Six months post-Hurricane Helene, Southern Baptists are heavily engaged in rebuilding efforts after providing significant relief to hurricane survivors. With the storm causing extensive damage and loss of life, the focus has shifted towards restoring communities, with notable initiatives led by local churches. Involvement from thousands of volunteers and a $3 million grant are bolstering the rebuilding process amid inspiring testimonies of faith and recovery.
Southern Baptists have actively provided aid to survivors of Hurricane Helene, which struck Florida on September 26, 2024. With the six-month mark approaching, efforts have shifted towards supporting communities in rebuilding. The hurricane resulted in 248 fatalities and approximately $78.7 billion in damages, ranking it as the seventh-costliest storm in U.S. history.
Josh Benton, vice president for national ministry at Send Relief, emphasized the unprecedented scope of Helene, stating, “What set Helene apart was the widespread impact of the storm.” The Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) network successfully managed their response across a vast area, expressing profound gratitude for the dedication of state disaster relief leaders and volunteers in meeting needs and sharing faith.
In the aftermath, the SBDR distributed over one million meals, completed more than 7,800 recovery tasks, and reported 244 professions of faith at nearly 40 SBDR sites across six states, including Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. As the focus transitions to rebuilding, initiatives have gained momentum, with significant contributions from community members and organizations.
Maria Lee, spouse of Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, recently collaborated with Tennessee Baptists on the Arise and Build initiative, which has successfully completed over 110 rebuilding projects. Todd Unzicker, Executive Director-Treasurer for N.C. Baptists, remarked on the North Carolina Baptists’ collective action, affirming the importance of united mission in crisis response.
The immediate response by SBDR centered on providing essential services, including hot meals and cleanup. By 2025, the priority has shifted to comprehensive rebuilding efforts for survivors’ homes. Richard Weeks, an associational mission strategist, has been at the forefront of this response since October 2024, leading rebuilding efforts in partnership with North Carolina Baptists.
Weeks highlighted the extraordinary challenges posed by the unique terrain and power of the storm, stating, “I’ve been doing this since 1999…but this is one of the most unique storms I’ve ever been a part of due to the terrain and the force of the overall storm itself.” Recovery efforts began with assessing homes for quick repairs and subsequently expanded for more extensive restoration work.
Approximately 1,400 disaster response teams, comprising over 7,000 volunteers, have engaged with Baptists on Mission to assist in the rebuilding process. Approximately 130 homes have been repaired thus far, with 250 additional rebuilds actively underway. Unzicker recounted inspiring stories of neighbors coming to faith through church outreach following the storm.
Many individuals assisted by SBDR, unsure of where to turn after losing everything, regained hope through church support. Weeks described a transformative experience with one family in Canton, where a wife’s heart softened through the volunteers’ kindness, ultimately leading them back to the local church and a notable increase in baptisms.
Volunteers, some without prior relationships with Christ, have also found faith through their involvement. Baptists on Mission received a $3 million grant from the North Carolina government to aid rebuilding efforts, while Send Relief continues to provide vital resources to sustain these initiatives into 2025. Unzicker concluded, “God has made His grace and providence evident and answered our prayers” during this challenging period.
In summary, Southern Baptists have shown exceptional commitment to aiding Hurricane Helene survivors, transitioning from immediate relief to rebuilding efforts. Through the support of volunteers and community initiatives, they are working diligently to restore homes and lives, fostering faith and hope among those impacted. The resilience of both the church community and the individuals they serve exemplifies the enduring spirit of cooperation and faith amidst adversity. The ongoing rebuilding efforts, supported by substantial funding and volunteer engagement, highlight the importance of sustained assistance well into the future.
Original Source: www.sendrelief.org
