Issues@Hand

AFA initiatives, Christian activism, news briefs

September 2014 – In July, Eight Days of Hope, an all-volunteer Christian disaster-relief organization, finished its 11th mission, this one in Tupelo, Mississippi, AFA’s hometown.

For years, AFA has watched the exponential growth of the ministry, but never expected to be on the receiving end of its service. Then on April 28, a tornado with winds up to 150 miles per hour ripped through Tupelo and Lee County, leaving one fatality and more than 700 homes damaged or destroyed.

Over 3,000 8DOH volunteers of all ages, denominations and skill sets came to Tupelo from 37 states in July to repair homes and offer service and comfort in the name of Christ. 

8DOH was founded in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina left the Gulf Coast in ruins. Steve Tybor, a Tupelo area business man, and his father saw the battered hearts of the people and knew that something should be done. With nearly 600 volunteers and the support of AFA, the ministry was birthed.