Hope Is On The Way

We're another day closer to the launch of Eight Days of Hope. The advance team was out doing home assessments, ordering materials and even started several electrical jobs. They're working hard to ensure that there will be 100 projects ready for volunteers on Sunday morning!

The Gazette has a great article on one of the homes that Eight Days of Hope did an assessment on today. You can read the entire article here. Here are some of the hi-lights of the piece.

Louis McDaniel lived in this home for thirty-two years with his elderly mother. Then, the flood washed them both out and destroyed almost all of their possessions. "We've had some family members here trying to help when they can. Other than that, I've been doing most of the work myself,” McDaniel said.

He worried he might not ever be able to move back."A whole lot of stress. It's affected my moods. I'm usually in a really bad mood. Real mean. Nothings going right,” McDaniel said. Then, Eight Days of Hope showed up at his door with a plan to turn his life around.

"We need to clean this place out. We're going to mold treat it. We're going to put some insulation in. We're going to get his electrical finished up," Eight Days of Hope volunteer Dan Garrick said. Garrick lives in Oregon and is still learning about how the disaster affected Iowa.

Garrick is visiting dozens of the homes and trying to determine exactly what kind of repairs each one needs. He takes key measurements and places orders for all the materials crews will need next week."I can guarantee you there's 1300 people that love the lord and love you guys in Iowa. We're going to be here to help you guys,” he said.

McDaniel said, "For the first time in almost four-and-a-half months, I actually see some hope…I can't wait to get back in here."

We enjoyed having over 20 of the advance team over for dinner tonight. What an awesome group of men and women! They all volunteer their time and pay their own way to Cedar Rapids. Many are self-employed and don't have any paid vacation.

They come from all parts of the country - Oregon, New Hampshire, Michigan and Mississippi. But they all have one thing in common - they love Jesus Christ and want to serve Him using the skills and talents He has given to them. Welcome to Cedar Rapids and thank you for caring enough to come.