Six months post-Hurricane Helene, Southern Baptists focus on rebuilding efforts after the storm caused over $200 billion in damage. The Southern Baptist Disaster Relief has prepared over 1 million meals and reported 244 professions of faith. As homes are rebuilt, volunteers continue to transform lives and restore hope in affected communities, supported by substantial financial aid from the North Carolina government and other organizations.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s landfall on September 26, the Southern Baptist community has remained committed to aiding survivors. As the six-month mark approaches, efforts have shifted toward community rebuilding after the storm caused extensive damage, claiming over 230 lives and resulting in approximately $200 billion in losses, making it the costliest hurricane in U.S. history.
Josh Benton, Vice President for National Ministry at Send Relief, remarked on the unprecedented scope of Helene’s impact, stating that Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) teams spanned hundreds of miles to provide aid. He emphasized the significant contributions from state disaster relief leaders and volunteers, whose actions exemplified a deep commitment to assisting those in need while sharing the Gospel.
In the weeks following the storm, SBDR has prepared over 1 million meals and executed more than 7,800 recovery jobs. Through nearly 40 sites across impacted states such as Florida and North Carolina, the ministry reported 244 professions of faith as a result of their outreach.
As recovery transitions to rebuilding in areas like Appalachia, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s wife, Maria Lee, actively participated with local Baptists in their Arise and Build initiative, which has completed over 110 jobs thus far. Western North Carolina, particularly Asheville, experienced some of the most significant destruction from Helene, with community leaders praising the unity demonstrated by local and national Baptists.
The SBDR’s initial response involved immediate relief efforts, including food provision and property clean-up. As volunteers have begun to assist in home rebuilding, the process is currently classified into phases. Richard Weeks, a mission strategist from the Eastern Baptist Association, has noted that the rebuild phase includes identifying homes for quick repairs and planning more extensive rebuilding projects.
Over 1,400 disaster response teams, comprised of more than 7,000 volunteers from various locations, have partnered with Baptists on Mission to help restore homes. Approximately 130 homes have been completed, with an additional 250 rebuilds in progress. Unzicker highlighted transformational stories of community engagement and newfound faith from the Helene response efforts.
Many residents faced significant challenges after losing their homes, with some struggling to re-enter their local church communities. Positive interactions with SBDR volunteers have rekindled hope and faith in several individuals. Weeks recounted a story of a family whose experience inspired them to return to church, resulting in 20 baptisms in the surrounding area.
Baptists on Mission has received a $3 million grant from the North Carolina government for rebuild efforts, and Send Relief has contributed financial resources. Furthermore, N.C. Baptists are accepting donations for ongoing support of storm survivors as rebuilding continues into 2025. Unzicker expressed his faith in God’s continued providence throughout the long-term rebuilding process.
The Southern Baptist Disaster Relief efforts following Hurricane Helene illustrate a profound commitment to aiding communities in crisis. With significant resources engaged in rebuilding efforts, volunteers’ contributions have been transformative, leading to both physical restoration and spiritual renewal. As the community continues to face challenges in the recovery process, the support from various sources remains crucial to helping survivors rebuild their lives.
Original Source: www.baptistpress.com
