Texas Winter Storm, February 2021 | What You Can Do: |   | ...
 
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Texas Winter Storm, February 2021

Hope Force International Reservists,

We’re all aware of the arctic invasion that has impacted millions of Americans — most notably the people of Texas. Historic cold, snow and ice have wreaked havoc on a population unaccustomed to and ill-prepared for such an onslaught.  There have been mass power outages, with limited (and in some cases) non-existent access to drinking water.  Pipes caught in the grip of such unusual weather for Texas have burst — causing untold damage to homes and personal belongings.

Current Status:

Hope Force International (HFI) has made contact with local organizations and partners in an effort to determine how we can come alongside them in an effort to do the most good for as many as we can.  Unfortunately, this is not the first time HFI has responded in Texas — but it certainly will be the first of this kind.

The nature of this disaster is such that identifying survivors requiring our assistance will be a bit more challenging than typical flooding or wind damage.  A local partnership is all the more critical in order to expedite relief efforts.  Joey Stoltzfus, HFI Disaster Services Director, will be in Texas meeting with local leaders to conduct an initial assessment on the ground to determine if and where HFI might respond.

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 in Texas.  Our local contacts are telling us that due to the nature of this disaster, with water damage stemming from broken pipes, plumbers are urgently needed. Of course, water damage remediation efforts will be required as well — something with which many of us are very familiar.

What You Can Do:

Pray for survivors, pray for preparations underway and whether you should respond if called upon to do so. Prepare for possible deployment if needed…and if you can’t go, please give.  Stay tuned for updates.

What We Don't Know

  • Specifics on location

What You Need To Know

  • If deployed, prepare for lots of change and uncertainty – with plans “unfolding” as things develop
  • If you can't deploy immediately, you could still have an opportunity to serve in a later phase
  • We will keep you updated as we know more

​What You Need To Do Now

We are asking for all Hope Force Reservists to be on standby alert for a possible deployment. Again, this means check your calendars, and prayerfully assess to see if this is a good time for you to respond. If you are available – or even think you might be – please EMAIL CONNIE with the following:

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

Also:

  • Conduct a self assessment:  would this be a good time for you to deploy (physically, emotionally, job, family, etc.)?
  • All staff and volunteers will adhere to COVID-19 guidelines to ensure their safety and the safety of homeowners and residents.  We recommend that volunteers from the high-risk population groups not volunteer; i.e. those with medical issues that make them more susceptible to COVID-19 per CDC guidelines. Additional detail will be provided prior to deployment.
  • Pray about your involvement 
  • Prepare your deployment gear and supplies
  • Communicate with family, friends, and employer about possible deployment
  • If you cannot go at this time, please pray and also consider giving to the response

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!