Hurricane Relief Mission Review
Shortly after hurricane Helene swept through the southern states, the Lord put it on my heart to go to western North Carolina to help with recovery efforts. Little did I know that He had put it into the hearts of many at RGBC. When I emailed Karissa about potentially forming a team to go, I quickly learned that Adam and Ken Mansfield had been praying about just such a trip the evening prior. This was the beginning of a process through which God showed me the power of prayer, His heart for the hurting, and gave me a glimpse into the beauty and power of a united Church.
In the week leading up to our trip to Boone, NC, more and more individuals from RGBC reached out to me expressing their own desire to help in any way possible, but there was hesitation over scheduling conflicts and needing to request leave. We all felt a sense of urgency and drive, but that would not be enough on its own to overcome the hurdles of coordinating a last-minute trip into uncertain circumstances. I spent, and I’m sure many others did too, many hours praying for open doors and willing hearts. Less than four days before I planned to leave Maryland, I asked God to send two others with me—at that point I had no confirmed volunteers. By that afternoon, God had made us a team of twelve! With such little time to prep and plan, so few logistical details, and the difficulty of clearing our busy schedules so quickly, I have to say that only God could have brought together so many, so readily.
We arrived on Thursday and checked in with the Baptists on Mission team, who had set up their central hub in Perkinsville Baptist Church. There, we found food, a trailer with showers and laundry, and all of the equipment we would need over the next several days. There were so many volunteers that several local churches had opened their doors to house us. We stayed at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, and besides sleeping accommodations, they also provided us with blankets, water, snacks, coffee, and a warm welcome. This was the beginning of my deeper appreciation for a universal church that loves and welcomes brothers and sisters who would be strangers according to the standards of our world, but are united together in love and in Christ’s name.
On our first work day, we spent the day clearing out soaked insulation from the crawlspaces of two homes. It was difficult work, and very muddy, but no one grumbled or complained. The second home was the home of a retired Army chaplain, who was not at home at the time, but his neighbor was home and regularly checked in with us to make sure we had everything we needed. This was a regular occurrence: neighbors helping neighbors despite having needs and troubles of their own. Especially among those who professed faith in Christ, there was a general atmosphere of hope, generosity, and gratitude that did my heart good to see. On the second day, we helped clear debris out of a man’s pasture. The river across from his property had risen many feet (easily 15 or more) and knocked trees and limbs over, and his neighbor’s trailer-home had been washed up against the trees that lined his property. Again, neighbors arrived to help with the work, but even with 15 or more working, it took us all day. On Sunday we had the privilege of worshipping with Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, and then spent the afternoon recovering some much-needed rest. We began Monday clearing out a basement that had been flooded and left damaged property and mold behind. After that, we moved on to a property in Avery County that had fallen trees and branches on a fence line. The owners had goats and sheep and needed to restore the pasture before the winter. So we spent our few remaining hours moving as much of the wood off of the new fence line as we could.
During our trip, I was constantly in prayer for the safety of our team, for the conversations with the locals, and in praise for God’s goodness even in the face of disaster. Over and over again, I saw God answer my prayers. He protected us as we traveled to work sites, despite roads being washed away in parts, and He protected us as we worked with chainsaws and heavy logs and branches, and under homes with questionable foundations and tight spaces. He spurred on many good conversations, which I pray will be seeds planted for future harvesting. I think my main takeaway, apart from the power of prayer, is seeing God’s heart for the needy so fully on display. Why else would He put it into our hearts to go, if not for His great love for His people in NC? And if He hears their prayers for help, and answers them so readily, then I know that He hears mine when I am in need too. God is the Lord over the wind and the rain, but He is also the God of healing and rebuilding, and over it all, He is good.
I want to thank everyone that contributed to our trip. Many of you gave cash, food, donation items, even heavy equipment to leave for the Baptists on Mission crew to continue to use. And I know that many of you prayed for us and for everyone affected in North Carolina. Your gifts were invaluable and will continue to bless others even after we have left. Thank you, and thank you RGBC for being a church that loves and serves well.
One of the homeowners from the first work day reached out to thank our team for helping him and his wife. We appreciate his kind words and are so thankful to the Lord for our team and their hearts for Him and for people!