Another Year of Hope

Natural disasters affect the United States every year.

“From 1980 [to] 2024, there were 403 confirmed weather/climate disaster events with losses exceeding $1 billion each to affect [the] United States,” reported the National Centers for Environmental Information.

And depending on who you ask, these 403 incidents may be more personal or catastrophic, depending on whether they affected the individual. However, for Steve Tybor, founder of Eight Days of Hope (EDOH), Hurricane Katrina was one of those storms that had a significant impact on his life.

In 2005, following the hurricane, Tybor and a few friends decided to travel to the Mississippi Gulf Coast to help rebuild homes that the storm had damaged. Little did he know that 20 years later, with God’s help and provision, that one trip would grow into a ministry that has helped serve more than 11,000 families in various ways.

Over the last 20 years, EDOH has expanded its ministry to include multiple arms, and according to its website, has helped many individuals in the following areas. They include:

The Rebuilding Ministry, where EDOH teams have gone and helped rebuild homes in the wake of natural disasters. Since 2005, they have “rebuilt over 4,500 homes in 9 states.”
The Rapid Response Ministry deploys EDOH volunteers within 72 hours of a disaster. In this area, this ministry arm has served and assisted with more than 70 disasters.
In the Safe House Ministry, EDOH has answered the call to help survivors of sex trafficking, where they “have partnered with 13 organizations in 8 states to build 17 places of restoration for survivors of trafficking!”
In one of their newest arms, the Mass Feeding Ministry, EDOH can feed “8,000 meals for 8 days after a natural disaster.”

And to top it all off, the ministry also has its Hope Reigns Radio Podcast, where the EDOH team shares what God is doing through the ministry. It can be found here and also heard on American Family Radio on Saturday mornings from 11:00 to 12:00 CT.

Over the years, EDOH has been an amazing example of how we, as Christ followers, can be the hands and feet of Jesus during these tumultuous times.

Last September, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, The Stand was able to speak with EDOH’s communications director, Hannah Fletcher, to hear more about EDOH’s response during the aftermath. Recently, The Stand caught up with Fletcher again to hear ministry updates, how they are preparing for fall storms, and more. Below are her responses.

The Stand (TS): How is EDOH gearing up for the rest of hurricane season?

Hannah Fletcher (HF): As always, we work our hardest to deploy on a moment’s notice following a storm. While hurricane season has had a slow start, we have used this time to prepare meals, clean and maintain equipment, and train leaders to respond well in the aftermath of upcoming disasters.

TS: How did EDOH assist those impacted by Hurricane Helene?

HF: We responded through six outreaches from our Rapid Response and Mass Feeding Ministries to those impacted by Hurricane Helene and Milton, providing disaster relief for over 8 weeks immediately following the storm. Later on in the year and in January of 2025, we worked through the local churches [in] Valdosta, GA, and Haywood County, NC, to provide additional relief to families in need through appliance donations and more!

TS: How has EDOH seen the Lord move through the ministry in the last year?

HF: It has been so exciting to see God move throughout the ministry over the past year. We closed 2024 with a record number of deployments – 23 in a single year. This year, we have had the chance to deploy 13 times already, bringing hope in the wake of tornadoes, flash flooding, and more. Our Safe House Ministry partnered with three amazing ministries this year – including completing Phase 2 of Safe Harbor Ohio this fall. With a few more months to go in 2025, we are excited to watch and see what doors God opens for us to serve.

TS: Any upcoming projects?

HF: Right now, we do not have any upcoming projects. We are celebrating 20 years of ministry this December with a Weekend of Hope spread across Tupelo, MS, and Buffalo, NY. We are excited to look to our history as we prepare to announce exciting plans for our future!

TS: How can readers pray for or assist the ministry?

HF: Please join us in prayer for all those who will be impacted by storms this fall. We ask that you pray that we follow God’s plans for us as we love and serve those in need, including training new leaders, expanding our ministry, and working with local churches and communities in need.

TS: What would you say to those considering volunteering to encourage them to join EDOH in a deployment?

HF: Time and time again, we see God use our volunteers to bring His eternal hope. One yes can change lives, not just for those we serve, but also for the volunteers who serve. Today, when you join us on a trip, you have the ability to make an impact for generations to come, whether you build a safe house, provide a warm meal to the hurting, tarp a roof, or simply sit and love the family we are serving. There is something for everyone – don’t miss out on your chance to see God move in mighty ways!

There is no doubt that the Lord is using the entire team at EDOH to minister to those in need and give them the hope of Jesus. If you are interested in volunteering with EDOH, please visit their website for more information.

As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God (1 Peter 4:10).

(Editor’s note: The graphic for this blog was used with permission from Eight Days of Hope.)

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