Founders Message - Year End 2012
December 1, 2012
December 1, 2012: Hurricane Sandy assaulted the eastern coast of the United States October 29, affecting 24 states, cutting power to millions and leaving countless thousands paralyzed by the impact. The largest Atlantic hurricane on record, the storm will likely rival hurricane Katrina in the scope of damage to homes, businesses and livelihoods.
Although residents of New Jersey and New York are starting to see a semblance of normalcy return to their surroundings, the recovery process is painfully slow. Just last week a team of Hope Force Reservists went into an Atlantic City home to help the residents in the cleanup process. They picked up a couch and water poured out of it ? and this was a month after the storm. We continue to be surprised at the lack of capacity available to help those who are suffering. At the same time we are unbelievably grateful for the 100 plus Reservists and volunteers who have joined us in the Hurricane Sandy cleanup efforts.
Hope Force believes that followers of Jesus have a mandate to respond to the plight of those who are suffering from disaster or chronic need. Since 2003, this has been our guiding principle and the motivating force for 1,200 trained volunteers who count themselves amongst the ranks of our crisis response Reservists, based across the country. God is allowing us to carry out the mission of alleviating suffering caused by disasters and chronic need, mobilizing the global Christian community into compassionate action.
As we approach our 10-year anniversary, we marvel to see how Hope Force has become a pathway for Christians to become leading responders to crisis and disaster both at home and abroad. Our ongoing work in Haiti following the deadly 2010 earthquake has advanced with monumental steps this year ? and we have even bigger plans for 2013. Hurricane Isaac brought our staff and volunteer Reservists to the gulf coast to aid those going through loss in southern Louisiana. Meanwhile the chronic, generational poverty in the Appalachian region of West Virginia remains a priority for our ongoing focus.
Looking back on 2012, we also gratefully acknowledge American Airlines and the gift of 60 domestic air tickets ? dramatically increasing our capacity in 2012 to respond to disasters. In addition, Hope Force was featured on all domestic and international flights throughout the months of March and April.
Thank you for standing with us through a very eventful year. Psalm 42 reminds us, ?Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the LORD delivers them in times of trouble. The LORD protects and preserves them ? they are counted among the blessed in the land.? Our vision continues to be firmly focused on becoming a leading volunteer training and response force, bringing hope to those affected by crisis or disaster.
We invite you to join us in 2013 as we provide a compassionate response to a world in need!
With hope and appreciation,
Jack and Cherie Minton
Founders
