Southern Baptists are actively involved in assisting Hurricane Helene survivors as they transition from immediate recovery to long-term rebuilding. With over 230 lives lost and extensive damages, SBDR has provided critical support through meals and cleanup efforts while shifting focus to reconstructing homes. Local churches and volunteers are central to these efforts, resulting in renewed faith and community spirit.
Southern Baptists have been actively involved in aiding survivors of Hurricane Helene since its landfall on September 26. As the six-month milestone approaches, their efforts have transitioned to supporting community rebuilding. The storm resulted in over 230 fatalities and about $200 billion in damages, ranking it as the most expensive storm in U.S. history.
Josh Benton, Vice President for National Ministry at Send Relief, remarked on the extensive impact of the storm, stating, “What set Helene apart was the widespread impact of the storm. Southern Baptist Disaster Relief had to cover hundreds of miles of territory in the response.” The strength of the Southern Baptists Disaster Relief (SBDR) network has been showcased through this recovery effort.
In the immediate aftermath, SBDR prepared over one million meals, completed more than 7,800 recovery jobs, and recorded 244 conversions at nearly 40 sites across affected states including Florida and North Carolina. As recovery transitions into the rebuilding phase, Tennessee Baptists, with assistance from Maria Lee, the governor’s wife, have undertaken over 110 rebuilding projects.
Western North Carolina, especially Asheville, experienced the most significant devastation. Todd Unzicker, Executive Director-Treasurer for N.C. Baptists emphasized the collaborative mission-driven effort among local churches. SBDR’s initial aid was concentrated on providing meals and cleanup, but now the focus has shifted to rebuilding homes devastated during Helene.
Richard Weeks, an Associational Mission Strategist, described his unique experiences with disaster relief since Hurricane Floyd in 1999, noting significant community challenges from this storm. The rebuild process started with quick repairs to allow families back into their homes before winter, expanding to more extensive repairs and new constructions as necessary.
Approximately 1,400 disaster response teams consist of over 7,000 volunteers working diligently to assist homeowners. Unzicker reported the completion of about 130 homes and approximately 250 ongoing rebuild projects. Many survivors, initially losing faith in local churches, are rekindling hope and returning as they experience support from the church community.
Weeks recounted the story of a family in Canton, where compassion from volunteers led to the wife reconnecting with Crestview Baptist Church, which celebrated 20 baptisms recently. Baptists on Mission was awarded a $3 million grant from the North Carolina government to enhance these rebuilding efforts, alongside contributions from Send Relief and ongoing fundraising through ServeNC.
Unzicker concluded, “God has made His grace and providence evident and answered our prayers,” while expressing confidence in continued support for the long-term rebuilding process.
The ongoing efforts of Southern Baptists in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene illustrate a profound commitment to community rebuilding and faith restoration. The collaboration among local churches, volunteers, and state assistance has facilitated significant progress in helping affected families and fostering spiritual renewal. This collective action not only addresses immediate physical needs but also rekindles faith and hope within the community.
Original Source: www.baptistpress.com
