"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."
A member of ACAD's leadership team, Rob Reece, recently participated in the
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Rob Reece in Moore, Okla. |
Operation Blessing response to the tornado in Moore, Okla. "I was able to help in a meaningful way without a lot of hoops to jump through," Rob Reece said. "I was also impressed that Operation Blessing has a place for almost any volunteer, regardless of skill set."
Although Operation Blessing is wrapping up its response to Moore, ACAD hopes to form a team of volunteers from the local faith community the next time disaster strikes within reasonable travel distance of Fort Wayne. An ACAD team would include interested members of multiple congregations, thus enabling Christians to volunteer when their congregations are unable to form their own teams.
ACAD is also prepared to assist with local incidents, by coordinating the resources of Associated Churches' member congregations.
People interested in learning more about ACAD and disaster volunteer opportunities may visit ACAD's website and/or contact ACAD chair Fr. Dan Layden, 260-579-5555, dklayden@gmail.com or Roger Reece, 260-422-3528, roger@associatedchurches.org.
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Associated Churches of Fort Wayne and Allen County was founded in 1944 and includes 135 churches as members. Its primary ministries include the Neighborhood Food Network, A Baby's Closet, Rising Stars, Military Families, and ACAD. To learn more visit: