Court Greene, pastor of Canton First Baptist Church in Canton, NC, with the trailer that the church purchased to transport supplies to those in need in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Court Greene, pastor at Canton First Baptist Church in Canton, NC is not new to helping his community in times of crisis. Recently, the paper mill that had defined Canton and its economy for decades permanently closed, causing the community to redefine itself. Then, in 2021, a flood started up in the mountains above the town, bringing devastation and loss of life to their area of Haywood County.
Now, the town and surrounding area are caught up in the epic effects of Hurricane Helene. Once again, Canton FBC, like many of other CBF North Carolina churches, has risen to the challenge of helping to bring emergency resources and services to the people of their community. Meals have been provided; commodities have been received and shared.
The terrain in the area makes a tragedy like this more complicated in providing services to the people impacted by the storm. The logistics of getting help to the people in need are often quite complicated.
Lessons from the previous flood taught Greene that a method of transporting supplies to the areas that needed help would be essential. He began to look for a trailer that would help him accomplish this need, which was no small effort since getting supplies delivered to hardware and other retail stores was also delayed because of the storm.
A twist in so many stories about this historic storm is how a need is requested, and within hours and sometimes minutes, someone knows someone who knows someone who has just what is needed. That was how Greene connected with a local business with a better trailer than he ever thought the church could afford. Then, he discovered that funds donated to CBFNC for Hurricane Helene’s recovery would provide a grant to help pay for the trailer.
Greene says the trailer been a lifesaver as he delivers heaters, food and many other supplies up into the mountains to people who are not able to get out.
Every day is a new challenge; and every day, something amazing happens. Thanks be to God.
By Rev. Dr. Wanda Kidd
Helene disaster response director
DR@cbfnc.org
828-507-5723
Want to Help the Recovery in WNC?
One of the best ways to help is to make a financial gift to CBFNC’s Disaster Response Fund, where 100% of the money goes to help people in the affected communities. CBFNC uses these funds to provide grants to churches to meet specific needs and to purchase larger items in mass quantities to support the recovery efforts. Give online or mail a donation to CBFNC, 2640 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27106. Please note “Disaster Response” on the check.
