Southern Baptists are actively involved in helping communities rebuild after Hurricane Helene, which caused over 230 fatalities and $200 billion in damage. Their disaster relief efforts have included preparing meals, conducting recovery jobs, and fostering faith among survivors. The rebuilding initiative has received support from volunteers and state grants to aid long-term recovery efforts.
Southern Baptists have been actively engaged in aiding survivors of Hurricane Helene since its landfall on September 26. With the six-month anniversary approaching, the organization is now focusing on rebuilding communities affected by the storm, which resulted in over 230 fatalities and approximately $200 billion in damages, marking its position as the costliest storm in U.S. history.
Josh Benton, Vice President for National Ministry at Send Relief, emphasized the extensive impact of Hurricane Helene, indicating that it necessitated a widespread response across multiple states. He expressed gratitude for the dedication of state disaster relief leadership and volunteers who worked resolutely to meet needs and share the Gospel, highlighting the strength of the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) network.
In the aftermath of the hurricane, SBDR facilitated the preparation of more than one million meals, completed over 7,800 recovery jobs, and witnessed 244 professions of faith at nearly 40 SBDR sites across affected regions, including Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. In Appalachia, efforts are now transitioning from recovery to rebuilding.
Recently, Maria Lee, spouse of Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, collaborated with Tennessee Baptists through the Arise and Build initiative, which has accomplished over 110 rebuild jobs to date. Western North Carolina, particularly Asheville, experienced the most severe damage, prompting a unified response from local and national Baptists who exemplified the mission to assist those in need.
Initially, the SBDR concentrated on immediate assistance by providing hot meals and conducting clean-ups in areas impacted by flooding. Moving towards 2025, the emphasis has shifted to partnering with survivors to rebuild their homes. Richard Weeks, an Associational Mission Strategist, has been leading these efforts since October 5, 2022, showcasing a commitment to serving those affected.
The rebuilding process commenced by prioritizing homes that needed minor repairs for families to return before winter. They plan to progress to a third phase, which will involve complete home reconstructions. To date, approximately 1,400 disaster response teams, comprising over 7,000 volunteers, have aided in the efforts, completing 130 homes and currently carrying out 250 additional rebuilds.
Weeks shared inspirational stories of churches significantly impacting their communities with many witnessing conversions and baptisms as a direct result of the relief efforts following Helene. Many residents, who had lost faith in the church, found renewed hope through the support provided by Baptists on Mission.
Among the touching stories is that of a family in Canton, whose road to recovery includes the wife attending Crestview Baptist Church after being inspired by the compassion shown by volunteers. The significance of these efforts is further underscored by the conversion of volunteers who previously had no relationship with Christ, including one individual who was baptized in a pickup truck.
To support the extensive rebuilding process, Baptists on Mission received a $3 million grant from the North Carolina government, while Send Relief contributed additional financial resources. N.C. Baptists are welcoming donations through ServeNC, which will facilitate ongoing support for storm survivors well into 2025.
Unzicker affirmed that God’s grace has been evident throughout this project, offering assurance that divine providence will continue as the long-term rebuilding efforts proceed.
The article highlights the significant ongoing relief efforts by Southern Baptists following Hurricane Helene, emphasizing their commitment to rebuilding communities in need. The response to the disaster has included extensive collaboration among churches, volunteers, and state resources, demonstrating a profound impact on individuals and families affected by the storm. The stories of faith and restoration illustrate the positive transformation facilitated by this humanitarian effort, underscoring the vital role of community support in the recovery process.
Original Source: www.baptistpress.com
