HFI Reservist Communique- July 07

HFI Reservist Communiqué

July 2007

Hope Force International
to be Featured on 700 Club!

Jack and Cherie Minton have just returned from the Gulf Coast where a CBN (Christian Broadcasting Network) film team has interviewed them regarding Christian disaster efforts.

We are honored that HFI will be featured in this upcoming segment of the 700 Club, which will air sometime between August 5th – 8th (we will send out an update when we know the exact dates.)

We are grateful for this opportunity to share with many Christ followers about the need to be prepared and ready for service.

HFI Reservist Deployments Continue into Mississippi for Emotional and Spiritual Care

August 29th marks the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s ravaging landfall uon the Gulf Coast. The people of Mississippi are well into the recovery stage of the disaster. Hope Force continues to host teams of volunteers who are re-building homes, while providing emotional and spiritual care to people who have suffered physical and emotional loss.

As we approach this sobering anniversary, the full impact of loss and despair of individuals has led to an increased need for emotional and spiritual care (ESC). Jeff Jelletts, Salvation Army Disaster Services Director for the Southern Territories, sent out a plea to Hope Force for additional ESC workers to minister to the needs of disaster victims during the summer months. HFI Reservists responded, and are represented in 5 out of the 6 two-week deployment periods requested.

Everyday, people in need come in to Army headquarters in Biloxi, where ESC workers then make face-to-face visits with individuals experiencing loss of a spouse, depression, physical incapacities and financial stresses and other needs. “Our Reservists are representing the love of Jesus ‘with skin on’ and are making a tangible impact on the emotional and spiritual lives of these people. What an incredible privilege to minister to those in need,” says Chuck Duby, Chaplain for HFI and the coordinator for ESC workers.

HFI Reservist Profile

We have several “heroes” who have taken the time to go to the Gulf to provide emotional and spiritual care. One such couple is David and Fay Redmon. David and Fay are Tennessee natives, certified as HFI Reservists and as emotional and spiritual caregivers.

David recounts a recent story of being at the Salvation Army warehouse, coming across paperwork related to a woman he had seen several months prior, and felt a “leading” to make contact with her that day….

David and Fay arrived to find 65-year old “Miss Betty” with no food and no money to pay for anything. Just that day, Miss Betty had prayed in sheer desperation for God to help her. David and Fay were the answer to her prayer, bringing provisions and a presence of hope. They all cried together in wonder at the miraculous meeting and the wondrous God they all serve.

Project Rebuild

Please take a moment to view the following two media links. The first consists of a new presentation of the Project Rebuild endeavors. The second is a recent story on WLOX – Biloxi, featuring our own Craig Snow as the “Volunteer of the Week” and the work of Project Rebuild. We know that you will be blessed as you view each of these presentations.

(Note: when you open the link to Craig’s story,
make sure you click on the video link in the upper left corner of the text.)

WLOX news feature on Hope Force Project Rebuild Director, Craig Snow: (click here)

Project Rebuild video link: (click here)

Strategic Partners Meeting

On June 12th, 2007, in Atlanta, Hope Force leadership participated in a partners meeting, hosted by The Salvation Army, which also included the following organizations: The Billy Graham Association (Chaplaincy Division), World Vision USA, The Southern Baptists (Disaster Division), Operation Blessing and Midwest Food Bank. These partner organizations have agreed to enter into a consortium relationship where resources can be leveraged and shared in a strategic manner. We are grateful to be included in this group of time-honored organizations, and look forward to future collaborative efforts, including joint training opportunities.

Hope Force Welcomes Alberta Wray

With great rejoicing around the office, we’ve just welcomed our newest team member to the Hope Force International staff, Alberta Wray. Alberta joins us, bringing 8 years of full time experience in missions and relief work with Mercy Ships International serving in numerous capacities including Human Resources, Public Relations and Project Management.

We all sense her arrival is for “such a time as this” as she directs Human Resources for Hope Force. After 3 years in northern England, she’s looking forward to driving on the right side of the road, making Nashville home and bringing refreshing order and fun to our workplace!

Click here to go to Hope Force's homepage

HFI Reservist Communiqué