When disaster strikes, Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief (ABDR) volunteers are among the first to respond, offering more than just a hot meal or removing debris—they offer the hope of the Gospel.
“We don’t do this just to cut the trees or feed the people,” ABDR Director Randy Garrett said. “We do it to represent Jesus. The satisfaction that you get from knowing that you were there and helped somebody, especially if you are able to lead someone to Christ, you will never forget it. It is one of the most beautiful things you will ever experience in your life.”
ABDR has four regional training events planned for 2026. The trainings offer a firsthand look at how ABDR brings help, healing, and hope to those affected by disaster as volunteers follow Christ’s example of meeting physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
The 2026 training events are:
- March 7 – Central Baptist Church in Jonesboro
- April 18 – Indian Springs Baptist Church in Bryant
- August 15 – New Life Baptist Church in Alexander
- September 5 – Cross Church Pinnacle in Rogers
ABDR offers chainsaw, communications, media, feeding, flood recovery, box ministry, evangelism, safety officer, and shower/laundry trainings at each regional event.
Referred volunteers also have the opportunity to train as chaplains. Chaplaincy training, however, is separate from the regional trainings. To serve as a chaplain, the volunteer must have been on at least one deployment. They also have to complete a two-day chaplaincy training, specific to disaster relief, and enroll in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) training. The next CISM training will be Feb. 20-21.
For more information on ABDR or to register for trainings, visit abscdisasterrelief.org.