In with a bang -- out like a whisper.  Propelled four years ago by the most significant hurricane in modern history, Hope Force International hit the ground running along the Mississippi gulf coast within hours of Katrina’s landfall.  The landscape was decimated, property ruined and people in shock at the overwhelming magnitude of what had just happened.   Although many had lived through hurricanes before, no one had ever experienced anything like this.

Little did we know then, but this event would engage Hope Force International in ways we couldn’t even imagine at the time.  We certainly could not have foreseen the fact that once we began our response, we would remain involved in the work and lives of the community for nearly four years – and over 80 family homes restored or built from the ground up!  We have been blessed to host countless teams and individual volunteers, and have so many wonderful memories….  What an amazing privilege it has been! 

To the hundreds who gave precious time and the sweat of your brow… to those who gave financially… and to those who prayed… please accept our heartfelt “thank you”!  When we think of you, we think of Hebrews 6:10; “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” 

Hope Force International turns its focus to Appalachia

This past summer, Hope Force International brought to a conclusion our rebuilding efforts in East Biloxi, MS.  Sometimes in disaster ministry, it is easier to know when to start something than it is to know when it’s over.  The big bang of a major event often signals the invitation to respond.  It is often the gentle whisper of God’s voice over time that indicates we have completed the work assigned to us. 

As we bring this season to a close, we believe that God is inviting us to join Him in a new adventure of compassion.  When we think of poverty, various mental pictures come to mind; far off places in underdeveloped countries are perhaps most common.  However, hidden in plain sight -- right here in America -- is a region that has suffered the effects of poverty and neglect for generations.  We have prayerfully chosen to focus some of our efforts into a “domestic complex disaster of chronic need” that has existed for generations – the poorest of America’s poor.  We will do this by investing our expertise to create safe, warm homes for the people of Appalachia, and by developing opportunities to enhance skill levels of the local work force.

While incredibly beautiful, this West Virginia area of the USA is marred by the aftermath of strip coal mining and lives beaten down by despair and hopelessness.  We are grateful that Hope Force International will be engaged in efforts to alleviate this suffering through various acts of practical compassion. 

We welcome you to join us through your hands on involvement with us in the field, and through your prayers and financial support in the days ahead.  Stay tuned for more information coming after the holidays, detailing the opportunities of service for those who are discerning the “gentle whisper” of God’s invitation to be involved.   (If you are excited about working with Hope Force in Appalachia, and would like to start the process of getting involved now, please contact:  info@hopeforce.org)

            
(Recent church team with Craig Snow,  HFI Appalachia Project Director)