I recently returned from an amazing two-week trip to Nepal with a team of 20 people from the U.S., Canada and the Netherlands -- something we’ve highlighted in this communication. It was during this time, while reading the Voice translation of the Bible, that I “rediscovered” Psalm 46:1.  I was impacted in a brand new way, and at a much deeper level.

Psalm 46:1 "… God is our shelter and our strength. When troubles seem near, God is nearer, and He’s ready to help. …”  What this says to me is that God is attracted to our trouble.  He doesn’t run away...but instead -- He rushes in!  He delights to show Himself strong, dependable and able on our behalf.  Hope Force International is an expression of God’s heart toward those who find themselves in trouble.  He wants us to follow His example by coming to the aid of those affected by disaster – when they are in trouble.  God wants to display His character by sending His followers to offer compassionate intervention.  We’re to be like Him and do the things He does.

When the earthquake struck Nepal last year -- and when flooding ravaged the low country in South Carolina -- trouble ensued.  God then dispatched Hope Force International to demonstrate His love and to show that “He’s ready to help.”  And you know what?  When we arrived, it was apparent that He was there all along and had prepared a way for us to join Him.

Please read and view the content below to gain a fuller perspective of the ways in which the love and care of God has, and is, making a difference in times of trouble.

With hope and appreciation,

Jack & Cherie Minton, Founders

 

There are moments in life, if we pay close attention, that the glory of the Lord will shine through -- and we're given the opportunity to see His heart at greater depth. This was the case for each of the twenty members who embraced the experience of not just rebuilding homes and healing bodies, but also pouring themselves out as a living sacrifice of compassion to the people of Nepal. We started the journey as friends -- but left as family.

As you'll see in this short video, our team returned to Nepal nearly one year after the devasting April 2015 earthquake that left thousands dead -- and many more homeless. We had the privilege of serving with our Apple of God's Eyes [AOGE] partners in the reconstruction of homes that will give refuge to those rescued from trafficking and abuse. Simultaneously, a medical team traversed the surrounding mountain villages, using their hands of compassionate healing to strengthen community relationships with our hosts, AOGE.

 

The Story of Miss Hattie – A Story of Hope Restored

In the early hours and days after a disaster strikes, the pathway forward to recovery is not clear. In the aftermath, the sense of being overwhelmed becomes the norm – and the starting point is unclear and paralyzing. There is no manual or set of instructions to show the way…and sometimes all that can be done is to just do “the next thing.” This journey to recovery can also be a discovery shared with friends, relatives and strangers that give sacrificially and selflessly and who quickly become “family.” For Miss Hattie, many from Hope Force International came from across the country to join her -- giving of their time, talents and resources…. CLICK HERE FOR MORE

This short video will give you a glimpse at the impact Hope Force had in Miss Hattie's life.

 

It's that time of year when we’re awed by blooming flowers, vibrant green grass and the delightful songs of birds that tickle our ears. But for those of us in Hope Force International [HFI], Spring has an added meaning: it is tornado season. History shows us that April and May are the most active months for severe weather in the southeast and Midwest regions.  HFI has deployed significant tornado responses in the past few years, a few being:  Van, TX, Mayflower, AK, Louisville, MS...and the unforgettable tornado events in Little Axe and Moore, OK.

As Spring morphs into the summer months, our attention will move to watching the seas and tropical storm systems. June marks the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season, which peaks in mid-August through October. Once again, history shows us some of our memorable responses have been: Hurricanes Irene, Isaac, Sandy and most recently, Joaquin in South Carolina. As we reflect back, we remember those survivors whom we were privileged to serve, and the life changing impact of compassion.

Here at the HFI home-based office in Tennessee, we are gearing up and tuning in, ready to respond where needed. Are you ready to jump into the fray with us?  Without you, there is no Hope Force International...and no HFI deployments.  You are needed!

For our Hope Force Reservists:  as we prepare for this season together, here are a few reminders:

• Talk with your employer – We are so grateful that many of your employers willingly contribute to deployments by releasing you to serve. 
• Get your “Go Bag” ready – Log in to the Reservists Corner for packing tips. From video clips to downloadable checklists, you can head to the field fully prepared.
• Review & Refresh – Log in to the Reservists Corner to review slides and speaker videos from the HFI Disaster Responder Training Intensive
• Watch & Pray – Keep an eye on the weather, pray as you see storms developing, and check your email inbox for info from HFI.
• Be a light in your own neighborhood – make sure those around you are prepared; especially the elderly and single-parent homes.

For those who are not (yet) Hope Force Reservists: you are needed, too!  Please consider making a donation when Hope Force responds to upcoming disaster events.  AND...please come join our ranks!  The next HFI Disaster Responder Training Intensives are:  

• September 22-24, Franklin, TN
• October 27-29, Pachuca, Mexico (just outside Mexico City)

CONTACT:  info@hopeforce.org -- OR call 615-371-1271

 

Thank you for helping us make a world of difference!