As the Christmas season is underway and 2013 approaches, we look back with gratitude and amazement on all that God has provided this year. With 1,200 Reservists from nearly all 50 states, our ranks of trained disaster responders continue to grow.

After Superstorm Sandy hit the East Coast in late October, millions of people were affected by flooding, electrical fires, and power outages. Within two days of Sandy’s attack, HFI was on site with emergency disaster relief. Hope Force also provided compassionate relief to victims of Hurricane Isaac on the Gulf Coast and tornadoes in Michigan, Indiana, Alabama, and Ohio. We have continued to respond to the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. Progress in West Virginia has persisted as we build relationships and renovate homes of those in need. Click here to read the Founders’ Year-in-Review letter.

We pray that you will have a merry Christmas as we honor the birth of Jesus and we invite you to stay connected with HFI in the coming year!

With hope and appreciation,

Jack and Cherie Minton
Founders

During 2012, our dedicated disaster responders (Reservists) working with Hope Force staffers responded to the following areas of crisis:

• Hurricane Isaac
• Dexter, MI Tornado
• Marysville, IN Tornado
• Harvest, AL Tornado
• Moscow, OH Tornado

• Hurricane Sandy
• Haiti Earthquake (ongoing)
• Appalachia, West Virginia (ongoing)
• Colorado Fires

 

As cold weather blankets the region, housing for thousands of people recovering from October’s devastating storm remains a critical concern. Two days after Superstorm Sandy, Hope Force teams arrived in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Many residents in this economically depressed community had not even returned home following evacuation orders. “Over and over we talk with people who are worried they will be overlooked. Many people have no idea what to do, are overwhelmed, and many are elderly.” explains HFI’s Jack Minton.

Much of the recovery work is back-breaking labor – hauling water-soaked furniture outside, tearing out moldy carpet or decades-old plaster and lattice. This ‘labor of love’ allows a window into survivors’ lives and a platform for listening, comforting and becoming the hands and feet of Christ. Hope Force is committed to helping Atlantic City recover through the end of 2012, and we are prayerfully considering response into 2013. Click here for an update on HFI’s work on the New Jersey shoreline.

Hurricane Tomas, Hurricane Irene, Hurricane Sandy… all of these disasters have added to the suffering of Haiti since the January 2010 earthquake. More than 300,000 people are still ‘homeless’ living in tent cities around the country. A cholera epidemic has killed thousands yet Haiti’s people still forge on.

Development projects in our adopted village of Sous Savanne include medical clinics, health education and the “Houses of Hope” project to build new homes. The Child Sponsorship Program is providing food and basic necessities. A highlight of the year included 15 players from the USC Trojan football team building four homes in Sous Savanne.

Anicile lives in Sous Savanne with her husband, children and extended family. Their small store failed after the economic impact of the earthquake, and they struggle to barely feed their three small children. Their shack was replaced by a Hope Force “House of Hope” over the summer and they now have a dry roof over their heads and a safe place to live. Click here to read the full story of Anicile and her family.

In McDowell County, West Virginia, there hasn’t been new construction since the 1970’s. The sheer age of the homes, paired with years of rain and snowfall, has caused many houses to fall into disrepair. In fact, over 64% of housing in the county is considered substandard. “Our commitment is to reach out to people who are caught in hopeless circumstances, whether they experience a natural disaster or a lifetime of persistent poverty,” explains Jack Minton, Hope Force Founder/CEO.

Hope Force continued sending teams of Reservists and volunteers to reach out to the residents of War throughout 2012, with new teams scheduled for 2013. Many Americans do not realize the extent of the poverty that exists right in our back yard. Many residents of this town are fifth-generation welfare recipients. Click here to read about our work in West Virginia.

This summer, Hope Force Reservist Rick Sheffield traveled to War, West Virginia for his 25th deployment. Rick was introduced to Hope Force in 2004 and his first trip was to Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. Officially known as a Hope Force Reservist Training, the program Rick and other Reservists completed prepares participants to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs that arise in the aftermath of disaster.

“It showed me who I am in Christ and that missions are more than being hands – they’re my heart, too, and my heart’s desire is to help hurting people.” Rick has been married to his wife, Denise, for 28 years. Denise said of her husband, “I see a humble man of God wanting only to help those in need. He does not realize the people he touches – his family, his co-workers, his church family or those he goes to help. I love to see the twinkle in his blue eyes when he’s getting ready to leave on a mission trip.” Click here to read about Rick’s West Virginia deployment.

Hope Force Reservist Training spans two days and covers everything from the grief and trauma cycle to principles of appropriate caregiving. Over 1,200 people have completed this training program. Join us in 2013 for a Reservist Training near you!  Click here to read more about becoming a Reservist.

Click here to register for an upcoming Reservist Training event.

Psalm 46 reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength – an ever present help in time of trouble.” We invite you to help us finish the year strong with a generous contribution, allowing us to be the heart and hands of a loving God to those who are experiencing crisis and disaster. Thank you for your prayers and support!