Asheville Rebuilds: Faith and Community Shine After Hurricane Helene
Asheville, North Carolina, has become a hub of resilience and community spirit as residents come together in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. This past Sunday was a particularly poignant day for many in the area, as worshippers returned to Biltmore Church for their first in-person service since the hurricane wreaked havoc on the region. Pastor Bruce Frank welcomed a congregation full of mixed emotions, where joy over renewed connections met the heavy heart of loss.
“There is a lot of loss,” Frank reflected during his sermon, painfully aware that many members of his church community have endured unimaginable grief. Tragically, some have lost family members, including Nora and Michael Drye, who, along with their 7-year-old grandson Micah, faced the storm’s devastating floods. Micah became trapped on their roof and drowned, a heartbreaking reality felt deeply within the church.
Community Support in the Wake of Disaster
Even amidst the sorrow, the spirit of support and unity prevails. From food drives to providing essential supplies like water and diapers, church members have stepped up in a significant way. Biltmore Church has transformed its parking lot into a bustling disaster relief hub, welcoming state workers and volunteers. This call to action is part of their initiative dubbed 828Strong, aptly named after the local area code.
Pastor Frank noted that prior to the hurricane, the congregation was studying the New Testament’s Letter of James, which emphasizes that “faith without works is dead.” Now that passage is alive and thriving in Asheville, as churches and volunteers come together to support those impacted by the storms.
The Long Road to Recovery
Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck back-to-back, leaving many to brace for a long recovery journey. “It’s going to take a long time,” Frank mentioned, highlighting a collective effort with groups like North Carolina Baptist Disaster Relief to ensure ongoing support. Volunteers have already cooked over 100,000 meals in the church parking lot alone, providing nourishment to those displaced or affected.
Diving deeper into the heart of the recovery effort, groups like Samaritan’s Purse have sent teams to help clear debris, set up water filtration systems, and even deliver critical supplies by helicopter. Franklin Graham, who leads the organization, beams with pride at the more than 16,000 volunteers who have come forth. His team has mobilized quickly to restore communities, setting up oxygen shelters for patients and supplying essential power through generators.
A Shared Humanity Beyond Politics
Graham shared his relief that, amid this crisis, politics have taken a backseat. “Nobody’s talking about Democrats or Republicans right now,” he commented, noting the refreshing change as people unite for a common cause. The focus is successfully on helping one another rebuild lives, rather than political battles.
Continued Efforts by Faith-Based Groups
The ongoing response is also aided by the nondenominational Christian group, Eight Days of Hope. This organization has mobilized to set up mobile feeding sites and lounges for those needing a place to recharge, wash clothes, and enjoy a warm meal. As Hannah Fletcher, a spokesperson, put it, “We come in and we’re like an adrenaline shot.” They plan to stay active in the area throughout October, supporting both immediate and long-term recovery efforts.
Looking to the Future
The Salvation Army has also been busy, serving meals and providing aid in both North Carolina and neighboring states impacted by storms. Their service counts have topped an impressive 400,000 meals in those affected areas.
The call to duty does not stop here; leaders like Todd Unzicker of the Baptist State Convention remind volunteers that the work doesn’t end with immediate needs. “We are going to need you a month from now and six months from now,” he asserts, emphasizing the importance of ongoing aid.
Conclusion: A Testament to Community Resilience
In these challenging times, Asheville stands as a testament to community resilience and the power of collective faith. Biltmore Church and countless other organizations have ignited a spirit of hope and transformation, helping to mend the torn fabric of their towns. Where much was lost, the strength and kindness of their neighbors shine brightly. As the community rallies together, they remind one another that, just like the clear skies that will eventually follow the storm, brighter days are ahead.
