The Woodland Hills church plant near Des Moines recently partnered with the city of Pleasant Hill to sponsor an advanced disaster survival training course at a local youth center.
Taught by Jerry DuVall, pastor of the Nixa and Kimberling City churches in Missouri and a former Army counterintelligence agent, the advanced course built on the basics of an introductory course held in Altoona last fall. In addition to learning how to assess threats, be prepared for sudden disaster, build fires, make temporary shelters and more, attendees of the advanced course were also taught when and how to tie a variety of knots, how to best utilize materials commonly found in nature, how to make sure water found in nature is drinkable, and how to think through various scenarios to ensure long-term survival.
In addition to local church members, there were approximately 35 guests who attended the course. It was a great opportunity to connect with community members in a neutral environment and learn more about what interests them. In addition to having guests complete a survey that will help the church know how to best minister to their needs in the future, there were also several giveaways of survival tools and other items that could be used in a disaster. Many expressed an interest in future events the church is planning, as well as Bible studies and prophecy seminars.
The course was also a great opportunity to build relationships with community leaders who were enthusiastic about the course and expressed appreciation for providing it to the public. The Woodland Hills church plant would like to thank Pastor DuVall, the city of Pleasant Hill, church members who attended or volunteered to help, as well as all of our guests for making it a success.
Anita Fischer is a member of the Ankeny Church. The Woodland Hills church plant is a church planting initiative of the Ankeny Church.
