Here at Hope Force International (HFI), we have been gearing up for this crucial time of year when violent weather fronts can often wreak havoc. Our deployment trailers are stocked with tools and supplies -- ready to roll, and our HFI Chaplains and Reservists are prepared to support communities overwhelmed by devastation.  For more information on how to personally prepare for disasters, go to www.ready.gov -- a great resource!

Below, you will find interesting articles that describe current initiatives in Hope Force International. Enjoy -- and hopefully, you will be inspired to join us as we bring hope through compassionate action to a hurting world!

PHOTOGRAPHERS NEEDED!

(by Jamie Delaine Watson, HFI Reservist)

In partnership with Hope Force International (HFI), my husband Randy and I launched "The School Sessions" on January 12th to rebuild a school near HFI’s adopted village of Sous Savanne -- destroyed in the 2010 Haitian earthquake.  

Leading up to April 12th, we have a goal of recruiting 600 photographers - which we believe will put us in line to reach our $200,000 mark! We are excited to see the money raised and the school built, knowing that this will make a lasting difference in the lives of the school children and their communities. In less than two months, we have had 437 photographers sign up to be a part of our cause! We have photographers represented from all but one state in the U.S., all provinces in Canada but one, with a total of 17 countries represented. Read More

 

RUNNING FOR HOUSES OF HOPE

(by Rene and Marianne Lako, HFI Haiti Coordinators)

We have been running for the purpose of raising funds to build a House of Hope for one of the single moms in Sous Savanne.  We enjoy running, but in Haiti it can be a challenge with things like heat, rain, mud, rocky roads. As we train, we run by schools where several Hope Force International sponsored children are enrolled, we pass churches that we visit through our ministy, and we also run past other local ministries. It encourages our hearts when not only the children, but also the adults cheer us on and call out our names.

Click here to read how you can team with Rene and Marianne in their efforts to raise the funds to build a House of Hope!

 

We need you! We are recruiting two medical teams to join us in our long-term recovery/rebuilding efforts in Haiti during 2015. The teams will work alongside our national coordinators and will serve the village of Sous Savanne and surrounding communities. In doing this, we will accomplish two primary objectives:

• HFI’s commitment to fill a gap in available healthcare to the impoverished populace -- in keeping with our commitment to those in our Child Sponsorship Program and vulnerable populations.
• Team members will acquire experience and develop expertise, greatly enhancing their effectiveness in international medical intervention by serving the poorest of the poor in our hemisphere.  (Non-medical volunteers are needed to fill vital support roles of meaningful ministry opportunities in various areas of practical service.)  Read More

Read & Watch this great piece featured on PBS about the school where our own HFI staffer, Svea Schreiner, is teaching!  This documentary-style, short feature offers a glimpse into some of the reasons why Hope Force International has chosen to invest into this area of great need in the United States....

Click for more information about Hope Force International in Appalachia 

 

HFI Reservists Steve and Sammye Lee did not need one more item on their agenda...but God had other plans.  Together, they served in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina with their church, and knew that they had a calling to disaster response.  Along with many from their church, Grace Chapel, they eventually partnered with Hope Force International.

After having taken multiple training courses in the past, Sammye had this to say about her Hope Force training experience: “...This work requires a lot of giving of yourself in many ways, and HFI training gives you the tools to do that.  During this training, there is a bond that is created...an unusual one which is birthed during shared service in a disaster scenario.  The training is so effective in giving a true sense of what working a disaster scenario can be like, that people in the class begin to feel a close connection with each other.  It is significant in building a team.” Click here to read more about Steve & Sammye's story

 

Upcoming Hope Force Disaster Responder Trainings:

Nashville, TN: April 16-18, 2015

Nashville, TN: October 15-17, 2015

(Consider bringing a Hope Force training to your area!)

» Click here to get more info on HFI training events