Bangkok, Thailand: From 29 to 31 May 2025, the Southeast Asia Field hosted a comprehensive Disaster Preparedness Training aimed at strengthening the church’s capacity to respond to crises with compassion and coordination. The event brought together District Superintendents and District Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Coordinators from 10 districts across the SEA Field.
The training was highlighted by engaging presentations from renowned trainers:
• Leody Tan Echavez led sessions on “Foundation of Compassion” and “District NCM Team and How NCM Works.” His insights gave participants a deeper understanding of compassion as the driving force behind community transformation and the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) organizational structure.
• Dan Balayo delivered thought-provoking modules on “Holistic Child Development” and “Child Protection.” These sessions emphasized the importance of nurturing children in all aspects of their well-being and the crucial role communities play in ensuring their safety and growth.
• Brandon Sipes conducted in-depth training on “Disaster Preparedness and Management” and “The Role of the Church in Disasters.” He underscored the critical function of churches in disaster response and recovery, encouraging faith-based engagement during crises.
In addition to the formal sessions, District NCM Coordinators provided updates from their districts and engaged in collaborative planning for future NCM initiatives over the next five years. Time was also set aside for sharing personal experiences, building relationships, and fostering a sense of unity and support among leaders.
This gathering marked an important step forward in preparing the SEA Field to respond effectively to future emergencies. By combining practical disaster response training with spiritual leadership development, the event sought to empower local leaders to be reliable sources of hope, strength, and guidance in their communities during times of crisis.
One participant said by ”Rev. Ram Neih Thang (DS of Myanmar Southern District) “We’ve got a huge boost of energy to revive our Nazarene Compassionate Ministries in Myanmar.”
This training was not just about disaster readiness—it was a reminder that compassion is both a calling and a discipline. As SEA Field NCM looks to the future, leaders are now better prepared to serve as anchors of resilience and agents of hope, equipped to meet the physical and spiritual needs of their communities during times of crisis.
