Pray for WNC: Hurricane Helene Volunteer Update

On Saturday, October 19th, Gary and Taylor Knight drove up to WNC to deliver some essential supplies-a brand new log splitter, gallons of kerosene, and kerosene heaters-that our church (First Baptist Church of Blue Ridge) shared with us. Not entirely sure of what would await them, they headed out early that morning.

The further east you head into North Carolina from Blue Ridge, the taller and more majestic the mountains become. Some may not realize this, but the elevation in Blue Ridge peaks out at about 2500 ft. The Appalachian Mountains in WNC tower around 6,000+ ft. Combine that height with torrential rains and flash flooding, and it is no wonder that the devastation is as horrific as it is.

Though most across the nation witnessed the horrific footage of Hurricane Helene, being there in person is beyond heartbreaking. Rather than being rendered speechless from the beauty of the mountains alone, Gary and Taylor were stunned by the destruction of this natural disaster. Just when it seemed that the damage could not worsen, another collapsed road high in the mountains lay just around the bend or an annihilated double wide trailer in a holler sobered our thoughts. For those counting, it's been 4 weeks since the storm hit.

Just because the storm is over does not mean that WNC should be forgotten. People are still displaced and no one knows how many are missing or passed away because of how dense this area is. It is estimated that people will be without power for 6-9 months in some areas. Winter is rapidly approaching too, and lows are already in the 30s-40s.

Hurricane Helene was supposed to hit Blue Ridge, GA until it swerved at the last minute in the night. WNC was given no warning that they were about to lose everything. Though we are just a small, family business at Cabin Rentals of Georgia, we feel this overwhelming calling to help those affected by this major catastrophe.

If you feel led to give in response to this horrific tragedy, we recommend checking out Samaritan's Purse in terms of both monetary efforts and volunteer opportunities. For more local opportunities, check out the 828-Helene-Relief FaceBook group. New needs are posted several times every day. After visiting Broad River Mission Baptist Church in Black Mountain, NC and the West Yancey County Fire Department in Burnsville, NC, it is clear that supplies are provided in scores; however, manpower is needed to help organize and sift through the materials.

Locals are overwhelmed with the scale of this damage. At the West Yancey County Fire Department, we connected with volunteers all the way from Utah who are helping sort supplies and keeping track of which roads have been explored. Neighbors are making a difference.

As Americans, we need to rally and support this strong Appalachian spirit and the human beings who lost everything. As Christians, we need to lead by example and spread faith, hope, and love. Western North Carolina will rebuild again; their resiliency is admirable to say the least. However, if you have the opportunity to lend a helping hand, who are we to walk away from Americans in need?

"These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." -John 16:33