Southern Baptists have been helping Hurricane Helene survivors since September 26, focusing now on community rebuilding after the storm caused over 230 deaths and $200 billion in damage. They provided over 1 million meals and completed 7,800 recovery jobs. Current efforts include substantial home repairs and new constructions, supported by significant volunteer involvement and financial grants. Many have found renewed faith through the assistance of volunteers.
Southern Baptists have been actively involved in aiding Hurricane Helene survivors since the storm’s landfall on September 26. Now, six months later, their focus has evolved to supporting community rebuilding efforts following the devastating impact that resulted in over 230 fatalities and approximately $200 billion in damages across six states, marking it as the costliest hurricane in U.S. history.
Josh Benton, Vice President for National Ministry at Send Relief, emphasized that the extensive reach of the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) is a testament to the network’s capacity. He remarked on the invaluable contributions of state disaster relief leadership and volunteers in addressing the aftermath of the disaster while sharing the Gospel and meeting community needs.
In the weeks following Helene’s landfall, SBDR provided over 1 million meals, completed more than 7,800 recovery jobs, and noted 244 professions of faith across nearly 40 service sites in Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia. As efforts shift towards reconstruction, initiatives such as the Arise and Build program in Tennessee have successfully completed over 110 jobs to assist homeowners.
Western North Carolina, particularly the Asheville area, experienced significant damage, prompting a sense of unity and mission among local Baptists. Todd Unzicker, Executive Director-Treasurer for N.C. Baptists, highlighted the coordinated efforts of North Carolina Baptists and Great Commission Baptists in their response to the needs arising from the disaster.
Initially, SBDR concentrated on immediate necessities, such as providing hot meals and cleanup after the flooding, but has now focused on rebuilding homes. Richard Weeks, an associational mission strategist, described the unique challenges posed by the terrain and described his long-standing commitment to disaster relief since Hurricane Floyd in 1999.
The rebuilding efforts have identified homes suitable for quick repairs to ensure families can return before winter, with plans for more extensive renovations to follow. Approximately 1,400 disaster response teams, totaling over 7,000 volunteers, have supported Baptists on Mission, with 130 homes completed and an additional 250 homes currently under reconstruction.
Weekly testimonials reveal the profound impact of the relief work in restoring faith and community ties. Many individuals who had distanced themselves from the church returned, inspired by the dedication of volunteers. One memorable account involved a family whose wife transformed from skepticism to trust through the kindness shown, leading her to attend local church services and witness baptisms.
Baptists on Mission received a $3 million grant from the North Carolina government for reconstruction efforts, supported further by Send Relief’s funding and ongoing donations via ServeNC. As Unzicker stated, “God has made His grace and providence evident and answered our prayers,” indicating a sustained commitment to aiding storm survivors well into 2025.
In summary, Southern Baptists are playing a crucial role in the recovery and rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Helene’s devastating effects. Their initiatives have not only met immediate needs but also provided long-term support and spiritual renewal in affected communities. With substantial volunteer engagement and financial backing from various sources, the ongoing efforts are a testament to the resilience of faith and service in action.
Original Source: www.baptistpress.com
