Special to the WJH Waycross First Assembly Pastor Johnny Summerall was the guest speaker during a recent Waycross Exchange Club’s weekly meeting.
Pastor Summerall delivered a powerful and moving message about Convoy of Hope, a global mission built on compassion and service.
He shared the remarkable story behind Convoy of Hope, which began in 1969 when founder Hal Donaldson lost his father in a car accident. Through the kindness of neighbors, his family survived those difficult days — an experience which planted the seed for what would become a worldwide movement to serve others.
In 1994, Donaldson met Mother Teresa and missionaries Mark and Huldah Buntain. Their encouragement ignited a vision that led to Convoy of Hope’s launch and its first outreach events known as “Care Days.”
From the humble start, the organization quickly grew — doubling events by 1996. Convoy of Hope opened its headquarters in Springfield, Mo., and received its first donated tractor-trailer in 1997.
By 1998, Convoy of Hope was responding to disasters both in the U.S. and abroad. By the mid-1990s, Convoy of Hope had already served its onemillionth person.
In 2000, the opening of the World Distribution Center dramatically expanded Convoy of Hope’s ability to deliver food and supplies. When tragedy struck on 9/11, Convoy of Hope was there with food, water and relief.
Over the years, it has stood with hurricane survivors, fed children in El Salvador, and by 2008 had surpassed $100 million in donated goods serving more than 20 million people worldwide.
In 2024, Convoy of Hope responded to backto- back hurricanes Helene and Milton, which devastated the Southeast including Waycross. Its team provided immediate relief and long-term recovery, serving 85 communities across six states.
Pastor Summerall closed his message with a call to action.
“Get together and give your time and your talent to help others,” he said.
Pastor Summerall encouraged the community to look around, find a need, and step in to meet it.
His reminder was clear — “We are blessed to be a blessing.”
To learn more about Convoy of Hope and how you can get involved, visit www.convoyofhope.org.
