Hurricane Gustav Volunteers
Answering the Call
September 3rd, 2008

After hearing the call for HOPE worldwide volunteers, announced on Sunday at the closing service of International Singles Conference in Dallas, Texas, some volunteers were able to drive immediately to the local Red Cross Chapter to help serve.

Upon arrival in late afternoon, the volunteers from the local ministry conference were immediatly dispatched to help setup a new Red Cross incident headquarters just outside of Fort Worth, because the current headquarters coordinating statewide Red Cross relief for the Hurricane Gustav incident was rapidly outgrowing its available space. The new headquarters were located in an unused Wal-Mart facility, as the Red Cross works together with Wal Mart, who provides many valuable resources for such events.

The volunteers helped the "Red Cross Response Technology Team" setup a network infrastructure, providing vital satellite-based computer communications to coordinate and manage the relief efforts. Equipment was unloaded, table layouts were drawn, and directions were given.  Power cords and data cables were laid out, along with computer switches, a portable network server, and a satellite dish controller. Bathrooms were cleaned, stocked and prepared. The Red Cross staff would transfer to the new facility in a day or two.

"It was great that we were all in Dallas at that time and had the opportunity to serve," said Mary Alice Lott, a volunteer from the Northern Virginia Church of Christ, "I think it brought glory to God."

Thomas Tracey, from the Los Angeles Church of Christ, said, "When I heard about the announcement, and I jumped at the opportunity. I'm very grateful for HOPE worldwide building relationships with many national relief agencies, so that volunteers can get directly involved in helping out when these disasters occur."    

Graham Millar, with the Denver Church of Christ had this to share: "It was really faith-strengthening to be a part of that, especially right after the conference, so that we could put our lessons into practice immediately - literally right out the door of the conference - we were putting out faith into action; so that really inspired me and gave me a wonderful message and memory to take back from the conference and share with the people here in Denver."

Submitted by Volunteer Thomas Tracey, Singles Ministry, Orange County Region,  LA Church of Christ
Posted September 3rd, 2008

WE STILL NEED YOUR HELP!
The Red Cross has made an urgent appeal to HOPE worldwide for 1,200 volunteers. Volunteers are needed urgently. ALL VOLUNTEERS WELCOME!

Volunteers are needed in these cities: (LATEST UPDATE)

300 - Dallas, Texas - GOAL COMPLETED
300 - San Antonio, Texas - GOAL COMPLETED
200 - Baton Rouge, Louisiana - DESPERATELY NEEDED!
200 - Shreveport, Louisiana
200 - Alexandria, Louisiana

SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER HERE!

Please visit again soon for more information on the hurricane and how we can help respond to the coming crisis.

Donate Now.
Help our volunteers deliver much needed supplies and aid
to communities and vicitms of Hurricane Gustav.

Read past alerts and info from Hurricane Gustav

Septmeber 6th Article, "Shinning Lights Among Hurricane Devastation"
September 3-4th Update
September 3-4th Coverage Maps
September 1st Update
August 29th Alert
August 27th Alert