The Cross for Hope Foundation

Hi! My name is Richard Andree.

813-951-1108. Thank you for taking the time to read my page. There's a reason why you're reading this. Life has changed for me over the last several years. Not because I asked for it. It's because I was ready for it. I'm here because I have a passion and something to share with others. Please take a few minutes and learn about The Cross for Hope Foundation.

I want to change the WORLD by giving out crosses and providing hope. I want to do this by driving around America in an RV. I would visit places of mass shootings, natural disasters, and wherever there was a need. I also want to visit cities like Chicago where the murder rate is high. These people need hope and prayer for starters. I want to change the WORLD!!!!!!!!

I paid off my house and have no car payment. I have no credit card debt. My wife works teaching Chinese kids English and she has it is small business and I have a pension and Social Security disability

I used to hand make crosses out of wood for about 16 years. I gave out approximately 5000 crosses. Now I give out crosses for free that I buy.

I'm originally from Long Island, New York. I was raised by my two loving parents and have three older brothers. I stayed in NY until after I finished college and then moved to a warmer climate. I then worked for over 30 years for the federal government as a safety inspector. Along the way, I married my wife Susan. We have a son who is now in high school. We are so proud of him.

My faith journey began early in life when I was baptized. I wasn't raised going to church. and learning about the bible. It was something I knew though in my heart that I needed so I began to study it. I remember as a teen asking my parents to take me to a church. Fast forward to later in life when I met my wife. She already had roots as a Lutheran and I followed her faith journey and began learning even more. It was an awakening! Nothing was ever the same after I put my faith into action.

I wanted to share my faith with others and began making wood crosses. I loved sourcing exotic woods, cutting, and then sanding them down. I made over 5,000 pocket crosses and gave each one away. It became a treasured part of my existence.

Almost two years ago I suffered a massive stroke at the age of 56. I had a torn carotid artery in my neck and four blood clots in my brain. I wasn't expected to live but did. I woke up not being able to talk normally, couldn't move my arm or hand at all, and just felt that my brain was sluggish. I even had to relearn how to walk. I spent the next year and a half in intensive occupational, physical, and speech therapy. Now don't feel sorry for me at all. I'm so happy to be alive!! I have some challenges due to my stroke and that's ok. I'm doing really well and just began driving again. I'm here and know that God has directed me down a different path then before . I'm ready to listen and take action. I no longer work a 9-5 job due to my stroke. God needed me to put my time and efforts into The Cross of Hope Foundation.

Hope: a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.

Romans 15:13 says, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."

Hope is found in the promises God has given us all. Promises of freedom from our sinning. Scripture has shown us that we will be given the gift of eternal life made possible through His son, Jesus Christ. No matter the suffering, pain, trials or tribulations, we always know that we can hold onto the hope that God gives us.

My hope is to travel across the United States spreading the word of the Lord. I want to give hope to others. People need to be reminded of the great gifts we've been given. I want to talk to everyone and give each person a cross. A sign of hope and love along with a prayer card.

I have had three miracles in my life. My faith is my passion. I'm an average guy but feel this intense passion to share my story. While in the hospital, I was giving out wood crosses that I had always made during my spare time. I have always wanted people to hear what's important in life. Sharing with others is important.

Please won't you help me? I'm supported by my family and friends 100% in my mission. I've already given out over 7,000 crosses to people over the years. This simple gift is just so powerful. It will give people hope and make them feel loved. It's a gentle reminder of their Christian faith that is so powerful.

I'm raising money to purchase wood crosses and supplies. I've purchased and given out about 2,000 since my stroke. I'm limited to buying them because of my lack of hand dexterity. I'll use the money for signage, handouts, prayer cards, and travel expenses. In addition, there will be expenses for gas, maintenance, insurance among other things. I'll have a website to show pictures and updates on my travels. This project is important to me. So many signs from God have steered me in this direction. I'll spend the rest of my life listening and going where I'm supposed to be.

May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you: the Lord life up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Thank you!

Richard