April 20, 2010: Our training initiatives continue to bring us closer to our goal of 1,000 active reservists prepared and ready to respond to people in need around the world. The recent Hope Force Training Intensive in Nashville brought 23 participants from eight different states for two and half days of training. Nurses, pastors, truckers, business owners, stay-at-home moms – all have something to contribute.
 
Jessica and Davey Anderson found the training to be a real highlight: "We are very impressed by the quality and depth of the Hope Force training. The Nashville Hope Force Basic Training Intensive was well organized – they emailed us all the details ahead of time, so we felt very well prepared. And when we got there, we were welcomed with open arms by some of the friendliest people we’ve ever met. We felt very comfortable and valued right from the start.

"At first we expected to learn how to set up tents or work in food lines or rescue people from rubble… as Jack and Cherie like to call it, “Chainsaw 101”. But we were very impressed that the whole three days of training centered on our spiritual well-being and our relationship and identity in Christ. We were so challenged and encouraged by each of the speakers as well as inspired by their stories. 

"We learned so much and are excited to apply these lessons not only in a crisis, but also in our everyday lives. (Don’t worry, there aren’t any tests during the seminar.) And you don’t have to be in the medical field to help! I (Jess) was only one of three nurses in our group of 23. It is so awesome to see how God uses anyone who is available. We met some amazing people with a heart and passion to serve God and it’s such a privilege to be part of this team with them! 
 
"We were also very impressed at the hospitality shown. The meals and snacks were delicious and we were never hungry or thirsty. We left the training with such an excitement to be part of Hope Force! While we pray that there won’t be any more disasters, we feel equipped and ready to serve with Hope Force if the time comes. We can’t say enough good things about this organization and about the training… we recommend it to anyone and everyone. "We’re from Huntington Beach, California and we flew all the way to Nashville to attend Hope Force training… and it was worth every penny. We love Hope Force!"

 

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