Hope Quarterly | Issue 20

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Multiplying

HOPE NEW WAREHOUSE CONSTRUCTION BEGINS “THE REASON” DEBUTS KIRK FRANKLIN PARTNERSHIP p. 5 p. 7 p. 6

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FALL 2020

330 S. Patterson Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802 Hope Quarterly is published by Convoy of Hope.

Published: Fall 2020 Š2020 Convoy of Hope

Editor-in-Chief | Roger Flessing Managing Editor | Levi Costello Content Editors | Alyssa Everett, Lindsay DonaldsonKring & Morgan Mills Senior Reporter | Jess Heugel Reporter | Destin Harrison Photographers | Keagon Doyle, Christian Lamb & Nikki Simmons Contributors | Dr. Jim Blessman and Sandy Taylor

Creative Director | Josh Carter Designers | Aaron Davis & Misty Olivera

Board of Directors Dr. Aaron Cole, Court Durkalski, Dr. Brad Trask, Scott Howard, Telvin Jeffries, Dr. Tom Carter, David Cribbs, Dominick Garcia, Dr. Nick Garza, Dr. Sam Huddleston, Randy Hurst, Cheryl Jamison, Klayton Ko, Kay Logsdon, Sherilynn Tounger, Dishan Wickramaratne, Kirk Yamaguchi & Hal Donaldson (President) Feedback | editor@convoyofhope.org Website | convoyofhope.org Twitter | @convoyofhope Facebook | /convoyofhope Postmaster | Send address changes to: Hope Quarterly 330 S. Patterson Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802

On the Cover: One of the students in our Children's Feeding program in Kenya, who will receive a warm meal each day at school.

Photographer: Jess Heugel

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Bring a little Joy to their World this Season.

FROM THE PRESIDENT

HOPE

Multiplied I

have been asked this question, directly or indirectly, many times over the years: “What is the return on investment when you give tangible help to someone in need?” The answer is simple — we see hope multiplied.

When you and I invest in the future of a malnourished child, a destitute mother, or a struggling farmer, we remove some of the barriers standing between them and a brighter future. When we remove these barriers by providing nourishment, equipment, and education, we impart hope.

A child may have the dream of becoming a teacher or doctor, but without food to eat it’s difficult for her to focus in school. A mother may be smart and savvy but lacks the equipment to start her own business. A farmer can have all the determination in the world but, without certain skills and tools, can’t generate a sufficient yield.

It is our privilege to lift up those in need, by providing real opportunity for a new life.

When you give selflessly, you are a part of this story. You are a part of their story. You are a part of what it means to see hope multiplied.

God bless you for your generosity.

‘When you give selflessly, you are a part of this story. You are a part of their story. You are a part of what it means to see hope multiplied.’

Hal Donaldson President

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CONVOY NEWS

150 Million Meals Distributed During Pandemic Convoy of Hope has delivered more than 150 million meals in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization’s fleet of tractortrailers has been crisscrossing the U.S. since March, delivering emergency supplies and food, with no plans of slowing down any time soon.

“A few months ago, we began with a goal to distribute 10 million meals to families hit hard by the pandemic,” says Hal Donaldson, President of Convoy of Hope. “But the response from our partners across the country was remarkable. It quickly became a united act of compassion, and we were reminded once again that we can do more together than we can alone.”

In addition to the work we’re doing in the U.S., Convoy of Hope is also working internationally.

We’ve distributed more than 25 million meals to partners around the world who are helping families and individuals in vulnerable situations.

According to Donaldson, the generosity of corporations, churches, and individuals has enabled many families to receive much-needed assistance. “Convoy of Hope and our partners know we can’t stop now; 150 million meals aren’t enough. The need is great, and we’re committed to doing all we can for as long as we can.”

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CONVOY NEWS

Convoy of Hope Breaks Ground for New Warehouse Convoy of Hope has broken ground for a new Distribution Center, Disaster Services Operations Center, and offices in Springfield, Missouri.

Keith Boucher, Convoy of Hope’s Executive Chief of Staff, says, “The new Distribution Center will more

125,000 Hurricane Laura Survivors Helped

than triple current storage capacity and provide dedicated space to train thousands of volunteers in subjects such as disaster preparedness and crisis intervention. All of this will lead to greater impact and the advancement of our mission.”

In the wake of widespread power outages and numerous water system failures, Convoy of Hope served the survivors of Hurricane Laura with 2.4 million pounds of food, water, ice, and hygiene supplies.

“More than 70 tractor-trailer loads of supplies were on the ground or en route immediately after the storm made landfall,” says Stacy Lamb, Convoy of Hope’s U.S. Disaster Services Senior Director.

“We distributed relief supplies to families and individuals from a point of distribution, and we resourced multiple partners and churches in surrounding communities.”

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CONVOY NEWS

Australian Students Raise Seedlings to Aid Recovery After Wildfires Convoy of Hope Australia plans on delivering 34,000 plants to residents in and around Conjola, Australia. These plants will help them jumpstart their recovery after last year’s devastating wildfires burned more than 46 million acres of land across the continent.

“There are a lot of families from homes that have been destroyed, so a lot of these plants are going to be replenishing gardens down the coast,” says Convoy of Hope’s Oceania Regional Leader Joel A’Bell.

In cooperation with local governments, nurseries, and schools, students were given seedlings to care for until they were ready to plant. Convoy of Hope provided agricultural education and the logistics of distributing the plants to local residents and community recreation areas. Convoy of Hope also distributed food, water, and masks to numerous communities.

Visit convoyofhope.org/conjola to see photos of this project in action.

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New Film, “The Reason,” Offers Hope “Why do bad things happen to good people?” An inspiring new film called “The Reason,” based on the novel by William Sirls, wrestles with this very question and presents a timely message to viewers.

This inspiring faith-based movie stars Academy Award winner Lou Gossett Jr. and will be available on December 15, 2020.

Proceeds will benefit Convoy of Hope.

To preorder the movie, visit convoyofhope.org/thereason and know that you are helping Convoy of Hope feed children all over the world.

CONVOY NEWS

Kirk Franklin Song Benefits Convoy of Hope Sixteen-time Grammy Award-winning gospel artist Kirk Franklin partnered with Convoy of Hope for the release of his new single, “Strong God.” Convoy of Hope also appeared in the “Strong God” music video, and Franklin graciously decided to donate a portion of the sales to Convoy of Hope.

“Convoy of Hope is always thankful when people like Kirk Franklin use their talent and their platform to help us feed the hungry and help the poor and suffering,” said Convoy of Hope Vice President Kirk Noonan. “Those partnerships bring great awareness to the important work that we’re doing.”

“Strong God” peaked at No. 5 on Billboard's Hot Christian Songs Chart and was also included on Franklin’s album “Long, Live, Love.” Fans may visit kirkfranklin.com to keep up with Franklin’s news and performance dates.

Convoy of Hope Responds to Multiple Autumn Disasters

In addition to our Hurricane Laura response, Convoy of Hope responded to several other disasters in the third quarter.

emergency supplies, blankets, and other products.

Historic fires raged throughout California, Washington, and Oregon for months. More than 30 deaths were reported, and millions of acres were burned by the infernos. Convoy of Hope served more than 71,000 people along the West Coast with 40 tractor-trailer loads of food, water,

Hurricane Sally made landfall in September as a Category 2 storm, and Hurricane Delta struck the Gulf Coast in October.

The slow-moving storms caused catastrophic and life-threatening flooding. Convoy of Hope staff and volunteers served thousands of survivors.

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FEATURE

Multiplying

HOPE YOUR KINDNESS IS CHANGING LIVES

C

hege ran with desperation in his eyes. Sweat poured down the 8-year-old boy’s face as he took in another panicky, dust-filled breath. He sprinted through fields of brittle grass and down the winding roads that surrounded his Kenyan neighborhood.

He had to find help.

His mother was dying.

The night before, his father — an abusive, violent alcoholic — had beaten Chege’s mother during a drunken rage.

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FEATURE

The next morning, she called to Chege, saying, “I want you to run and find your father, because I feel like I’m going to die.”

The boy ran as fast as he could, but his mother passed before they returned.

Chege thought his future died with his mother. But, his life was far from over. Chege was enrolled in a school where Convoy of Hope fed hungry children like him. It was there that he also received his first pair of shoes.

He started studying diligently, and his teachers began to see a difference in his performance.

With a nutritious meal in his stomach and determination in his soul, he advanced three grade levels in one year.

Eventually, he finished school and was accepted into university to study chemistry.

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‘I tell them I was like them. Hungry in my body and in my mind, and people like Convoy of Hope came along and fed me. And now, because of them, I will never be the same.’

Today Chege finds time to tutor students in the school he attended as a child — the same place where Convoy of Hope still feeds children every school day.

“I’m telling them they are valuable,” he says. “I tell them I was like them. Hungry in my body and in my mind, and people like Convoy of Hope came along and fed me. And now, because of them, I will never be the same.

I will accomplish my vision. And nothing can stop me.”

That’s what we call “hope multiplied.” From the outskirts of a Kenyan village to major metropolitan cities within the U.S., Convoy of Hope is partnering with schools, churches, community groups, and friends to spread hope to people who just need to know someone cares.

FEATURE

CHICAGO KINDNESS

More than 20 years ago, Convoy of Hope began conducting Community Events in Chicago, Illinois. Year after year, we brought together churches, businesses, and civic organizations to reach out to thousands of honored guests in these communities. With the assistance of more than 1,000 volunteers at each event, we returned each year with groceries, job fairs, medical and dental services, children's shoes, and more — all of which was free of charge to guests. Local authorities and law enforcement said they saw a tangible difference in the communities because of the kindness shown.

Through Community Events held in 2015, 2016, and 2018, we

served 28,193 Guests of Honor living in the Chicago area. “Lives have been changed because of the generosity of your partners and the diligence of the workers,” says one Chicago pastor.

When COVID-19 threatened to cancel the 2020 Chicago Community Event altogether,

the large-scale gathering was in jeopardy. But the community was determined to make it happen.

They knew what it would do for children and families in need.

Through a Disaster Services model — where food and services are distributed safely — more than 5,000 families were still served. Despite the pandemic and

‘Where food and services are distributed safely — thousands of people were still served. Despite the pandemic and all the obstacles it brought that day, hope was multiplied.’ all the obstacles it brought that day, hope was multiplied.

“Each day, Convoy of Hope’s friends and partners make sacrifices so others can receive real help and lasting hope,” says Hal Donaldson, Convoy of Hope’s President. “From our Children’s Feeding programs, to the job training initiatives for women, to water and agriculture initiatives for farmers, to Community Events and our disaster relief efforts, people are having their hope restored and multiplied.”

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TO COVID-19

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MINI FEATURE

D

idi, a teacher at a school in the Philippines, works in a remote area with little access to health care. Local tribal groups subsist on root crops, but the economic downturn following COVID-19 further isolated her community from outside resources.

According to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center, there have been more than 40 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 1.1 million deaths at the time this article was written. The UN has stated that children living in poverty are disproportionately bearing the brunt of the disease and its economic impact.

In response, Convoy of Hope has distributed more than 25 million meals in 31 countries in response to COVID-19. Our international staff is working long hours, many under strict government lockdowns, to ensure we continue serving the people who are most at risk during this pandemic.

COVID-19 Response International Statistics *As of 10/26/20

237,800 Masks distributed

Didi is moved to tears when she talks about feeding the students in her class. “I feel like crying. It’s like you are a gift from heaven!

Thank you so, so much to all of you.”

‘I feel like crying. It’s like you are a gift from heaven! Thank you so, so much to all of you.’

The story of the world’s most vulnerable people has played out time and again as the coronavirus continues to spread and devastate communities that are barely hanging on. Filled with grit and determination, Convoy of Hope is compelled to keep serving those in need.

People like Didi are modern-day heroes. And it’s our joy to supply them with the help and support they need.

29,751,690 31 Meals served

Countries served

30,225

66,057

Hygiene kits distributed

WASH training participants 15

Top 10 Options for Innovative Giving to Convoy of Hope 1. Charitable gift from your IRA.

6. Unneeded life insurance.

2. Appreciated assets or stocks.

7. Charitable remainder unitrust.

3. Gift from your Donor Advised Fund.

8. Charitable gift annuity.

4. Donation of real estate.

5. Bequest in your will.

9. Join the Hope Society.

10. Cash contribution.

For more information on tax-wise year-end giving options, please contact Mary Vogen at mvogen@convoyofhope.org today.

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MAKE A DONATION GIFT AMOUNT

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BECOME A MONTHLY DONOR $25

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Stocks Property Credit Card Cash Check I'd like to include Convoy of Hope in my estate plans.

CONTACT INFORMATION Name Address City

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CREDIT CARD INFORMATION Credit Card # Percentage Policy: At Convoy of Hope, accountability and transparency are an integral part of everything we do. From every purpose restricted donation, Convoy of Hope’s Independent Board of Directors may allocate between 12 percent and 20 percent of that donation to cover its administrative and fundraising costs. If restricted donations exceed the need of the crisis, the capacity to respond to a crisis and/or when local conditions prevent effective assistance, Convoy of Hope’ s Independent Board of Directors may allocate these funds to other worthy projects that help Convoy of Hope fulfill its global mission of helping children and families in need. A copy of Convoy of Hope’s annual audited financial statement is available at convoyofhope.org/financials.

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State Nonprofit Disclosures Certain states require written disclosures for nonprofit organizations soliciting contributions. Individual state disclosures are listed here. Florida: A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll-free, within the state, 1-800-435-7352 (800-HELP-FLA), or visiting www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com.

Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. Florida Registration #CH23220. Georgia: A full and fair description of our programs and our financial statement summary is available at https://www.convoyofhope.org/ about/financials or upon request at 417-823-8998. Maryland: For the cost of copies and postage, from the Office of the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401. Mississippi: The official registration and financial information of Convoy of Hope may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State's office by calling 1-888-236-6167. Registration by the Secretary of State does not imply endorsement. Nevada: Contributions may be tax deductible pursuant to the provisions of sec. 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 26 U.S.C. ī170(c). New Jersey: Information filed with the attorney general concerning this charitable solicitation and the percentage of contributions received by the charity during the last reporting period that were dedicated to the charitable purpose may be obtained from the Attorney General of the State of New Jersey by calling (973) 504-6215 and is available on the internet at www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/charfrm.htm. Registration with the attorney general does not imply endorsement. New York: Upon request, from the Attorney General's Charities Bureau, 28 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10005, 1-212-416-8686 or www.charitiesnys.com. North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 1-919-814-5400. The license is not an endorsement by the state. Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of Convoy of Hope may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Virginia: From the State Office of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218. Washington: From the Secretary of State at 1-800332-4483 or http://www.sos.wa.gov/charities/. West Virginia: West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. Wisconsin: A financial statement of the charitable organization disclosing assets, liabilities, fund balances, revenue and expenses for the preceding fiscal year will be provided to any person upon request. Registration with a state agency does not constitute or imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by that state.

I would like to receive mobile updates from Convoy of Hope.* *Message frequency may vary. Message & Data rates may apply. Reply STOP to 68828 to cancel.

Donate online at convoy.org/hq20 Thank you for your generosity. All gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Please make checks payable to:

P.O. Box 1125 Springfield, MO 65801

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INTERVIEW

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INTERVIEW

Dr. Jim Blessman is the creator of Blessman International, a faith-based organization which works to meet the needs of children and families in the Limpopo province of South Africa. Blessman International — a strategic partner of Convoy of Hope in South Africa — creates programs which help provide food, water, sanitation, and critical knowledge to participants.

Convoy: Not everyone can travel to Africa and see the hunger crisis for themselves. Describe what it looks like.

Blessman: In South Africa, it’s not a war-torn area where you see people with pot bellies and skin changes because of malnutrition.

Kids here are more in the realm of stunted children. The untrained eye might not even see it until you ask the ages of children.

They typically are about three years older than you would guess.

They’re chronically underfed, and that affects their brain development and stature.

Convoy: What effect has the COVID-19 pandemic had on our efforts this past year?

Blessman: In our area, many kids who are vulnerable will get their food at school and program centers.

Convoy: What motivates you to keep meeting needs?

Dr. Blessman: I’m a physician, so it’s in my DNA to help people.

It energizes me … Whenever I feel a little discouraged, I look around for somebody I can help. It just makes me feel better.

‘Convoy of Hope is [critical] to ending malnutrition in South Africa.’

But when the government became worried about COVID-19, they locked down both of those. It was very frustrating knowing that so many kids still need food. But we’re doing all we can.

Convoy: How is Convoy of Hope working to end stunting and malnutrition in South Africa?

Blessman: Convoy of Hope is [critical] to ending malnutrition in South Africa. Convoy of Hope provides 1.4 million meals each year … and helped us teach families about agriculture so they can sustain their own nutrition.

Convoy: Is there anything else you want to say to our readers?

Blessman: Yes, it’s been a 10year partnership with Convoy of Hope. It’s been a tremendous blessing to lots of people.

Visit convoyofhope.org to find out more about how Convoy of Hope and our partners are working together to fight food and water insecurity.

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SERVING TOGETHER

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SERVING TOGETHER

Holiday pressures compound what struggling families are already facing. That’s why Community Events — in collaboration with Convoy Nation — will conduct 10 “Convoy of Hope’s Hope for the Holidays” point-ofdistribution events in the fourth quarter of the year. Our goal is to take some pressure off of families by providing groceries, other goods, and connections that will continue restoring guests’ hope in the future.

Events will take place in the following cities: Atlanta, Georgia

Baltimore, Maryland

Los Angeles, California

New Orleans, Louisiana

San Jose, California

Portland, Oregon

Las Vegas, Nevada

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Chicago, Illinois

Fort Collins, Colorado

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PLANNED GIVING

A Vision for the Future J

ust before her 50th birthday, Sandy Taylor — a successful corporate executive — felt oblivious to the suffering in her community and the world.

That year, everything changed when she experienced a life threatening trauma, resulting in blindness in her right eye.

But as her physical vision diminished, the world around her was illuminated. “I began realizing that almost everyone is dealing with something, and I started experiencing a strong

compassion for people who were hurting.”

Sandy became involved in Convoy:Women and supporting Women’s Empowerment. “For $1,000, I can change a woman’s life, her family’s life, and an entire community,” she says.

Sandy began considering how she wanted to leave her legacy. “God gave me a peace that I could trust Convoy with the resources He gave me to steward. I want to leave a legacy of compassion and generosity.”

Here are a few ways to include Convoy of Hope in your legacy and estate planning: • Retitle an asset with Convoy of Hope as a transfer on death designation.

• Name Convoy of Hope as a beneficiary of an IRA account or a life insurance policy.

• Name Convoy of Hope as a beneficiary of a Donor Advised Fund.

• Give a gift or bequest from your will or living trust.

Sandy is a volunteer Hope Society Ambassador. Hope Society members are a committed group of donors who have visionary plans for the future and want to create a lasting legacy well beyond their lives.

If you have an interest in creating an innovative legacy plan or including Convoy of Hope in your future plans, please contact Mary Vogen at mvogen@convoyofhope.org.

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PLANNED GIVING

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Visit us online at: convoyofhope.org

Mail: 330 S. Patterson Ave. Springfield, MO 65802-2213 P: (417) 823-8998 F: (417) 823-8244 Donations: P.O. Box 1125 Springfield, MO 65801

John Doe Family 10203 West Phelps Cincinnati, Oh. 61210

convoy.org/hq20 24