The Rocky Bayou Baptist Association (RBBA) Disaster Relief team had a “show and tell” presentation to teach children at First Baptist Church of Hardy on April 22 about Southern Baptist Disaster Relief ministries. (Submitted)
HARDY, Ark. — The Rocky Bayou Baptist Association (RBBA) Disaster Relief team visited First Baptist Church of Hardy on April 22, offering a hands-on “show and tell” presentation to teach children about Southern Baptist Disaster Relief ministries.
The team introduced students to the various roles disaster relief volunteers play in responding to crises. Children sat on pieces of roof tarp material used in storm recovery, toured the RBBA deployment trailer and watched a log-cutting demonstration that included hand and arm signals used for safety and communication in the field.
Several students also had the opportunity to handle a Stihl 310 chainsaw equipped with a 25-inch bar and guard under supervision, sparking interest in future service.
Team members emphasized their mission to bring “help, healing and hope” to those affected by disasters. They explained that each deployment is an opportunity not only to meet physical needs but also to share the love of God and the message of Jesus Christ.
“They learned that our mission is to bring help, healing and hope, and that we take every opportunity to share the love of God and the good news of Jesus Christ on every deployment,” RBBA Associational Missionary Rick Hassell said.
At the conclusion of the presentation, the church’s Missions Journey children presented the team with care bags filled with hygiene items, gospel tracts and scriptures. The items will be distributed to storm victims during future deployments.
Church leaders Terry Linderman, pastor; Laura Lute, Missions Journey leader; and Amber Griffin, youth leader, helped coordinate the event.
Hassell said the April 22 presentation highlighted that Disaster Relief has a role of ministry and missions for everyone.
Upcoming trainings
ABDR offers regional training events that provide 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.
Upcoming training events are:
- August 15 – New Life Baptist Church in Alexander
- September 5 – Cross Church Pinnacle in Rogers
For more information on ABDR or to register for trainings, visit abscdisasterrelief.org.
The work of ABDR is made possible thanks to the generous giving of Arkansas Baptists through the Cooperative Program and the Dixie Jackson Arkansas Missions Offering.