Dear Friends,

Hope is a powerful force in the lives of people in times of trouble.  Sometimes it is all but snuffed out by the stress and disturbance of tragic circumstances. It is when hope is most vulnerable that the “ministry of presence” and practical help is needed most.

We at Hope Force International have seen firsthand that the kindness of compassionate action rekindles hope.  In this update, we are introducing the “Oasis of Hope”-- a beacon of help, hope and light for survivors of disaster in their darkest hour. 

As Christmas and the year-end approaches, many of us will turn our attention to giving to the needs of others.  People struck by disaster often do not have the skills or experience needed to rise from the rubble on their own.  This is where HFI can do the most good for the most people.  Would you consider joining us in our efforts to bring hope by making a financial investment into the “Oasis of Hope” today?

With heartfelt gratefulness,

   

Co-Founder/President

This past Spring, massive tornados ripped through Mississippi and Arkansas, wreaking havoc on property and lives along the way.  Hope Force International (HFI) applied tarps and made repairs to damaged roofs and provided emotional and spiritual care to storm-weary survivors.  Recently staff and HFI Reservists served in residential areas of Washington, ravaged by historical, devastating fires.

In.Appalachia, the effects of extreme, generational poverty – accompanied by drug abuse – runs rampant.  Our focus upon the elderly, on struggling single parents, and on the downtrodden was greatly enhanced in 2014 by the addition of full time staff in Appalachia.  

Additionally, nearly five years after the devastating earthquake, Haiti is slowly progressing – but the unmet need is staggering. To date, HFI has built 49 homes for survivors, provided clean drinking water and healthcare, offered food security and has ensured the education of 100 children through our sponsorship program. (Read More...)

In the immediate aftermath of a disaster event, people are overwhelmed and long for help as they seek to restore a sense of normalcy. This confusing and daunting process is complicated even further by the stress associated with such upheaval. 

Hope Force International exists to help bring order and peace to this chaos.  The “ministry of presence” and practical help unites us with our partners as we seek to demonstrate God’s unfailing love to people in what may be their darkest hour.

In an effort to meet the need of disaster survivors, Hope Force International has launched an exciting initiative – the “Oasis of Hope.”  Through a generous donation, HFI has acquired a spacious 4,200 square foot, steel-framed tent, dedicated to assisting in the process of meeting the emotional, pragmatic, relational and spiritual needs of disaster survivors. The “Oasis of Hope” will help to re-establish community – providing a gathering place where information can be obtained and given…a sense of “belonging” restored.  This is especially important in smaller communities that are often overlooked and under-served.

Our goal is to support and care for survivors with dignity and respect in their time of great need.  Special care will be given to create a comforting ambience where needs can be tended.  Meals will be nourishing and plentiful, a focal point of community gatherings.  At night, soft lights will create a warm atmosphere -- similar to what can be found in nicer restaurants – providing an inviting welcome.  An Internet café will offer access to the outside world -- something desperately needed by survivors and responders alike when local telecommunications services are down.   In this comforting environment, caseworkers will gather information to ascertain how best to respond to individual needs.

 

Now that we have secured the high quality tent and other tools, we’ve made great strides toward operational readiness. We still need to obtain kitchen and dining equipment, lighting and generators, satellite communications and other miscellaneous items. These funds will enable us to make the “Oasis of Hope” operational in time for the commencement of the 2015 tornado, flood and hurricane season.