HFI Bahamas Response:
September 18, 2019
As our team converged in south Florida, little did we know that off in the distance a tropical depression was setting its sights on the Bahamas – creating several delays that turned into new opportunities. This resulted in our Hope Force International (HFI) team members arriving into Freeport by private plane and a cruise ship.
The cruise ship Grand Celebration, docked in Ft. Lauderdale, came about as a joint effort of Mission Resolve and Entrepreneurial Organization; Gold Aviation provided the flight, and we are truly grateful to all who made it possible for transport to Freeport. The ship loaded HFI’s large 4,200 sq. ft. tent and an additional 2,800 sq. ft. of tents onto its deck, along with four HFI team members, and sailed to Freeport; the three-member assessment team flew to Freeport ahead of the ship. The large tent is currently in the process of being erected at the Freetown airport where a new local partner, the faith-based CTC Network – working closely with NEMA – will be using it. The other tents will be placed at Rand Memorial Hospital and several other sites. In each instance, the tents represent an answer to a problem where there has been limited operational effectiveness – and wholeheartedly received with gratitude. We are also grateful for the Pacific Hope and her crew, located in Freeport, for their gracious hospitality and partnership.
Our CTC Network partners have agreed to identify a location for HFI to partner closely with local churches and to establish a base of operations. Accommodations and transportation (both scarce in the hard-hit islands) are the two main hurdles that have to be overcome to create a clear pathway for additional volunteers. The leadership of CTC is aware of this, and have excellent connections that will enable us to quickly overcome these obstacles.
The needs in the Bahamas are staggering, and the opportunity to serve will be long-term. Countless homes are in need of proper blue tarp application and flood remediation assistance, where HFI anticipates bringing help, along with other aid. Please join us in prayer for the people of the Bahamas and for the human and financial resources required to establish and maintain an effective response. We are grateful for our HFI Reservists standing ready to serve, and for our faithful partners who help to make the ministry of Hope Force International possible.
Several of the HFI tents will be used alongside a hospital -- and the large tent alongside the Freeport airport. Watch a short clip, shared by HFI Disaster Services Director, Joey Stoltzfus, depicting where the large HFI tent will be used to help bring aid to the people of the Bahamas.
