Our First Endowment

Our heartfelt thanks go out out to Betty Stewart who, in March of this year, approached Chair Anne Jones and President Joe Albright to announce that she would like to provide seed money for Dial Hope’s first endowment.  What an amazing gift!

When asked what motivated her to do this, Betty said, “When Roger started Dial Hope at First Presbyterian Church, I knew something special was going to happen.  Immediately embraced by our church members, Dial Hope grew quickly beyond our community.  In time a special phone line was established through the Pentagon so our deployed military could hear the daily messages.  My husband served in the Armed Forces, and I can only imagine how meaningful it would have been for him to have had access to special words of encouragement on a daily basis when he was serving.  I want to see this ministry grow.  I want to see our ripples of hope spread around the world in years to come.”

Chaplains’ Breakfast at the Pines of Sarasota

On March 12, 2013, the Dial Hope Foundation hosted a lovely breakfast at the Pines of Sarasota.  Under the auspices of George Manser, Chair Emeritus of Dial Hope, John Overton, C.E.O. of the Pines, and Chaplain Bob Griffiths, the event was an opportunity to share our ministry with local chaplains and clergy in the area.  By extension, we also reached out to the people for whom they care as well.

Guests included the Rev. Dr. Glen Bell of First Presbyterian Church, Eric Hoskins of Young Life, the Rev. John Wesley Walker from the Ringling College of Art and Design, the Rev. Chuck Moffett from Bay Village, Chaplain Don Hillerich from Village on the Isle, and chaplains from Sarasota Memorial, Doctors, and Blake Medical Hospitals.

Dial Hope Participates in the Veterans Stand Down

On April 20, 2013, Dial Hope Board Member Jean Fulton and Special Projects Committee member Buck Fry participated in the Military Stand Down.  The Stand Down, which familiarizes American Vets with resources available to them within the community, was held at the Sarasota County Health Department in Sarasota, Florida.  Jean and Buck handed out Dial Hope materials to both American Veterans and sponsors of the event.  It was wonderful way in which to share hope with those in need.

Frances L. Woods

Frances L. Woods, a dear friend and faithful follower of Dial Hope, died in Sarasota on March 23, 2013.  As a lady who was always caring and compassionate towards others, Frances will be remembered as being one who encouraged others to do their best.  Her son Matthew made it known at the time of her death that Frances wanted Dial Hope to be the recipient of memorial donations made in her name, and for that we are most grateful.

In keeping with Roger Kunkel’s vision for this ministry, hope has no price tag.  We do not charge telephone listeners or website readers for accessing our daily messages of inspiration.  Our support comes totally from you, our faithful and generous followers, and for that we are most thankful.

If you would like to introduce someone to Dial Hope, or if we may send you cards or bookmarks for distribution, please contact Stephie at stephiesafford@gmail.com or write to us at P.O. Box 953, Sarasota, FL  34230.

Dial Hope is a 24-hour global telephone and internet ministry providing daily faith-based non-denominational messages of encouragement, inspiration and care.

DIAL HOPE NEWSLETTER
June, 2012

Dear Friends of Dial Hope,

God is doing amazing things through our telephone and internet ministry.  He is giving us an opportunity to reach out to those in need, those who feel alone, those who are struggling to cope with the loss of a loved one, a major illness, a damaged relationship, the loss of work.  Lives are being changed, relationships restored – all through the power of God and the messages of hope and encouragement which are being shared through Dial Hope.

Most recently our physical vehicle for sharing our telephone ministry went through a major transformation.  In March, under the auspices of Ray Hord, we up-dated and changed our actual telecommunications server to that of Star2Star.  This was no small feat!  It took months of preparation and a great deal of work.  Outdated telephone equipment was removed from one location and new phone equipment was installed at another.  Changing companies, negotiating contracts, installing new transmission equipment was challenging.  Ray was able to accomplish this in a most seamless manner with a minimum disruption of service.  Importantly, all of our Dial Hope phone numbers remained intact.

The result of this communications change will be reflected in lower monthly costs to the Foundation for service, improved recording capability on behalf of all participating pastors, and fewer disruptions in communication over the airwaves.  Ray’s continued support and generosity of time and resources in developing our Dial Hope communications systems has made this possible.  How blessed we are to have such a highly skilled, dedicated individual working quietly behind the scenes of our ministry!

Ray Hord pictured with his wife Judy.

Think about it.  Each day through our Dial Hope phone line and website (www.dialhope.org) people are given the opportunity of hearing and reading words of gentle encouragement, hope and inspiration.  You, dear friend, are part of this.  It is because of your support that we are able to make this free resource available to people at home and around the world.

Thank you for helping us spread Ripples of Hope to those in need.

Stephie Safford, Operations Manager
Rev. Joe Albright, Lead Pastor

P.S. As summer is upon us and fall not far behind, please remember to mark on your calendars our Appreciation Event which will occur on Monday, October 29, 2012, at Northern Trust Bank in Sarasota.