Louisiana is bracing for yet another hurricane impact today.  Hurricane Zeta is about to be Louisiana’s fifth named storm to make landfall in 2020.  Five landfalls in one year is more than any other time in the state’s history!  A hurricane warning is in effect from Morgan City, Louisiana, to the Mississippi-Alabama border, including metro New Orleans. Storm surge warnings are in effect throughout the region.

The amazing people of Louisiana have been hit over and over again this year.  In our last deployment in the aftermath of Hurricane Delta, Pastor Roy from Jennings Church of Christ, our host church said, “I think I have Hurricane Fatigue.”  Now, after COVID, Hurricanes Marco, Laura, Sally and Delta, along comes Zeta — currently a Category 2 — expected to make landfall this afternoon and into the evening. 

The purpose of this communication is to alert you to the possibility that we may be making an appeal for help shortly.  We have built many meaningful relationships in Louisiana, and it looks like our friends are once again in the cross-hairs of trouble.  Depending on the severity and impact of Zeta, we may be called upon to respond. We are currently reaching out to our friends and parners to reassure them of our readiness and commitment to serve.

As we pray for mercy, and that the storm would radically diminish, we prepare to put our love of God into compassionate action as required. We are convinced that God will provide the grace, strength and wherewithal to rise in faith to the challenge. If called upon to do so, please consider joining your fellow HFI Reservists as together, we provide help, extend mercy and inspire hope in the lives of disaster survivors.

We join our prayers with this friend of Hope Force who lives in the path of Hurricane Zeta: "Lord, I pray that you would strengthen the people of Southeast Louisiana and weaken the winds of Hurricane Zeta. I know that as the day begins, people are becoming more anxious and fearful of what is predicted to come our way. I stand with others in faith, believing that you Lord will watch over, protect and guide us. That you will weaken the winds and calm this storm in the Mighty name of Jesus."

ATTENTION:  THIS IS NOT A DEPLOYMENT ALERT. HOWEVER, SHOULD THINGS DETERIORATE FROM THE IMPACT OF HURRICANE ZETA, YOU CAN ANTICIPATE RECEIVING A DIRECT APPEAL FOR HELP.

What we know:

• At this time, we will await the aftermath of landfall to gather intel on the status of the damage.

What We Don't Know:

• Specifics on location and timing of deployment -- or even if we are going to deploy into Hurricane Zeta's aftermath.

What You Need To Know:

• If deployed, we can expect initial plans and set-up to take time as things develop.
• If you can’t deploy immediately, you could still possibly have an opportunity to serve in a later phase.
• HFI will keep our social media platforms active and updated.

We are asking for all Hope Force Reservists to be on standby alert for a possible deployment to the Gulf Coast.  Please check your calendars, and prayerfully assess logistics for you to determine if this is a good time for you to respond.  If you are available, or even think you may be, please EMAIL CONNIE with the following:

• Name
• Email
• Cell phone number
• Dates of availability (as best you know)

Also:

• Conduct a self-assessment regarding your ability to deploy (physically, emotionally, family, etc.)
• Prayerfully seek God regarding your involvement
• Prepare your deployment gear and supplies
• Communication with family, friends and employers about possible deployment
• If you cannot go at this time, please prayerfully consider giving financially to the response efforts.

This could be a great opportunity for those of you who haven't been able to deploy for a while. Your willingness to serve others with compassionate action is greatly appreciated...and we need you!

We’d also appreciate your prayers as we continue to assess the changing situation, seeking God’s clear guidance in the process.

Thank you!