by Bob Parrish, MPH

 

Tribal Leaders Train for Disaster Response

In February tribal representatives from ten tribes met with Seventh-day Adventist disaster trainers in Okmulgee, Oklahoma to begin their preparation to become “trainers-of-trainers” in their tribes for disaster response. Thanks to the leadership of Principal Chief Ellis of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and their Emergency Management Office, tribal facilities were made available for the classes in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.

 

Training was given on the role which the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has during a disaster and warehouse management, the specific role of Adventist Community Services-Disaster Response. FEMA Tribal Liaison Brenda McDougal was present to greet and speak to the group.   Specific training was given in the area of set up and management of a multi-agency warehouse to process donated supplies for distribution at a disaster site. In addition, each participant received a FEMA training manual and instruction to help each tribe begin the process of disaster preparation. For many this was their very first exposure to disaster preparedness, and the seminar was received with great appreciation. (See attached seminar brochure file.)

 

Inter Tribal Disaster Coalition

Native Ministry attended and sponsored a booth at the recent Inter Tribal Disaster Coalition conference in Catoosa, Oklahoma. The booth provided Seventh-day Adventist literature on Native Ministry and Adventist Community Services. During that conference I had an opportunity to meet Oklahoma State public health officials, physicians working in tribal health for the Cherokee Nation, FEMA representatives, and various tribal disaster response teams. Due to its humanitarian work, the Seventh-day Adventist Church was immediately known and recognized by conference organizers, and our booth fees were waived. We were the only church based ministry group who attended the meeting of nearly 150 persons. Attendance at this seminar was vital so that state and tribal officials could see that the Seventh-day Adventist church was interested in their welfare.

 

Tribal opportunities in Wetumka, OK

There are three tribal towns located in Wetumka, OK, a town south of Interstate 40 and located about midway in the state. Through recent years Native Ministry has conducted community service projects, held summer camp programs for their children, and developed relationships with tribal leaders. During meetings earlier this year with Ms. Jennie Lillard, a tribal chairperson for one of the tribes, the Seventh-day Adventist Church is being invited to conduct health education classes for their tribal members. 

 

We are interested in acquiring an empty 50 bed nursing home facility in the same community that can serve as a women’s health clinic, health center and a church plant location. It currently has water and mold damage, but is of recent construction. We have asked that it be donated and have offered assistance to the owners as they work details out with their insurance company.

 

Grant written

In the book Desire of Ages we read this of Christ’s life, “During His ministry, Jesus devoted more time to healing the sick than to preaching.” DA 350. In an effort to follow Christ’s example a multi-million dollar grant has been written called “Achieving Wellness Project” in an attempt to fund Native Ministry health programs. Over the past six months it has been presented to several donors who are interested in helping; however no funds have been donated yet.   If funded, this proposal will provide the resources to integrate medical and spiritual workers in a team approach for spiritual and lifestyle change. This is at the heart of true ministry. Every presentation has medical and spiritual components. We are not interested in just presenting health material but leading precious souls to the foot of the cross where God has power to make every change necessary for an abundant life now and entrance into heaven. This is where our program is different than most medical and health work done for Native Americans. Ellen White calls it “the right arm” of the message because it opens doors. Christ used it and it is my belief that as we continue to follow His example, we will see the best results.ving Wellness Project

Seventh-day Adventist Church

 

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