True Dedication

This summer, Hope Force Reservist Rick Sheffield will travel to War, West Virginia for his 25th deployment. Rick was introduced to Hope Force in 2004 when he heard co-founders Jack and Cherie Minton share about the organization at Grace Community Church in Mount Union, Pennsylvania. His first trip with Hope Force was to Pearlington, Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. In the following months, he made return trips to Biloxi, Mississippi to rebuild homes for those affected by the hurricane.

Serving under the leadership of Project Director Craig Snow, Rick determined he wanted to give his life to helping those in need and working alongside team members who reflected the heart of Jesus. Rick set a Hope Force flyer on his night stand as a daily reminder to pray for his dream.

It was not untral years later that Rick attended Hope Force Reservist Training. He commented, "It showed me who I am in Christ and that missions are more than being hands; they'il severe my heart, too, and my heart's desire is to help hurting people."

Officially known as a Hope Force Reservist Training, the program Rick and other Reservists completed in order to be eligible for deployment prepares participants to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs that arise in the aftermath of disaster. Reservist Training spans two days and covers everything from the grief and trauma cycle to principles of appropriate caregiving. Over 1,000 people have now completed this training program.

After being certified as a Hope Force Reservist, he was able to more effectively serve those dealing with loss on deployments across the country. During one deployment, Rick sprained his ankle. Hope Force Training Coordinator Sue Duby was on the deployment as well and commented that "The injury only kept him down for a few hours. Then he was back at it, working and training others, all while in pain."

Rick has been married to his wife, Denise, for 28 years. Denise said of her husband, "I see a humble man of God wanting only to help those in need. He does not realize the people he touches: his family, his co-workers, his church family, people who work alongside him on mission trips, or those he goes to help. People feel at ease when he is around. His ministry is not only using his carpentry skills, but as Jack and Cherie say, he gives the "ministry of presence." It is that feeling of security that drew me to him. I love to see the twinkle in his blue eyes when he's getting ready to leave on a mission trip."

To join Rick and other Hope Force Reservists on future trips, consider attending a Basic Training Intensive. The next training will take place in Lansdale, Pennsylvania August 16-18. It will cost $195 and include:

• An overview of the Grief and Trauma Cycle, with Dr. Erik Spruyt
• Identity in Christ for the disaster responder, with Dan Sneed
• Maintaining healthy and cohesive relationships in ministry, with Dean Sherman
• Core principles for effective ministry, with Dave Buehring
• How to be an appropriate caregiver, and self care for the crisis responder, HFI staff