Illinois—One of the largest earthquakes that will ever hit the United States will be the New Madrid Earthquake along the Mississippi River, according to the National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC). The NEIC also believes there will be at least eight states directly impacted by this potential disaster, with the greatest impact from Memphis, Tenn., to Saint Louis, Mo.

In preparation for this colossal event, Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) conducted a training session July 17–20. The purpose of the training session was to prepare for volunteer and donations management in the event of this disaster. Two people were chosen from each of the eight states to attend the training session.

From Illinois, the two chosen were Fred Crowell, Illinois Conference Adventist Community Services Disaster Response director, representing all the volunteer agencies and businesses for the State of Illinois, and a State employee who serves as the volunteer and donations manager for the State.

The reason Crowell was chosen is because of the great respect FEMA has for Adventist Community Services Disaster Response's donations management in times of disaster.

As we look at this process, Crowell has opportunities to network with and share his faith with people who most will never come in contact with, touching them for Jesus.

Rachel Terwillegar, assistant to the president for communication, Illinois Conference of Seventh-day Adventists