We are pleased to report that the 2009 SWI DisasterAssistance Response Training (DART) Conference was a huge success! Nearly 50 attendees converged upon Bartlesville, Oklahoma and were equipped with essential training to learn how to minister to those who are suffering in some of the most difficult regions in the world.
DART 2009 was the 10th such conference that Strategic World Impact has offered, affording many people the opportunity to receive this vital training. The week-long conference also created an incredible environment of worship and fellowship; something the participants will not soon forget.
Wayne Tate of Fayetteville, North Carolina provided powerful praise and worship music each day and helped bring the conference to a whole new level.
The conference training brought in world-class instructors,including the former in-flight surgeon for Air Force One and retired members of the United States military.
As in previous years, the mock “Refugee Camp” was considered by many to be the highlight of the week. Despite the heat, the weather cooperated nicely and enabled instructors to complete outdoor field training courses,which included Survival in the Field and Preventative Medicine.
Night time at the Refugee Camp included a great time of fellowship, along with a time of worship with music provided by Emily Turnerand Travis Alexander.
Participants shared gender-segregated sleeping quarters and developed teamwork building skills by preparing and cooking meals, as well asassisting in the breakdown of the camp.
Another important component to the DART conference involved country group presentations, which involved teams that planned for a mock missions trip. Using four different countries around the world, each team worked throughout the week to plan all aspects of a mock mission trip using the information they were learning. At the end of the week, each group gave compelling 30-minute presentations which articulated how they would execute their assigned “trips.”
We were also extremely blessed to have a devoted group of staff members and volunteers this year. Many sacrificed their time, leaving jobs and families behind to assist with the conference. We would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to them all. Surely, the conference wouldn't have been the same without their assistance.
SWI is already planning for the 2010 DART Conference. Please check back with us soon as we will be posting more details, included dates and location for next year’s conference.
