“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.”
~ Proverbs 13:12

That’s why we want to share the HOPE that we have in Jesus Christ! And why we want to encourage people to achieve their DREAMS – no matter what! Jesus is in the business of fulfilling dreams. He’s the one that gave you the ability to have dreams and goals, and He’s the one who’s created you and enables you to achieve them. Because He wants you to have a full life – like a blossoming, healthy tree! So don’t lose hope!

When a child or adult finds out they will have to have a limb amputated; when traumatic amputation occurs; or when an individual has fallen victim to a shark attack, he/she and family are often left feeling overwhelmed and confused about what to do next and where to turn for help. Aside from physical challenges ahead, there are also emotional and mental challenges to overcome.

The FOBH Encouragement Packet is a valuable tool for these individuals/families and helps make the first few weeks and months a little less daunting. In order to defray the cost of the Encouragement Packet and provide it to recent survivors/amputees, we need your support. Each packet costs $15 to produce and mail.

The personalized Encouragement Packet includes information about prosthetics and dealing with the news of amputation. It lists local service providers, support groups, recreational activities, sources of legal information, conferences, relevant organizations and information about the Friends of Bethany Foundation. The kit also includes a list of recommended books and informational websites. A personal note from a member of the board and/or another survivor, as well as Bethany Hamilton’s book Soul Surfer and/or DVD Heart of a Soul Surfer are included for encouragement and inspiration!

Families/Friends of, or Individuals who have had an amputation in the last 6 months may request a complimentary Encouragement Packet by calling (808) 634-7191 and speaking with a Response Team Coordinator, or emailing FOB through the contact page.

Please make a gift to support Friends of Bethany’s efforts to assist families and individuals who are dealing with this new phase of life.

Note from the Board (Nov 2009): We are so blessed to be a part of FOB, and we are very excited to see where God will lead us in the future! It has been incredible to witness the impact FOB has made on the lives of a few individuals already… And we are just getting started!  We hope you can partner with us to make a difference in the lives of  your neighbors, your friends, your family, your foes, and maybe even… you!  God bless!

Tom Hamilton (Treasurer)

Steven R. Thompson (Director)

Michael Coots (Director)

Janet Baumgartner (Director)

Dina Schneider (Secretary)

Coral Miles (Director)

Becky Hamilton (President)

Noah Hamilton (Vice President)

Sarah Hill (Director)

The movie has been subtitled in 8 foreign languages, so the reach of God’s message through Bethany’s story has greatly expanded worldwide! This is not only exciting, but challenging as we try to plan events and ways to bring the story into each new country.

THE PLAN
To take the powerful message of Jesus Christ, as told through Bethany’s documentary and life, all around the world – to surfers and non-surfers, amputees and non-amputees, believers and non-believers.

(step 1) Manufacturing more DVDs.

(step 2) Sending DVDs AT NO COST to hospitals, churches, surf-related and other charitable organizations, to use as inspirational content for their patients/members.

(step 3) Handing out thousands of FREE copies of the DVD to individuals at major events around the world - like the US Open of Surfing.

SPECIAL EDITION DVD FEATURES
· Subtitled in 9 Languages - French, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, German, Hebrew, Italian and English.
· NEW Bonus Segments: “Day in the Life of Bethany,” “Surf Training” (with Bethany and her coach Russell Lewis), and “Best Decision” (a gospel presentation by Bethany and Pastor David “Waxer” Tipton)
· Photo Slideshow by Bethany with captions!
· FREE signed 13×19 POSTER of Bethany!!
More info & to watch a trailer: www.heartofasoulsurfer.com

HOW TO PARTICIPATE
DONATE to this program: Email Us. OR use PayPal to donate online now, specify in your note that you want the money to go to the “DVD PROGRAM”!

To HOST A PREMIERE or SCREENING of the movie, Visit WingClips Cinema.

To SUGGEST AN IDEA for Distribution, Ministry, Premieres, or anything else, please Email Us.

PURCHASE DVDS
Special Edition DVDs can be ordered now through www.walkingonwater.com. A list of retailers is available on the STORE page at www.heartofasoulsurfer.com.

Friends of Bethany agrees with Dr. Alessi’s observations:
- “The human body has a tremendous ability to adapt to conditions as they are presented…. Often the biggest obstacle is fear and a lack of confidence.”
- “Many [amputees] were accomplished athletes before their injuries and have a tremendous desire to return to sports.”

Examples: shark attack survivors Bethany Hamilton and Mike Coots who both lost a limb while enjoying the sport they love: surfing (for Bethany) and bodyboarding (for Mike). Both Bethany and Mike were athletic; both had a tremendous desire to return to their sport after recovering; and both overcame their fear with confidence and have successfully gone back to their sport! (we’ll write more about their stories later)

Our goal is to help give people the confidence they need to overcome the obstacles of their injury so they can continue to pursue their dreams! We know that the Creator of the human body and mind is able to give the confidence, courage, as well as the physical strength and ability to ANYONE who believes in Him.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40: 28-31

Our Goals and our heart for this ministry can be found on the About FOB page.

Please come back anytime to check out our online content as it grows. We are just beginning to add information about what we do (and plan to do). So please visit us again soon!

Aloha!
Becky Hamilton
President