This past year has been a troublesome time for our world. While the nightly news continues to report on ever-increasing man-made and natural disasters, the headlines that dominate are of a global economy that is struggling like never before in our lifetime. Many have lost jobs - while others wonder how long they will remain employed. Disasters come in many different forms... and this particular financial disaster has affected all of us.
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HFI Founders, Jack and Cherie Minton

One door closes and another one opens: from the Gulf Coast of Mississippi... to the mountains of Appalachia

While 2009 has been a very challenging year, it has also been a year in which God has chosen to inspire fresh, new vision. As we brought our time in East Biloxi to a close, our focus has shifted to the poorest of America's poor in Appalachia. HFI has begun sending teams into southern West Virginia, and plans are underway to increase our commitment in 2010. Find out how you and your church or business can help us make a difference!
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A Christmas Journey to War, West Virginia - December, 2009

By Sue Duby
Read how Hope Force International donors helped to bring Christmas joy to over 170 Appalachian children!
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Orthopedics remains a primary medical focus for Hope Force...

We are deeply grateful for Dr. Tim and Julie Browne and Dr. Toney and Gina Russell - all members of the Hope Force International medical advisory board. Dr. Tim and Toney are orthopaedic surgeons, and Julie and Gina are also healthcare professionals. Together, they have led the charge for HFI's medical efforts over the past several years.

Dr. Tim Browne recently provided some information that helps convey just how vitally important the healing ministry of orthopaedic missions is to bruised and hurting people around the world.

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Creating a Refuge of Hope

When disaster strikes, each survivor, in his or her own way, hopes that someone is coming to help. Whether help comes from the neighbor across town, a family nearby or from strangers far away, the cry of the disaster survivor is “surely someone is coming!” And, inevitably, someone does come. Utility companies arrive to restore power, first responders to ensure health and safety, state and local officials to bring the resources of an entire nation to bear and volunteers anxious to help.

However, one of the major gaps in services identified by local governments, FEMA and other disaster response agencies is that of immediate volunteer housing in close proximity to the scene. Therefore, Hope Force International, in cooperation with other ministry partners, is offering an initiative that will help to alleviate this dilemma. We are proposing the creation of a "Refuge of Hope" to serve the needs of the community. This facility will be used to house short term volunteers, and thus, significantly increase the availability of local hotel space for survivors. Click below to read the Case Statement for the Refuge of Hope.
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Providing an Oasis of Hope

Once operational, The Refuge of Hope will also provide the tools required for another new project -- "The Oasis of Hope" -- designed to address the challenging needs of disaster survivors in underserved and outlining communities....

Hope Force International is called to "the least of these" - those who are often overlooked and forgotten. Often, our teams have gone to small communities that have been impacted by hurricanes, floods or tornadoes - the last to get help because they are outside the parameters of a big population center. To make matters worse, these small communities have lost on two levels - experiencing personal loss... as well as access to their common meeting places - so important in rural community life.

Our goal is to give practical, emotional and spiritual aid to survivors of disaster by providing a gathering place for people to receive food and water, community fellowship and information for a minimum of 300 people per day -- for up to a 90 day period -- all in a comforting atmosphere.
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We believe that crisis around the world will continue to increase in the days ahead. As followers of Jesus, we should be prepared to put our love of God into compassionate action when called upon to do so. We would consider it an honor to share the vision in your local church, civic organization, or meet those you would care to introduce to this ministry.

Please prayerfully consider your own personal involvement.

It is our hope that you will one day serve with us as we endeavor to ignite hope in the hearts and lives of those struggling in times of disaster. You can do this by:

• Becoming a trained Hope Force Reservist (see training schedule below)
• Sending a team from your church or business to work with us in our new HFI Appalachia project
• Finally, would you consider including Hope Force International in your year-end giving, or become a monthly Hope Force International giving partner?

You can give to the address below, or you can give online by clicking here:

Your donations make the difference!

Come join our ranks and become a trained, Hope Force International Reservist!

Nashville HFI Reservist class, January 2009	January 28-30 - Nashville, TN February 18-20 - Orange County, CA For more available dates, please contact us at info@hopeforce.org