Southern Baptists have actively assisted Hurricane Helene survivors, shifting their focus from relief to rebuilding six months after the storm. The hurricane caused over 230 fatalities and $200 billion in damage. SBDR has prepared over 1 million meals and aided numerous recoveries while emphasizing community faith renewal through local church involvement.
Southern Baptists have been actively involved in aiding Hurricane Helene survivors since the storm struck on September 26, 2024. As the six-month milestone approaches, the focus has transitioned from immediate relief to long-term rebuilding efforts in affected communities. Helene resulted in over 230 fatalities and approximately $200 billion in damages across six states, making it the costliest hurricane in U.S. history.
Josh Benton, vice president of national ministry at Send Relief, emphasized the extensive reach of the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) efforts. “What set Helene apart was the widespread impact of the storm,” he noted. Following the storm, SBDR provided over 1 million meals, completed more than 7,800 recovery tasks, and reported 244 professions of faith across nearly 40 sites in affected states.
In Appalachia, the focus has now shifted to rebuilding. Maria Lee, wife of Tennessee’s governor, recently joined Tennessee Baptists in their Arise and Build initiative, which has accomplished over 110 rebuild jobs thus far. Western North Carolina, particularly Asheville, has experienced some of the most severe damages from the hurricane.
Todd Unzicker, executive director-treasurer of N.C. Baptists, commented on the cooperation seen among Baptists during the crisis. He stated, “It’s not just a slogan. God has moved and provided through local churches jumping into action and serving on mission together.”
Initially, SBDR’sresponse centered on immediate needs such as hot meal provisions and debris cleanup. Moving into 2025, the focus has shifted to helping survivors rebuild their homes. Richard Weeks, an associational mission strategist, noted the unique challenges presented by the storm due to its force and the region’s terrain.
The rebuilding efforts commenced by targeting homes for quick repairs to enable families to relocate before winter. The initiative has progressed into more extensive repairs and anticipates a phase dedicated to complete home reconstruction. Approximately 1,400 disaster response teams, comprising over 7,000 volunteers, have come together to assist in this rebuilding process.
So far, the initiative has successfully rehabilitated around 130 homes, with an additional 250 rebuilds currently ongoing. Unzicker highlighted the transformative impact of these efforts, noting how churches have reached out to their communities, leading to notable increases in faith and baptisms.
Weeks shared that many homeowners felt lost after the storm, but the support from churches renewed hope in the community. He recounted an inspiring story of a woman with a hardened heart, who, after receiving aid, started attending Crestview Baptist Church, which celebrated numerous baptisms during the rebuilding period.
Baptists on Mission has received $3 million from the North Carolina government to facilitate the rebuilding efforts, supplemented by financial resources from Send Relief. Donations are being accepted to support ongoing volunteer efforts through ServeNC into 2025. Unzicker concluded, stating, “God has made His grace and providence evident and answered our prayers” as these long-term efforts continue.
In summary, Southern Baptists remain committed to supporting Hurricane Helene survivors through ongoing disaster relief and rebuilding initiatives. Their efforts have not only focused on physical reconstruction but have also inspired renewed hope and faith among the community members. As the rebuilding phase progresses, the collaborative spirit among churches underscores the profound impact of faith-driven aid during crises.
Original Source: www.brnow.org
