We are all saddened to see the images of devastation and reports of lives lost wrought by Hurricane Helene in the western part of our state.
CBFNC leadership has been communicating with leaders of partner churches in the areas impacted. We are assessing needs and developing an appropriate response plan. Thankfully we have heard from most partner churches by now and damage to church properties seems to be minimal at this point. Many are still trying to confirm the safety of their congregants
We are hearing from a number of folks in our fellowship with questions about how to help. As a reminder, CBFNC is not primarily a disaster response organization, and we are definitely not first responders. We do seek to work with disaster response partners and local churches to address long-term needs in areas affected by disasters, especially neglected communities. As response and recovery efforts in the communities impacted will be a long-term development, please consider the following for now:
Pray – Pray for those affected, first responders, local leaders and all who are involved in initial efforts to help those in need in the affected areas.
Give – Give to support disaster response efforts through CBFNC at: https://cbfnc.org/give/
Please select “Disaster Response” in the dropdown menu when asked where to direct your support.
Plan – As hands-on ministry opportunities become available through CBFNC and other partners such as Baptists on Mission, plan on how your church can participate and provide support. Here are a few ways you and your church can help right now:
- Disaster Relief Buckets: This week, CBFNC is deploying around 200 buckets that were previously prepared to the West Jefferson and Mars Hill areas. There will be a great need for more buckets as communities begin clean-up efforts. Organizing a disaster relief bucket “brigade” is one way church groups can do something to help. Get instructions here. Please let us know if your church plans to organize a bucket build by emailing info@cbfnc.org.
- Volunteer with Baptists on Mission: For hands-on opportunities for work teams, please refer to the opportunities through CBFNC partner ministry, Baptists on Mission. Click here for more information and to sign up.
- Church-to-Church Partnerships: We are exploring the possibility of pairing churches in central and eastern NC with affected churches in western NC. If your church is interested, please let us know by emailing Larry Hovis at lhovis@cbfnc.org.
WNC Disaster Response Missions Asset Survey
As we are praying and organizing to assist in disaster response with our western North Carolina neighbors, one way to help is to let us know how your congregation is equipped to respond. Please complete this survey to assist CBFNC Disaster Response in assessing our fellowship’s capabilities to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
We will provide regular updates as this situation unfolds. Thanks in advance for supporting and engaging in ministry efforts to our western NC neighbors who are in such great need, and our sister churches in the region who are striving to be the presence of Christ in difficult circumstances. Our prayers continue to be with those who are suffering.
May God “grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the living of these days.”
