Dear Friends,

“Thank you so much for coming…!”  We heard this over and over from the Puerto Rican people, and not just from those we had the privilege of helping.  We heard it at the airport, at restaurants, from pastors and community leaders – and often with tearful expressions of gratitude from recipients of compassionate and practical assistance.  Everywhere we went, we found ourselves stating, "You are NOT forgotten by your fellow Americans in the States!"

An example of those served by the Hope Force International (HFI) team is Samuel and his severely handicapped brother, Edwin. The team worked tirelessly to restore the roof and repair the walls of their hard-hit home. Samuel, who has a degree in Criminal Justice, gave up his job in law enforcement to care for his brother when his parents died, fearing that his brother would encounter deplorable conditions in a mental institution.

The team also went home to home, giving  “Hope Packages” (a solar panel with cable, solar light, fan, water filter and hygiene products) to people like Senora Ceresa Amanda – a nearly 100-year-old lady living without the aid of electricity and readily available drinking water.  For those who were able-bodied, HFI distributed corrugated metal roofing materials and other supplies to homeowners who had lost their roofs. 

The need remains great, and Hope Force is committed to doing all we can – for as long as we can – in an effort to provide help and to inspire hope.  Please join us in prayer for the daunting task of recovery and rebuilding that is ahead.  Also, pray for wisdom and discernment on behalf of HFI as we seek to tangibly express the love of God to these American citizens who have much to endure in the long road of recovery ahead.

What’s next?  Hope Force International is returning to Puerto Rico in January with a team of employees from Johnson & Johnson to engage in the distribution of “Hope Packages.”  In the days ahead, HFI will need people who are willing and able to work in the area of corrugated roof repair and installation.  If this is of interest to you, please RESPOND HERE BY EMAIL to find out more. 

Thank you to all who have given to make a world of difference in Puerto Rico!

 

 

"The photo below was taken the last night we were in Puerto Rico. It was taken by our friend and Hope Force partner there, David Hamilton, at his gracious mother and father-in-law's house where they hosted our entire team for dinner and prayer. The night brought so much hope to our hearts as we prayed for this devastated island, and this photo I believe encapsulates that so well. We could hear the crashing waves below while we enjoyed the gorgeous moon and lightning in the distance. I asked David if he could capture the beauty with his camera...and here is the result. To all our friends in Puerto Rico: you are not forgotten! We love you, we stand with you and we believe your best days are ahead!"    - Cherie Minton, HFI Co-founder