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In Remembrance We Press Forward
In response to 9/11, Operation Blessing's Hunger Strike Force partnered with FEMA by providing tractor-trailers and networking 81 truckloads of relief to victims and volunteers.
The Hunger Strike Force brought in an additional 13 truckloads of food and relief supplies through its own network of partnering ministries and organizations.
Just six months after 9/11, Operation Blessing's partners had a hand in reaching out to more than 200,000 lives through a combination of relief efforts.
Following the week's first anniversary, Operation Blessing will play a unique role in developing accredited and quality psychological care for children in the aftermath of 9/11.
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Commemorative Video
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New York City -- Before disaster struck, during the crisis and after many tears were shed, Operation Blessing's presence was felt in Metro New York. September 11, 2001 not only forever changed the world but also every aspect of outreach center leader Jim Esposito's life. See how this dedicated man continues to give all in coordinating OBI's disaster response during America's time of crisis!
Minutes after the first plane hit the World Trade Center, Rev. Jim Esposito was activated by Operation Blessing's leadership to coordinate its emergency disaster relief efforts. As recovery efforts began immediately, this outreach center leader and director of the New York Christian Resource Center took an extended leave from all other responsibilities including his position of Internship Coordinator for the Office of Student Development at Nyack College.
Residents were experiencing power black outs and Ground Zero workers needed help. A Hunger Strike Force truck filled with blankets, water, energy bars, fruit drinks and other relief supplies arrived and was taken right into Ground Zero on September 13. Against all barricades and a “lock-down” of the city, several police cars raced the 40-foot tractor trailer from Shea Stadium through Manhattan while hundreds of onlookers literally lined the streets cheering and applauding the motorcade. Riding in the truck and armed with funding, Jim connected with the various partnering groups that were mobilizing for action. “We had worked with these groups for many years,” he shares, “and I wanted them to know from the start, face to face, that they could count on us.”
For the first month Jim worked around the clock, assessing needs and mobilizing resources. In addition, he had to relocate offices due his current one being within Ground Zero perimeters! During the first two weeks, over 40 relief trucks from all over the country turned to Jim for placement and distribution. By the sixth month anniversary, the ministry impacted over 200,000 lives. Special grants to "Ground Zero” ministries, victim assistance, child outreach initiatives, “Adopt-A-Firehouse” projects, ongoing product distribution and counseling efforts continue to this day.
Even though a year has passed, there continues to be an increase in unemployment and all social needs. Jim comments, "This will be a lifetime of healing for all New Yorkers. People still stand in awe at the Ground Zero site. Some are nervous and will stay at home on 9/11 this year, fearing another attack."
He continues, "Before school ended last June, it was reported that 90 percent of the 1.2 million public school children were experiencing one or more symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder!" This is why Operation Blessing and Living Word Church have initiated a Christian counseling center in lower Manhattan. Operation Blessing will play a unique role in developing accredited and quality psychological care for children in the aftermath of 9/11. There are two fulltime pastoral counselors and a team of nine more in training. The counseling center will enhance the overall impact OBI will have on New York City's children.
"It is an honor to know there are wonderful people sharing their hearts and gifts so that Operation Blessing can be in the "Ground Zeroes" of the world to make a difference," expressed Jim. "In our hour of greatest despair, Operation Blessing was here to share God's love and I am honored to have played a role in the outpouring of blessings that has touched so many broken hearts with hope. We're in a war against terror and no one knows what will happen next. We can be sure that Operation Blessing will be there offering help and hope."
During this past year's 9/11 coverage we have mentioned numerous partnering organizations. Here are just a few updates:
New York City Relief Buses are going
strong. Their second bus is up and running. With the help of Operation
Blessing, they have doubled their ministry since 9/11.
Generation X-Cell
is also going strong. They are looking to add a new center later this
year. OBI has supported them through the Bless-A-Child program.
Dance For Joy Ministries
put on a showcase at the end of June in lower Manhattan near the former
World Trade Center site. Over 150 children, teens and adults were in attendance.
Before leaving New York,
Rhema Ranch had members from both the New York Police Department and
the New York Fire Departments sign the barbecue pit that had fed thousands
of rescue workers. They planned to encase and place it in front of the
ministry's upcoming restaurant. The Rhema Ranch organizers also represented
Texas in the Olympic Torch run.
The Ground Zero
taskforce is here to stay. They are now the
North East Clergy Group and organized to unite the evangelical community
in community action and social concern. |
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