Have hope during this time of uncertainty.

Dear Friends and Supporters of HOPE worldwide ,

As we are all painfully aware, we are experiencing a time of uncertainty due to the coronavirus. So many of us are hurting, fearful for our futures and concerned about caring for our family and friends. As we all feel like the ground is shaking under our feet, we are so incredibly blessed to know that God is our refuge, shield and stronghold. In a strange way, although we are purposely isolating ourselves, it feels as though we are coming together around the world as the coronavirus does not distinguish between rich and poor, black and white, stranger and friend. Now is the time to “wrap our arms” around our neighbors – even if from a “social distance” or virtually.

During challenging times, we look to those who can inspire us to trust in our great, compassionate and merciful God. We at HOPE worldwide are no different. We rely on spiritual encouragement as we strive to spiritually encourage our HOPE worldwide global community.

In this spirit, we are extremely grateful to share with you that Reese Neyland has agreed to serve HOPE worldwide as Interim Chief Evangelist. After 38 years of dedicated service as an evangelist, Reese was planning to retire. But, knowing the importance of building on the spiritual foundation at HOPE worldwide and strengthening HOPE worldwide ’s connection to the incredible family of churches whose support of HOPE worldwide is invaluable, Reese put his retirement on hold in order to “stand in the gap” until the position of Chief Evangelist is permanently filled.

Reese is very qualified to step into the role of Interim Chief Evangelist. He has served for six years on the HOPE worldwide Board of Directors and as chairman of the board’s church relations committee. Reese sought the input of ICOC leadership and was unanimously affirmed for this position by the ICOC regional family chairpersons. He will also be able to provide advice and counsel in the selection of a permanent Chief Evangelist for HOPE worldwide.

We are extremely grateful, particularly at this troubling time, to have Reese Neyland join and provide great spiritual inspiration and encouragement to the HOPE worldwide team.

Tips on how to love people during this crisis:

• Call someone and encourage them.
• Send a text to a friend or neighbor.
• Use social media to share a voice of hope and love.
• Pray with someone using FaceTime or video chat.
• Share online educational tools/resources with families homeschooling.
• Order groceries and supplies online for the elderly and those without internet access.
• Be creative on how we can love digitally.

We will have more opportunities and updates coming soon from HOPE worldwide on how to help during this crisis.

For more information regarding HOPE worldwide updates and events affected by the coronavirus, visit hopeww.org/coronavirus.

Thank you and may God bless you,

HOPE worldwide