monies provided by Weatherford Memorial Baptist Church in Richmond, Raines purchased a 16-foot trailer that will be equipment with resources essential to setting up a temporary child care center in a disaster-affected area.
Planning to sleep on the floor of the educational facilities at a church house, six members of the Children's Ministry Disaster Relief Advisory Team traveled to Rocky Mount, N.C., on March 10 to participate in equipping sessions relative to providing ministry to children and their families. These members include Gayle Bradley, Barbara Booth, Marce Gouldin and Diane Smith, all from the Richmond area; Tanya McLaurin from Roanoke; and Sandi Mosley from Chesapeake.
Commented one of the Advisory Team, “I don't remember ever having slept on the floor with 14 other women! Do you think we are in a simulated disaster response?”
Other members of the Children's Ministry Disaster Response Advisory Team include Kathy Parker from Colonial Heights and Donna Welborn.
“These children's ministers are tremendous advocates for children. They are excited about how God will use this unit/trailer to touch the hearts and lives of children and families. They are committed to ministry,” said Raines.
“I'm blessed to know these children's ministers. They are praying people. They want to be the hands of Jesus to children and their families. They grasp the concept that children first learn to love the adults in their lives; then they learn to love God, whom adults reflect to them,” stated Diane Smith, children's ministry strategist for Virginia Baptists.
For more information about the Children's Ministry Disaster Response Unit, click on www.vbmb.org.