May 7,2010: As you might be aware, disaster has struck on our own doorstep with the massive floods that devastated the Nashville area over this past weekend. The full impact of loss and devastation is just now beginning to dawn upon the citizens of our city… and the trauma and shock looms large in the aftermath.

However, we are deeply proud to be a part of a hometown that truly models the “golden rule” as we see neighbor helping neighbor…and an attitude that says, “We will recover from this!” Because there has been little to no news coverage (besides Anderson Cooper’s special on CNN) – there has been minimal outside help come to the city’s aid.

Stories abound of people barely escaping their flooded cars and homes…and struggling with “survivor guilt” because their neighbors did not make it. The “Ministry of Presence” is greatly needed at this time – something we strongly value and emphasize – and our Hope Force staff and volunteers have been modeling this in a wonderful way. We have had teams working at the hardest hit sites where the process of “mucking out” and debris removal is underway. Craig Snow – our Program Director – is leading the charge, having had four years of experience in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

We are working with VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster), The Salvation Army, Red Cross and many local churches and organizations. The greatest need is to procure additional tools to multiply our efforts, as we are taking a lead in the recovery efforts in some of the most devastated areas.

Would you please pray for us? It is a poignant time for us – and we are not immune to the emotional upheaval that affects disaster survivors. If you would like to know more about what is happening in Nashville, take time to view this video and get a “feel” for what has happened here.

Thank you for all who have called and written encouragements…and most of all…thank you for your prayers!

Jack and Cherie Minton
Founders
Hope Force International