“A Lot To Give”

HOPE worldwide Day of Service

June 17, 2008

Dear HOPE worldwide “Day of Service” Volunteer,

I am writing you because you indicated on your registration form for the ICMC that you are willing to participate in “A Lot To Give”, HOPE worldwide’s Day of Service in the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans. I promise you July 4th, 2008, will be a day like no other! Not only will there be over 1000 volunteers from the conference and around the country who have gathered to recondition 100 lots, but we also bring in many of the families that have been displaced from their homes to honor them and give them strength and vision for the future. Leaders are being trained well in advance so that the day runs as smoothly as possible, but there are some things that I need you to be aware of before you come to the ICMC Conference. Please make note of the following:

Advance Information – You should have already sent in a HOPE worldwide Waiver form with your registration. Please note that you MUST submit this waiver in order to participate in the Day of Service. You should have also alerted us in your registration if you have any medical issues that would limit you on the Day of Service. It will be very hot and humid in New Orleans. If you have not sent in this information, or if any information changes please contact Christy Stephens at the HOPE worldwide office (484-744-9303) or email her at Christy_Stephens@hopeww.org.

What to Bring – Your registration form asked you to pack; a backpack, hat, work clothes (shorts are fine if modest), change of T-shirts, and gloves. In addition to these items please bring sunscreen, bug repellant, and a water bottle. Work shoes (boots or tennis shoes) are important – no open toed sandals or flip-flops please. Also bring a card that you can give to one of the family members to encourage them – this is important!

What You’ll Be Doing – The goal of the day is to recondition 100 lots. Some of these lots have the houses removed and you’ll be spreading topsoil and planting seed. Other lots will need to be cleaned up and some work done around various buildings. A memorial garden will also be planted. Everyone will be placed in a team of 15. Some team members will be doing physical work, others acting as host to the families that once lived on the property. There will be plenty of work for all and the day will end in a final dedication of each lot and a memorial celebration with the 9th Ward families.

When Will We Start? – One of the most important aspects of this amazing day is getting started on time! All ICMC participants that plan to serve must board the bus at 6 am on Friday morning. Many of you will have traveled hours to get to Baton Rouge, but you must resist the temptation to drag on Friday morning. You will be given specific instruction when you check in at the ICMC and on Thursday night at the conference. We need you to please follow the instructions given and spur one another on in the early morning hours. You’ll have a 1 ½ hour bus ride to relax on the way to New Orleans. Breakfast will be served on the bus. My guess is that many will have no problem sleeping on the trip back to Baton Rouge so as to be ready for the fireworks that evening!

Thanks again for your willingness to serve. Lives will be changed, and God will be glorified through your efforts.

Yours in Christ,

Walter Evans
For the Leadership, “A Lot To Give” HOPE worldwide