October 10, 2018
The Florida Panhandle has been slammed by the most powerful storm to ever reach its shores. Reports of severe wind damage and tidal surge are all over the news. This amounts to not only damaged property, but also massive trauma and disruption of life.
Hope Force International (HFI) has made preparations, and will be in Florida before (or at the same time) local residents come back to their properties. Given the severe winds, there will be a lot of roof damage. Therefore, we anticipate that a large part of our focus will be to secure the integrity of roofs in an effort to mitigate further water damage; this also brings much needed peace of mind to homeowners. A properly applied blue tarp thwarts water damage, allows homeowners an opportunity to reoccupy their home and is often the first and most effective step toward the recovery process. As typical, we anticipate Hope Force chaplains to also be available to come alongside the hurricane survivors.
In the meantime, Hope Force has continued to serve the people of Lumberton, North Carolina. Hurricane Michael is sending heavy rains to already saturated areas, and understandably – people are extremely concerned. Please keep the survivors of Hurricane Florence in the Carolinas in your prayers.
Finally, please join us in praying for the survivors in the path of Hurricane Michael -- and for HFI as we prepare to put our love of God into practical action on behalf of those impacted. The need is widespread and will be daunting. Pray that we will encounter those who most need our help, and for the human and financial resources that will bring about the most good for the most people.
HFI Reservists: if you are able to respond to this great need, please contact info@hopeforce.org with details on availability.