Eighty people attended a disaster response training to learn about providing ongoing assistance for those affected by Hurricane Maria — which devastated the country 20 September 2017 — and future disasters.

The training, held 8 September at the Yahveh Shalom Church of the Nazarene in Dominguito, was organized by Nazarene Compassionate Ministries in collaboration with other local organizations. 

Monserrate Santos, director of the Integrated Crisis Intervention Program offered by the Mental Health and Anti-Addiction Services Administration, and Ismael Ponce, the Care Ministries director for the Mission Board Church of God, were the two event speakers.

Santos led “Mental Health in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria,” while Ponce led “Pastoral Intervention in the Current Crisis in Puerto Rico.” Both speakers shared tips, tools, and resources participants can use to effectively minister to hurricane victims throughout Puerto Rico.

“The participants expressed their satisfaction with the time they spent and left wanting to be able to take other trainings to help them work with people in crisis,” said Carmen Nuñez, NCM coordinator for the Puerto Rico West District. “We thank God for the chance to be trained to help those in need on our island.”

--Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica