Posted: Saturday, May 3, 2008 12:03 pm

For two weeks, Hope Force Reservists stood in the gap with the Salvation Army and other responders in support of the victims of this vicious tornado. Hard work, an overwhelming need, extreme conditions, and little support made for long and grueling days. Regardless, Betty Lynn spoke for all of us in relation to why she responded to this recent Hope Force call:

“As I looked out the window of the canteen at the desolation in Lafayette and then looked at the exhausted but gratified expressions on the faces of the men and women around me, I was proud. Not in the vain sense, but in a sense of being part of a community of people who are heroic and self-sacrificing…. I’m blessed to have stood beside and served with these volunteers. I am blessed to have given sustenance and support to the local folks who lost so much. I am grateful that God has allowed me to be there to share in His work.
It had been a while since I have experienced these kinds of feelings. I had feared I would never experience them again. I realize now that our response is to His call and that in doing it for these Macon County survivors, we are doing it for Him!”