After Action Report – Nairobi, Kenya
After action reports (AAR) are a good way for ministries to retrospectively analyze an event that they participated in. Fire Departments have been utilizing this simple idea for many years. We started utilizing this concept after big events, but now many departments write an AAR after almost every event. The goal of the AAR should be to evaluate what was observed, what was accomplished and what can be improved upon in order to prepare for next time. If Christian first responders were to commit time and effort to this simple process I am confident that we will begin to focus on ways to glorify God in the fire service and improve upon our service.
“And every work that he undertook in the service of the house of God and in accordance with the law and the commandments, seeking his God, he did with all his heart, and prospered.” II Chronicles 31:21 ESV
The Fellowship of Christian Firefighters International recently participated in a mission’s trip Nairobi, Kenya with an organization known as the Africa Fire Mission (AFM). This partnership was forged after several conversations with the president of AFM and the president of FCFInternational. The desire was to train firefighters from around the country of Kenya in order to improve their firefighting capabilities. FCFInternational was asked to participate in order to bring a spiritual element to the weeklong training. The following is a report from the November 2015 training.
What was observed
As the team entered and spent the first couple of days learning the area, people, and local fire departments it quickly became apparent that the fire service in Kenya needs help. The standards within the fire service that we regularly take for granted in the United States of America do not exist in Kenya. From the number of firefighters per capita to the type of equipment and training each department utilizes in order to protect the sheer mass amount of people is far less than we are used to.
Kenyan firefighters however are hardworking and dedicated people who desire to learn how to better protect those they serve. Many of the firefighters traveled long distances in less than desirable conditions in order to learn from our
experience. These firefighters are far superior to most American firefighters in the
area of resourcefulness and adapting to changing conditions. It truly was a
blessing to not only share our experiences with the Kenyan’s, but to learn
valuable life lessons from them.
What was Accomplished
Members of the team conducted a first time ever weeklong conference for the purpose of training firefighters in the following areas; fire investigations, community fire prevention, leadership and urban search and rescue. Over 200 firefighters attended the conference which was held at the International Airport in Nairobi. One of the attendees even put to use some of the newly gained knowledge and skills in a fire that occurred near one of the training areas, rescuing two people from certain injury or death.
FCFInternational was tasked with the responsibility of encouraging and training firefighters and team members with the Word of God. Daily devotions were conducted for each of the four classes as well as the instructors. A morning Bible study was held for the instructors and included a time of prayer for requests received from team members. President/Missionary Craig Duck was also on hand to assist with any counseling, mentoring, or encouragement in spiritual matters that presented themselves throughout the week long training.
At the end of the conference a large formal graduation was held in honor of the Kenyan firefighters for what they had learned. FCFInternational presented each student with an Answering the Call New Testament. One of the highlights occurred when several Muslim firefighters took a copy of the Bible and thanked our ministry for giving them the gift. Many friendships were started through the discussions that took place during tea time, lunch and after the classes had finished for the day.
What can be Improved
While this was a highly successful opportunity for FCFInternational, there is still more to be done. As a ministry let’s pray about our role in this opportunity for the future.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him”
What was Accomplished
Members of the team conducted a first time ever weeklong conference for the purpose of training firefighters in the following areas; fire investigations, community fire prevention, leadership and urban search and rescue. Over 200 firefighters attended the conference which was held at the International Airport in Nairobi. One of the attendees even put to use some of the newly gained knowledge and skills in a fire that occurred near one of the training areas, rescuing two people from certain injury or death.
FCFInternational was tasked with the responsibility of encouraging and training firefighters and team members with the Word of God. Daily devotions were conducted for each of the four classes as well as the instructors. A morning Bible study was held for the instructors and included a time of prayer for requests received from team members. President/Missionary Craig Duck was also on hand to assist with any counseling, mentoring, or encouragement in spiritual matters that presented themselves throughout the week long training.
At the end of the conference a large formal graduation was held in honor of the Kenyan firefighters for what they had learned. FCFInternational presented each student with an Answering the Call New Testament. One of the highlights occurred when several Muslim firefighters took a copy of the Bible and thanked our ministry for giving them the gift. Many friendships were started through the discussions that took place during tea time, lunch and after the classes had finished for the day.
What can be Improved
While this was a highly successful opportunity for FCFInternational, there is still more to be done. As a ministry let’s pray about our role in this opportunity for the future.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him”
James 1:5 ESV
.The following is a list of ideas on how to better be prepared for future ministry opportunities in Kenya.
.The following is a list of ideas on how to better be prepared for future ministry opportunities in Kenya.
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One topic that regularly came up in classroom discussions was the need for
critical incident stress management training. Having opportunities for
FCFInternational to be able to conduct debriefings as well as training
firefighters to continue the process is critical. Perhaps starting a local
chapter of FCFInternational, fire chaplain ministry or other Bible based
curriculum would prove beneficial in sustaining long term solutions.
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The need exists to have more Godly members of FCFInternational attend
the next conference. There were many members from the United States
who were not Christian firefighters and thus we had two mission fields in
which to minister to firefighters. In the future those assisting with the
spiritual aspect of the trip needs to be better prepared for that situation,
having both materials and resources available for the instructors as well as
the students.
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There was not a time set aside to have a dedicated Bible study for the
Kenyan firefighters. Rearranging the schedule to allow enough time before
or after the daily instruction would probably work best. Providing lessons
on how to study the Bible on a regular basis would also prove beneficial.
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More resources are needed, and should be shipped well in advance of the
classes in order to ensure their arrival. These resources include study
Bibles, Bible studies and commentaries.
FCFInternational had a tremendous opportunity to minister to firefighters in Kenya through this first ever national conference. The need continues to be great and it is the desire of FCFInternational President/Missionary Craig Duck to continue to partner with Africa Fire Mission. Let’s begin to pray, plan and prepare for next year. Ask God how He might use you in this ministry as we seek to glorify God in the fire service.
If you have a desire to serve or questions to be answered please do not hesitate to contact the International Office at FCFIHQ@aol.com.
“He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Luke 10:2 NIV
