HFI Reservists Steve and Sammy Lee did not need one more item on their agenda; God had other plans.

With a large family, busy careers and significant leadership involvement in their local church, Steve and Sammy Lee did not need one more item on their agenda.  God had other plans.

 During a worship service in January of 2005, Sammye sensed a tug in her heart to start a Disaster Response Team at Grace Chapel Church in Franklin, Tennessee.  Convincing husband Steve to join the dream, the two faithfully moved forward  for the next few months, leaning on Sammye?s nursing background and Steve?s ?big picture? skills.  By August of 2005, the Grace Chapel Disaster Team officially began. Within days, news of Hurricane Katrina dominated news channels.  While watching coverage of the devastation in New Orleans, Sammye again felt a nudge to literally stand up out of her chair with a compelling sense to ?go to Mississippi."  When Steve heard what happened, he looked at Sammye and said, ?Let?s go!?  Their initial trip led to several years of service, with multiple doors opened and connections made in ways only God could orchestrate.

Since that time, the Lees and their church team have responded to floods, tornadoes and ice storms with food and practical help. Along the way, they heard about Hope Force International and discovered a common passion for serving with the love of Jesus?and that the headquarters were literally just a few miles down the road from the church.  Excited, the Lees helped orchestrate a Hope Force Disaster Responder training at their church and rallied many of their friends to attend with them.

Steve and Sammye have learned how to work as an effective team themselves, understanding each other?s strengths and passions. ?Steve and I recognize our own individual talents and respond in those to the demands evident in any disaster.  I am a natural organizer and nurse.  I help direct people to where they can serve and make sure they have what they need.  I must be in the field; I do not want to do this from a distance.  Steve is a mentor and people-lover who wants to come alongside those who are hurting.  He will hammer alongside them...or cry with them.  We both strongly want to leave them with hope.   That is our strongest desire!?

We?re so very grateful for Steve and Sammye Lee and our other Hope Force Reservists around the globe (over 1300 and counting).  Sammye summed it up well with her words: ?We all seek to serve others and with HFI's training and partnership, we find that what Jesus taught is very true.  Love is the root of all good things, and particularly His Love for us...shared with others who are hurting.?

(For more information about becoming a Hope Force disaster responder, please contact us at:  info@hopeforce.org )