March 20, 2020

Dear Friends,

Much has been written, and many statements have been made, about the impact of the Covid-19 virus. We realize that no human being has insight or discernment as to the ultimate outcome. Therefore, we will not attempt to give reason nor response to the situation — other than to say, let’s keep our eyes on our loving Creator.

During our response to the terrible tornado outbreak here in Nashville, there are a couple of scriptures that have brought solace and comfort in the midst of it all. Personally, I find myself referring to them on a daily basis.

Psalm 34:12-14 (The Passion Translation- TPT)
"Do you want to live a long, good life, enjoying the beauty that fills each day?
 Make 'peace' your life motto…"

Commentary:

The pictographic symbols for the word shalom (shin, lamed, vav, mem) read, “Destroy the authority that binds to chaos.”  So, shalom is used to describe all that is needed to be whole and complete — breaking off all authority that would attempt to bind us to chaos.

We need not take time to convince you that this is a season of chaos, nor that this chaos is exercising authority over people, communities and nations. As followers of Jesus, we can break off this false “authority” because HE has provided all we need to do so.

We leave you with the words of King David: 

Psalm 27:14 (TPT):  “Here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Don’t give up; don’t be impatient; be entwined as one with the Lord (wait upon the Lord.)  Be brave and courageous, and never lose hope. Yes, keep on waiting—for He will never disappoint you!”

Jack & Cherie Minton, HFI Founders

 

 

Tragically, on March 2, 2020, a massive tornado outbreak in Nashville and throughout middle Tennessee caused loss of life and severe property damage, leaving 26 people dead. This is at the backdoor of our HFI office, and our worst outbreak in many years. Our HFI responders were amazing, with more than 100 people coming from 16 different states -- answering our call immediately. For two solid weeks, we had crews of our HFI Reservists working long days -- tarping roofs and offering emotional and spiritual care (ESC) to our hometown area. It has been heart-warming to see the survivors’ response to the practical love that they have received – the “ministry of presence.”

 

The following story is indicative of many in the path of destruction wrought by the Nashville tornados. Hope Force International (HFI) has helped many individuals in the hard-hit area of northwest Nashville, where we remain actively engaged in providing relief and rebuilding assistance.

Monday evening, March 2nd, residents of middle Tennessee went to bed knowing that storms were reported in Kentucky, west of them, but it was early March — hardly the time for a major storm.  About half past the hour of midnight on Tuesday the 3rd, the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for three counties in middle Tennessee.  Just three minutes later, a tornado hit John C. Tune Airport.  At the same time, meteorologists warned of a “large and extremely dangerous tornado” near North Nashville and Germantown.

Unaware of the impending danger, Dan and Tressa were asleep in their bed when their daughter ran in to say that something was thrown through her window.  Dan went to look.  After glancing out the shattered window, he ran back to his bedroom and grabbed his wife and daughter.  Tressa sheltered her daughter, while Dan covered them both -- hiding beside the water heater in a tiny closet.  Tress tells that it felt like they were in a washing machine that was off balance.  It lasted only a few seconds, but seemed like eternity; just as quickly as it hit, it was gone.

CLICK HERE for the full story!

 

 

Brian Wagner is a Hope Force staff member who recently left his pastoral position to join HFI full-time.  His main role is the oversight of HFI’s long-term work in West Virginia, but he also serves as a Hope Force chaplain in the aftermath of disasters. Brian has learned many construction skills throughout his years of service, which he often utilizes in the field.

READ BRIAN'S ACCOUNT of his recent deployment to the Nashville Tornadoes. 

 

 

This has been a very intense two weeks; not only with the tornado outbreak here in the Nashville area in our own backyard – but now the tragic Covid-19 virus outbreak.  We want to give our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has sacrificially served, given and prayed.  We also ask that you continue to keep our efforts and the people of Tennessee -- as well as our nation which is grappling with historical challenges -- in your prayers.