You will be called to support people experiencing trauma.
It might be a natural disaster, a terror attack, a school shooting or a life changing event with someone close to you.
Dr. Kevin Ellers, of the Salvation Army, responds to questions, in a KLOVE interview, about his experience at the collapse of the twin towers twenty years ago.
He emphasized the importance of presence, listening and practical support. You can go to the KLOVE website listen to the interview and read from Marya Morgan's blog (https://www.klove.com/news/closer-look/hot-topx/closer-look-heroes-shaped-by-9-11-lessons-from-the-attacks-on-america-2427.)
"Kevin Ellers, D. Min, was in Kansas City when he was called to the Trade Towers collapse in New York City with The Salvation Army. For two weeks he cried and prayed with people who lost husbands or wives, sons and daughters at Ground Zero. He stood in sacred silence alongside firefighters and chaplains when human remains were found in the rubble of what recovery workers called ‘The Pile.’" (KLOVE Closer Look)
Traumas, like many needs that confront a person and a Caregiver, cannot be explained. While trying to regain equilibrium, what the victim needs most is our presence, listening and, maybe, some practical support.
A man visited my church recently. His trauma was unrecognizable, but his countenance and body language revealed that he was disoriented and needing some help.
Two of my colleagues, on separate occasions, noticed him and offered the ministry of presence and listening. They learned his story and he was thankful to tell it. Even though his trauma continued to rock his world, he was no longer alone.
He returned to the men who cared enough to be present and listen. This time he had a confession. "If you had not been here for me, I was going to take my life."
"In the months and years after 9-11 Dr. Ellers studied trauma care and critical incident debriefing, eventually designing curriculum with titles like Spiritual First Aid, now used to train first responders internationally. Ellers currently serves as the Territorial Disaster Services Coordinator and Chaplaincy Coordinator for The Salvation Army Central Territory. He has also become a life coach." (Also from, K-LOVE Closer Look)
Practicing the basics of presence, listening and offering practical support, will equip every Care Pastor or Care Giver to make a difference in the traumas your people experience.
But, there are resources we can use to master our caring skills and train others as we grow our care ministries. Crisis Response Care (https://www.crisisresponse.org/connect/about) offers videos, podcasts and the possibilities of college credits with Crown College.
When you care, it matters, especially in a trauma. You might even save a life.
