Local Ministry Preparing Today for Tomorrow's Disasters

Associated Churches Active in Disaster (ACAD) announces Informational Meeting

Fort Wayne, IN - September 12, 2013 - ACAD, the disaster response and missions ministry of Associated Churches of Fort Wayne and Allen County is focused on preparing today for tomorrows disasters.  

While ACAD has already responded to local, regional, and national disasters, the goal is to form a team of volunteers from the local faith community to be ready to respond to tomorrow's disasters. The next time disaster strikes within reasonable travel distance of Fort Wayne, an ACAD team made up of interested members of multiple congregations, would prepare to respond. This would enable Christians to volunteer even when their congregations are unable to form their own teams. 

The ACAD group is made up of staff members from Associated Churches, representatives of local government, including the county Department of Homeland Security, and members of member congregations who have experience and/or interest in disaster response.

ACAD recently began a long-term relationship with a national Christian organization, called Operation Blessing International. This non-profit humanitarian organization based in Virginia will coordinate the effort to send volunteers to out-of-town disasters.

"Christians are usually among the first to arrive at a disaster scene and the last to leave," said Roger Reece, Executive Pastor of Associated Churches. "But well-meaning believers can actually hinder aid by arriving on their own, without coordination. Our relationship with Operation Blessing provides a way for local Christians to pitch in without unintentionally causing problems."

ACAD is also prepared to assist with local incidents, by coordinating the resources of Associated Churches' member congregations.

The informational meeting is scheduled for September 25, 2013, from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.on the third floor at First Presbyterian Church, 600 E. Wayne, St., Fort Wayne. Light refreshments will be served. ACAD Group Members will be available to answer questions. This informational meeting is open to anyone who is interested in being a part of a local disaster response team.

For further information check the website at www.AssociatedChurches.Org/ACAD and/or contact Fr. Dan Layden, ACAD Chair at 260-579-5555,  [email protected] or Roger Reece, Executive Pastor at 260-422-3528,  [email protected].