Southern Baptists Advance Rebuilding Efforts Six Months…

Six months after Hurricane Helene, Southern Baptists focus on rebuilding efforts following the storm’s devastating impact. The SBDR has provided extensive aid, including over one million meals and numerous recovery jobs. The rebuilding initiative, particularly in North Carolina, has transformed lives and rekindled faith, reinforced by strong volunteer support and financial assistance.

Southern Baptists have been actively engaged in providing aid to Hurricane Helene survivors since its landfall on September 26 in Florida. As the six-month anniversary approaches, the organization’s focus is shifting towards rebuilding communities affected by the storm, which claimed 248 lives and caused approximately $78.7 billion in damages, marking it as the seventh-costliest hurricane in U.S. history.

Josh Benton, Vice President for National Ministry at Send Relief, emphasized the extensive impact of Hurricane Helene. He remarked on the strength and capacity of the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) network, which had to cover a vast area post-disaster. Benton expressed gratitude towards state disaster relief leaders and volunteers for their sacrifices in meeting community needs and spreading the gospel following this crisis.

In the immediate aftermath, SBDR provided over one million meals and completed more than 7,800 recovery jobs across multiple states, resulting in 244 professions of faith from nearly 40 SBDR sites in states including Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia. Notably, the focus has now shifted from recovery to rebuilding efforts, particularly in hard-hit areas like western North Carolina near Asheville.

Maria Lee, the wife of Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, joined Tennessee Baptists in the Arise and Build initiative, which has successfully completed over 110 projects. Todd Unzicker, Executive Director-Treasurer for N.C. Baptists, noted the collaborative efforts of state Baptists and the wider Great Commission Baptists, highlighting their shared mission during this challenging time.

Initially, SBDR responded to immediate needs by providing hot meals and cleanup assistance following flooding. As of now, volunteers have focused on helping survivors rebuild their homes, with Richard Weeks, an associational mission strategist, playing a crucial role in the relief efforts. Since October 5, Weeks has been tasked with leading rebuild operations in western North Carolina, marking one of his most significant engagements since beginning disaster relief work in 1999.

The rebuilding process commenced with prioritizing homes suitable for quick repairs, ensuring families could return before the winter months. The project is anticipated to enter a third phase of complete home reconstruction, significantly aiding families displaced by Hurricane Helene. Currently, around 1,400 disaster response teams and over 7,000 volunteers are working diligently, with approximately 130 homes completed and another 250 under reconstruction.

Weeks has observed meaningful transformations in community relationships, with individuals rediscovering faith after experiencing assistance from local churches. He recounted a tale of a woman, initially hardened by her circumstances, whose perspective changed through the kindness of volunteers, leading her to reconnect with Crestview Baptist Church.

Furthermore, many volunteers who joined the rebuilding efforts have also found faith, leading to baptisms during the recovery phase. The Baptists on Mission received a $3 million grant from the North Carolina government for rebuilding efforts, alongside additional financial resources from Send Relief to sustain operations into 2025.

As they continue this long-term recovery mission, Unzicker expressed optimism in God’s provision and grace throughout the rebuilding process, finding hope in the community’s resilience and the tangible support available.

In conclusion, six months after Hurricane Helene, Southern Baptists have significantly contributed to the recovery and rebuilding efforts across several states. They provided over one million meals and engaged thousands of volunteers in restoration tasks. Notably, the initiative has rekindled hope among affected families and promoted faith within local communities. With continuous support and resources, the rebuilding process looks set to extend well into 2025, showcasing a commitment to serving those in need.

Original Source: www.sendrelief.org