It is with grateful hearts and thankfulness that we acknowledge the 15th anniversary of Hope Force International! On June 13, 2003, a small band of people gathered in our living room to officially form the legal framework of the ministry of HFI. At the time, not many people understood the compelling conviction that propelled us forward: that Jesus-followers should be prepared and ready to respond to the plight of those impacted by disaster — and that a “force of hope” was needed.
Many of those with whom we shared the mission looked at us like we had three eyes, and some even asked: “What are you going to do — just sit around and wait for a disaster to happen?” In fairness to them, this was before the great tsunami that struck Southeast Asia in late 2004, and before Hurricane Katrina (2005) awakened the U.S. national conscience to the increase in natural disasters. Today, no one asks that question.
To our dedicated staff and HFI Reservists, volunteers, donors and board members — we say “thank you!” Thank you for believing in, praying for, giving to and sacrificially working with us to demonstrate the good news of God’s love for people — particularly those whose lives have been ravaged by disaster. In times of great trouble, we all need to know that God has not forgotten us, that He cares for us…and that others care enough to put their love of God and man into compassionate action. We look forward to continuing this journey, together, into the next 15 years!
Grateful for you...and grateful for the privilege,
Jack & Cherie Minton, Founders
