Charley's Angels: Cable Network, Ministry Partner to Assist Hurricane Victims
by Allie Martin and Jenni Parker
August 27, 2004
(AgapePress) - Tens of thousands of Hurricane Charley victims are being helped through the efforts of a Christian television network and a Missouri-based ministry.Shortly after Charley ripped through South Florida, 16 tractor trailers filled with relief supplies were on site, thanks to a partnership between the Inspiration Networks (INSP) and a Christian relief agency called Convoy of Hope. Both organizations were among the first on the scene, arriving with loads of ice, water, food, and other essentials for the disaster victims.
Ossie Mills, who works with the Inspiration Networks, says although national media attention on the hurricane has diminished much like the storm itself, recovery in its wake is a long process. "What happens is, in the news coverage is, the immediacy is gone and everyone moves off to the next crisis," he says, "It's Scott Peterson, it's Michael Jackson, it's whatever." But while the media's attention moves on, he notes, the hurricane victims are left to rebuild their lives -- a process that can take months.
That is where the partnership between INSP and Convoy of Hope comes in. "We have a team of people, volunteers on the ground that will be there for at least another 30 days to make sure that all the materials are handed out, all the food and water," Mills says.
The ministry spokesman says food, water, and particularly ice, were often among the things disaster victims needed most desperately. "Especially in the case of Hurricane Charley ... the temperature there in Florida got to 98 degrees when we were visiting last Thursday," he says, "and it was obvious that people were really concerned about being dehydrated and having ice to put in their sodas."
Mills says throughout the year, INSP and Convoy of Hope work with community leaders in cities nationwide to meet humanitarian needs. The relief efforts in Florida is actually just a byproduct of the ongoing partnership between the network and the relief ministry.
David Cerullo, president and CEO of the Inspiration Networks, says such humanitarian efforts demonstrate why the partnership is so important. He feels it is a practical way for cable operators to become more involved in meeting needs in their communities, as well as a way to help people in those communities learn how they can help.
"It is truly heartbreaking to hear the hurt in voices of people who have lost everything," Cerullo says. "One of our goals as a cable television network is to encourage our viewers to extend their hands of help and hope to those less fortunate at this very difficult time."
Toward that goal, the network is running regular public service announcements, as well as a half-hour television special that will highlight hurricane relief efforts. The special will run September 4 at 9 p.m. (Eastern) on INSP - The Inspiration Network.
