Hurricane Sandy is one of the most unusual storms Hope Force International has ever responded to. Hurricane response is typically conducted in hot, humid areas where people are accustomed to these annual events. Sandy hit a large swathe of the US eastern seaboard, where sweatshirts and thermal underwear are standard garb. However, in the midst of this cold climate, we’ve encountered people of warmth that have welcomed our responders into their homes… and into their hearts.

Water-soaked carpets, saturated couches and wet walls greet our responders in home after home in Atlantic City. Our primary area of focus is in two areas of the city: the Inlet and Venice Park. These communities are in the lowest lying areas of the city and suffered the greatest damage. The residents, many whom are elderly, have never experienced a hurricane like Sandy, or any significant flooding at all.

Consequently, many are uncertain and somewhat fearful – not fully comprehending the implications of their plight. HFI team leaders must carefully explain the need to act quickly, while encouraging them with the good news that we’re there to help at no cost to them as homeowners. To do nothing will result in the spread of mold and further damage their property, increasing the cost of recovery.

There is a great need for further assistance in Atlantic City, and Hope Force International will remain involved in the “mucking out” process with homeowners and provide ongoing emotional and spiritual care through early December, possibly longer. Prayerful consideration is underway to determine our potential engagement in the future rebuilding process.

My wife Cherie and I will be in Atlantic City the week of Thanksgiving with our staff and HFI Reservists from across the country to tangibly convey the love of God. At this time of Thanksgiving as a nation, we’re reminded of just how much we have to be grateful for. Even in the midst of their despair, we frequently hear survivors thanking God in recognition of His goodness and the fact that “it could have been much worse.” The key to hope is a grateful heart – and one that acknowledges the kindness of God, even in the midst of life’s greatest challenges.

Thank you to each one of you who has been praying for our teams and for the people of Atlantic City during this difficult time, to those who have given sacrificially, and those who have come from across the country to put your love of God into compassionate action. We are truly grateful. Here are some stories of people HFI is serving:

We have found the family bonds in Atlantic City to be strong, and those caring for elderly parents abundant; often at great personal sacrifice. It is an admirable quality of the people we find ourselves working amongst. Additionally, many struggle to make ends meet and often are forced to make difficult and potentially consequential decisions to get by on a daily basis.
One of the pitfalls that we’ve witnessed all too often is that some were forced to choose between food on the table or flood insurance; they chose to eat. Remember, this is an area where significant flooding hasn’t occurred in decades.

Sheryl is someone who has experienced the traumatic after-effects of Hurricane Sandy and this crisis has been very costly for her and her family, not just financially, but emotionally. In this short video Sheryl honors us with her story as she shares her plight. It is the privilege of Hope Force International to be a part of breathing hope into her situation by assisting her in the flood remediation process. Her story is indicative of what we’re encountering in Atlantic City.

As Sheryl shares her heart please join us in prayer on her behalf and on the many more yet to be served. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dk4p7MgNUiM

Five members of Alabama’s Disaster Response Team drove 15 hours to volunteer with Hope Force International and help those affected by Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey. They knew the power of helping hands after two tornadoes ripped through their Huntsville, Alabama community in 2011 and 2012 and they received help to recover. “We had to come,” team member Ron Raby said.

One of the homeowners they helped was Marlina Abdulla, a grandmother who still lives in her childhood home. During the hurricane, she opted to stay in her house with her dog, Mink. Flood waters had never entered her house before, so she thought she would be safe. However, Marlina wasn’t prepared for the huge storm surge that rushed in from the ocean bay, flooding miles of neighborhoods along the coast. Click here to read more.

Hope Force Staffer Craig Snow is currently leading efforts in New Jersey to provide practical, emotional, and spiritual support to residents. Snow explained that many people are in shock because the last time New Jersey experienced serious flooding was in 1962.

“There’s a tremendous amount of fear already amongst this population group and the cry for help continues to grow exponentially beyond our capacity,” Snow said. “People are being encouraged to admit that they can’t do it all on their own and need help.” Residents in need are reaching out to Hope Force and local churches, with 60 residents currently on a list for immediate needs. 
Click here to read more.

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