In the last 20 years, the number of natural disasters in America has tripled. In 2010 alone the United States suffered a record-breaking 250 calamities and in 2011 there were more disaster declarations than at any other time in our history. Because of the skyrocketing number of crises in our world, effective disaster response and recovery initiatives are more important now than ever before. Hope Force International is meeting this need by providing a pathway for the Christian community to respond to life-altering disasters worldwide.

Around the globe, over 60 million people are affected by disasters each year. The January 2010 earthquake in Haiti left three million people in desperate need of aid. Here in the United States, we’ve seen a rash of tornadoes, hurricanes and floods, bringing unprecedented hardship upon our citizens. While the nation was still busy helping those in Haiti, for example, 1,000-year floods hit the city of Nashville, causing $1.5 billion in damages. Natural disasters are no longer something that happens just to the poor or to someone else; calamities have come to our streets and into our neighborhoods. Today they are all too frequent, dramatic and intensely personal.

After a disaster strikes, the human spirit longs for comfort, help and hope. We need to know we’re not facing tragedy and loss alone. Look at the parable of the Good Samaritan: “But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him."

Within each of us there is something of the Divine origin that inspires us to be an expression of hope in time of need. Instinctively, we want to do something to help; we just don’t know what or how. Hope Force International was birthed in response to these two fundamental truths:

People need to know that in their darkest hour, they are not alone.
As human beings made in the image of God, there is something in us that compels us to express compassion on behalf of suffering people – wherever they may be.

Our mission is to create a pathway of service whereby followers of Jesus can turn the tide of despair and defeat into an opportunity for faith and hope. We work to alleviate the suffering of those impacted by disaster or crisis. We are designed to equip willing volunteers in advance, to ensure that they can effectively and appropriately tend to the needs of survivors. This is why Hope Force International exists – to bring hope in the midst of despair. We believe that there is nothing more powerful than the compassionate actions of a well-prepared volunteer who desires to reflect the love and compassionate nature of Jesus to hurting people.

We must respond with compassion to the plight of those in need, giving our excess to fill their deficit. In the practical sense, our calling is to provide medical services, food, water and emotional and spiritual support. Some will play their role in this process by arriving on the scene to supply relief immediately after disaster. Others pray and give support to those on the field.

Whether it is providing life-changing medical intervention, applying tarps to damaged roofs, or simply offering a compassionate, listening ear, volunteers can make a difference in the lives of other people. Survivors respond with great joy and open hearts to volunteers ready to roll up their sleeves and work alongside them.

Come join the ranks of those who desire to put their love of God into compassionate action! Become trained and equipped to aid in disaster relief. Pray for those affected by disaster and for those who serve them. When each of us gives what we can, collectively we can ignite hope in the lives of individuals and communities in our neighborhoods and around the world.