Authors Hope to Prepare Chaplains and Volunteers for Crises
For immediate release: Record-breaking hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, wildfires, mass shootings and more are becoming the new normal for our world. As an unprecedented number of people experience physical, spiritual and economic disaster, faith-based organizations are equipping an ever-growing army of chaplains and volunteers to meet the expansive needs of hurting people. Chaplains of the Bible: Inspiration for Those Who Help Others in Crisis (Ambassador International; May 2012; $12.99, paperback) is a new guidebook for those who want to be better prepared to serve the distressed.
Chaplains of the Bible teaches lessons in serving the hurting through leaders and prophets in the Bible including Moses, Nehemia, Elisha, Elijah and, of course, Jesus. “We may not think of these men as chaplains,” says author Richard Geyer, “but their experiences serving people in distress offer much in the way of biblical wisdom to guide us.” Chaplains of the Bible also includes a free bible study guide which makes it a great resource for churches and organizations working to prepare and equip chaplains and volunteers.
From Hurricane Katrina to the earthquake in Haiti, husband and wife authors Richard and Patricia Geyer have responded to dozens of disasters. But the Geyers know we don’t have to live in a hurricane zone or floodplain to encounter personal tragedies. “A friend who lost their job, a next door neighbor whose teen commits suicide or a loved-one diagnosed with cancer all need to experience the love of Christ,” says Patricia. “I believe Chaplains of the Bible can help prepare Christians to serve others in their hour of greatest need, wherever and whenever that may be.”
Patricia and Richard Geyer are senior chaplains ordained by the International Fellowship of Chaplains (IFOC). Patricia is also certified by the IFOC as a trainer and has received the Certificate of Specialized Training in Spiritual Care in Crisis Intervention and the Certificate of Specialized Training in Emergency Services from the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF). Richard devotes his chaplain services to veterans. Dick and Pat have four children, seven grandchildren and three rescued cats. They live on sixteen tranquil acres in Maryland.
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