In Memory of Deb Rawls

“She’s quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor.” ~ Proverbs 31:20

On February 6, 2009, HOPE worldwide lost one of its finest volunteers when Deb Rawls passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Her impact on her community and on HOPE worldwide as an organization will never be forgotten.

Deb, 49, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2009 after a long fight against cancer. She was a true servant and leader and worked for HOPE worldwide for more than 10 years. HOPE worldwide Vice President of U.S. Programs, Antonio Boyd shared, “Deb Rawls kept her eyes on God and the poor and lived a life of service throughout her hardship. She was a model of what it means to be a servant leader.”

Deb served as program director of HOPE worldwide – Minnesota for 11 years. As a devoted and hard-working servant of the organization, Deb’s impact has been felt throughout the Minneapolis/St. Paul region as she has helped save more than 1,100 lives through organizing blood drives with our partner, the American Red Cross for more than 10 years. Deb also helped organize dinners for families in need through the Loaves and Fishes, Feed My Starving Children and Waite House Thanksgiving programs. Even while battling cancer, Deb continued to serve the Minneapolis community through the Summer Fun Read and Run Program, Toys for Tots and other special programs for children and senior citizens.

Deb’s caring spirit continues to inspire volunteers in Minneapolis/St. Paul and other HOPE worldwide programs throughout the country. It was with a deep sense of gratitude and humility that she was honored posthumously at the HOPE worldwide Global Summit as 2009 Volunteer of the Year.

Marc Calica, HOPE worldwide National Field Supervisor shared, “Deb Rawls is an inspiration to all of us of what it means to love the poor without reward and without excuses. Despite Deb’s battle with cancer she was a vessel used by God to bring hope and healing to the poor of Minneapolis. Deb’s life and legacy exemplify the meaning of hope…an expectation of something good that is due to happen. Deb was not defined by her cancer but by her love for God and neighbor.”

Deb is survived by her husband Tim and daughters Katie and Abbi. Please remember them in your prayers.

If you have stories of courage and encouragement to share, please send them to us at nadine.templer@dtoday.net, meghna.thomas@dtoday.net, or elvi.levang@dtoday.net.