Help and Hope After Dennis

Many people are saying that Hurricane Dennis did not cause as much damage as projected, but many homes were destroyed. Remember, people living in the Gulf states are constantly defending themselves against hurricanes. One relief worker put it this way, “It’s like a boxing match where a weary fighter gets up off the canvas only to be knock down once again.”

The Pensacola area was hit hard, but Operation Blessing’s new distribution center in Ocala, Florida made it easy to load trucks with supplies and move out.

Charles Adkins with the Church of God response team is just one of many organizations that Operation Blessing partners with. “When I need a load,” he says, “most of the time I don’t even have to ask. I get that call that says, ‘Hey, we are on the way.’”

Now all the hard work and preparation by Operation Blessing is paying off. The line of cars is hundreds deep with people needing food and supplies. When they pass through the line, they’ll received six cans of carrots and six cans of pork and beans. They’ll also be getting a package of non fat dry milk, cereal, and, perhaps most importantly, a bag of ice. They will also receive drinks like Hawaiian punch, some snacks, and tooth brushes for the entire family.

Volunteers came from all around to help, but JD and Betty are unique when it comes to put others before themselves. They need help desperately; their home is now a tent!

“You truly don’t know the feeling of losing everything until you come home after a storm and you have lost everything,” says Betty.

JD showed me what was left of his bedroom. With no power, food going bad, and no gas to get supplies, they are not just losing possessions, they are losing hope.

“It is kind of hard to actually sit here and want to rebuild when you know that about three or four more [hurricanes] are coming up in the gulf and could be hitting within the next week or so. We could have another one come through and take the rest of it away from us,” he says.

That’s why Operation Blessing’s work here so critical.

“Today has proved the need here in this town,” says Charles Adkins. “We have to depend upon God to lead us, to put us in the right place. He has done that many times.”

Like many others hit hard by Hurricane Dennis, JD does not take your help for granted. “I would like to tell them we appreciate all of the help,” he says. We sure appreciate it ; we need it, and we are glad to see them come in and do this for everyone.”

Thank you, 700 Club partners. Because of your faithful giving, those hit hard by hurricane Dennis are receiving the help, and hope, they desperately need. If you are not a partner, please join today. Not only will you be helping those in need this hurricane season, you will broadcast a message of hope and love here at home and around the world through the many outreaches of CBN. Please join with us today.