This past summer, I wrote an article for Good Faith Media about the unique relationship between the churches in western NC. The article centered on how they came together to help plant a church in Hendersonville that still serves that area today. In the end, I suggested it might be time for those churches to come together again to do something amazing. This was not what I had in mind; but they have done amazing things, once again.
They turned their churches into big-box stores with all the supplies you sent in trucks, trailers and cars. They fed hundreds of locals and people who came to restore power and perform search-and-rescue in all 10 counties impacted by this immense storm. They met new neighbors who came to help because they wanted to do something, and it took all the hands possible to keep the buildings open 15 hours a day. It was not a sprint; it was and is a marathon.
CBFNC outdid itself when we asked for gift cards for families rather than presents during the Christmas season. We knew people wanted to bring carloads of gifts, but the people we served often lived in hotels or with family and had limited space. When the pastors asked for gift cards instead, you sent over $23,000 worth of gift cards in a six-week window. We heard story after story about tears and hugs because parents could buy what they needed for their families. It was not what you imagined but what was needed, and you responded graciously.
Today, most of the mucking out of homes is completed and we are on to the next stage. Teams from all over the country, but many from our state, have committed to being present with the people of western North Carolina until most have a place to live. It is a mammoth task that will take years to complete. This part is complicated and expensive, but everyone we have worked with has been patient and willing to work through the maze of permits and weather.
Several churches have opened their buildings to house various groups and offered gracious hospitality that has made some rethink the purpose and value of communities of faith. Groups have left notes and written letters expressing a renewed appreciation of the church.
This summer, we will offer a day camp for children in a particularly hard-hit area. We want to provide them with activities, tutoring, food while at camp and backpacks of food to carry home for the weekends. Four interns are helping and several youth groups have signed up to make this adventure a reality.
Because of the kindness of so many, I see small miracles almost every day. I have always been proud to be a part of CBFNC, but your compassion, generosity and response to this disaster have touched me deeply.
Thank you, CBFNC; you, too, have done amazing things.
-By Wanda Kidd
CBFNC Helene Disaster Response Director
Shared during the Opening Worship session of the 2025 CBFNC Annual Gathering.
