Southern Baptists Lead Rebuilding Efforts Following Hurricane Helene’s Devastation

Six months post-Hurricane Helene, Southern Baptists are focusing on rebuilding efforts after providing extensive relief since the storm’s onset. The disaster severely impacted six states, resulting in considerable fatalities and damages. Key initiatives include rebuilding homes and community engagement, reflecting a strong commitment to serve and inspire faith in affected individuals.

Southern Baptists have been actively involved in providing assistance to the survivors of Hurricane Helene since its landfall on September 26, 2024. As the six-month mark approaches, their efforts have shifted towards rebuilding the impacted communities. The storm resulted in over 230 fatalities across six states and incurred approximately $200 billion in damages, marking it as the most expensive hurricane in U.S. history.

According to Josh Benton, the Vice President for National Ministry at Send Relief, the extensive nature of the storm necessitated a broad response. He remarked on the remarkable capability of the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) network, stating, “Southern Baptists cannot thank their state disaster relief leadership and volunteers enough for the way they sacrificed to meet needs and share the gospel in the aftermath of this crisis.”

In the aftermath of the hurricane, SBDR successfully prepared over one million meals, completed 7,800 recovery tasks, and reported 244 conversions through nearly 40 locations across Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. In Appalachia, efforts have transitioned to long-term rebuilding initiatives. Notably, Maria Lee, wife of Tennessee’s Governor Bill Lee, collaborated with Tennessee Baptists on the Arise and Build initiative, which has completed more than 110 projects so far.

Western North Carolina, particularly Asheville, endured significant damage compared to other affected areas. Todd Unzicker, Executive Director-Treasurer of N.C. Baptists, emphasized the devotion displayed by the local churches, remarking, “It’s not just a slogan. God has moved and provided through local churches jumping into action and serving on mission together.”

Initially, SBDR focused on immediate needs, such as providing hot meals and cleanup services. As of 2025, volunteers have redirected their efforts toward assisting survivors in rebuilding their homes. Richard Weeks, an associational mission strategist, has been integral to this effort, having traveled extensively to provide support since October 5, 2024. He expressed that this storm was unlike any he had worked on before, given its ferocity and the terrain’s challenges.

The rebuilding efforts commenced by addressing homes that could be swiftly repaired, facilitating families’ return prior to winter. The initiative has now progressed to encompass more severely damaged homes, with plans to embark on a third phase focused on complete reconstructions. Approximately 1,400 disaster response teams, comprising over 7,000 volunteers, have mobilized to aid Baptists on Mission, achieving the completion of around 130 homes with an additional 250 homes currently in the rebuilding phase.

Unzicker relayed inspiring accounts of churches engaging with their communities during this transition, contributing to conversions and baptisms as a result of the Helene response. Many local residents, who initially felt lost after the disaster, found renewed faith in the church as they witnessed its active support.

Weeks recounted a powerful story of a family in Canton, where a wife initially resistant to church attendance became involved after experiencing the volunteers’ kindness. This family ultimately contributed to a celebration of 20 baptisms at Crestview Baptist Church.

Moreover, volunteers have been converted through their service, illustrating the broad outreach and impact of the initiative. Baptists on Mission have received a $3 million grant from the North Carolina government to facilitate ongoing rebuilding efforts. Alongside this, Send Relief has provided financial resources, with N.C. Baptists accepting donations to sustain volunteer efforts in helping storm survivors through 2025.

Unzicker concluded by affirming the continuing presence of God’s grace and providence during this long-term rebuilding journey, stating his firm belief in ongoing divine support as the recovery continues.

In summary, Southern Baptists have proved to be a vital force in aiding recovery and rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Helene. Their extensive engagement, coupled with the mobilization of over 7,000 volunteers, highlights the commitment to restore communities in need. The support from the North Carolina government and Send Relief underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in disaster response. Many individuals have rediscovered faith through the compassionate outreach of the church, further demonstrating the spiritual and practical impact of these initiatives.

Original Source: www.brnow.org