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

Event at Covenant Day High School in Matthews, NC Will Help Prepare Teens to Offer Hope Following a Personal Crisis or Major Disaster

Charlotte, N.C., April 4, 2012 – Teenagers are not immune to tragedy, from massive natural and man-made disasters that rock the foundation of their communities to personal crises like car accidents, divorce, broken relationships, financial worries, and teen pregnancy. Worse yet, many of their friends are not prepared to appropriately offer emotional and spiritual hope in the face of the pain.

The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team – a nationwide network of specially trained chaplains ready to deploy whenever disaster strikes – has developed a student training program to help equip young people to offer hope to their friends who are going through difficult times. The program also offers a Student Chaplain opportunity to deploy with crisis-trained mentors into disaster areas for ministry to affected teens.

On Saturday, April 14, Covenant Day High School 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 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the school, which is located at 800 Fullwood Lane in Matthews. There is a cost of $10, and the training is appropriate for students ages 14-17. The training is open to all, and is not limited to Covenant students. 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_Matthews.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 125 disaster sites, including shootings, floods, hurricanes, wildfires and tornadoes. Participants in the April 14 training will learn of opportunities to deploy as student chaplains with the Rapid Response Team when major disasters occur.

Web Links

·       Additional information on the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team: www.billygraham.org/rrt

·       An interactive map, videos and news articles from recent deployments: www.billygraham.org/crisisresponse

·       Ministry updates: 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.