The 2014 Global Summit Chapter Meeting was a great success as over 160 Chapter Directors, Advisory Board Members, ministry leaders and dedicated volunteers from the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean came together in Long Beach, CA for the 2014 North American Chapter Meeting – “What’s Next?” on Friday, May 16.
Steve Staten, Conflict Specialist with the Chicago Church of Christ, was one of the ministry leaders who attended the training. He writes, “My wife Tricia and I attended the prayer breakfast and Chapter training on the first day of the Summit with no idea of what to expect. Within a short time we separately began dreaming of an idea for the HOPEww Chapter that we could imagine back in our home city, Chicago. We were touched by the spiritual devotion that drives so many volunteers, the compassion and camaraderie.”
The day began in prayer
The day began with a prayer breakfast that highlighted the Community Service Division’s initiative, “Protecting Our Neighbors.” Chapter Directors, National Youth Advisory Council members and staff presented prayers and “Calls to Action,” highlighting the signature programs of our Disaster Services program. Chief Ernest Mitchell, Fire Administrator for the U.S. Fire Administration, delivered the keynote speech, emphasizing the importance of fire prevention programs and thanking volunteers for their efforts. Kim Gube, Volunteer Relationships Manager for the American Red Cross, recognized Chapters that have participated in the MLK Day of Service in partnership with the ARC and also honored Chapters which participated all seven years. Ms. Gube, Chief Mitchell and Scott Kirkpatrick, Evangelist for the Columbia Church of Christ, were presented with Servant Leadership Awards and Russ Paulsen,Executive Director, Community Preparedness and Resilience Programs, ARC and Rob Wahlfeld, Acting Director, National Disaster Partnerships, ARC, were given Legacy awards.
Providing disciples service opportunities
Chapter Representatives then attended the North American Chapter training. They were treated to a devotional delivered by Scott Kirkpatrick, then participated in interactive presentations on overcoming obstacles, creating opportunities for every disciple to serve, community partnerships and fundraising. The afternoon included round-table discussions on our most effective programs and how to implement them as well as small-group mentoring sessions. Antonio Boyd, HOPE worldwide Vice President, Community Service Division, inspired participants with great news from around the division. The program concluded with introduction of the National Youth Advisory Council and the annual Chapter awards which honored Chapters and volunteers whose work has been particularly inspirational and effective.
Challenged, encouraged and inspired
Chapter participants continued to be encouraged and challenged throughout the rest of the weekend as they heard messages and sharing from Country Directors and Evangelists from around the world. The weekend concluded on Sunday with a worship service with the Coastal Region of the Los Angeles International Church of Christ.
All who attended the North American Chapter Training and Global Summit 2014 left challenged, encouraged, and inspired to serve the poor and needy even more.
A special thank you
Special thanks to the National Chapter Advisory Board for helping to plan and facilitate the Chapter Workshop, to the National Youth Advisory Council for serving throughout the weekend, and to all of the Chapter Directors, Advisory Board Members and Volunteers who attended and made the event a great success.
