Hello BRN Family, it’s good to be with you today!
I pray you and your family have kept safe and warm during our wintry weather. There is nothing as wonderful as a comfortable, cozy and warm space during a snowstorm.
Unfortunately, there are many people in the Carolinas who are still struggling in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene–during the coldest winter they’ve experienced in a long time.
We don’t want to forget about them and the perilous conditions they face as they seek to rebuild after massive flooding destroyed their homes.
The BRN’s Disaster Relief Director, Kenton Hunt, continues to organize teams to go on deployments to help with mud-out, chainsaw work, and community clean-up. Those who are interested can reach out to him at kentonh@brnunited.org to learn more about the deployment requirements, including background checks and training.
As I have mentioned before, our friends at the Baptist Convention of North Carolina also have set up channels for assistance, including what they call Essential Rapid Repairs teams to help put people back into their homes in about a week to 10 days.
To date, our Baptists on Mission friends Dewey and Kathie Aiken say over 250 homes are being rebuilt now through this program. Over 50 are already completed. Each home costs $15,000- $20,000.
Altogether, Baptists on Mission plans to rebuild around 700 homes but it is estimated that around 70,000 homes were damaged or destroyed by this hurricane. Rebuild will take 7 years or more. As you can see, there is still a lot of opportunity for volunteers from Pennsylvania/South Jersey to serve over the next few years to help people finish their homes. Go to baptistsonmission.org to learn more.
Can’t go? No worries. The BRN seeks to continue financially helping affected individuals and families through Home Depot, Lowes, and Walmart gift cards. That way, families can purchase exactly what they need as they rebuild their homes and lives. If you are interested in giving, please visit online at www.brnunited.org/helene. 100% of your designated gift will be used in Helene disaster relief and rebuilding efforts.
Please keep praying for these North Carolina residents, who are facing one of the largest crises in their lives. We all know winter can be brutal in the mountains. Let’s band together to show the love of Christ in our prayers and actions. To learn more, read our latest story on BRN United. As always, thanks for listening in and may God bless you.
