As I mentioned yesterday, I will be leading a disaster assistance trip to the Boone area on Nov. 16. We all know how devastating the effects of Hurricane Helene were on this region. In Christian service, we seek to assist with the rebuilding process.
The work will be coordinated by Samaritan’s Purse. You will need to sign up with them in order to attend the trip. Here are the details and instructions:
Go to www.spvolunteer.org/project-response/746
Click on the orange button that says “Respond Now.”
Fill out the required forms. Click on “Day” volunteer and select “Nov. 16.” There are limited spots so I recommend signing up before it fills up.
Orientation is at 7:30 am at Alliance Bible Fellowship 1035 North Carolina HWY 105 Bypass Boone, NC 28607 Phone: 828-386-8667.
You can either meet us there or carpool from the church. If you plan to carpool, please meet at the church at 5:30 am.
The following information comes directly from Samaritan’s Purse:
TYPE OF WORK: Our response to this storm includes debris removal, chainsaw work and mudout.
MEALS: Pack a bag lunch and a bottle of water.
WHAT TO BRING: While on worksites, please wear appropriate clothing (Samaritan’s Purse T-Shirt provided).
Bagged Lunch and Water
Hat
Long pants
Sturdy work boots or shoes with thick soles. Rubber boots are recommended for floods.
Tool Belt & Small Hand Tools (optional) *Make sure all tools are well marked •
Personal chainsaw with chain brake (optional). You are required to bring your own PPE.
NO: Shorts, Tank Tops, Flip Flops, Sandals or Tight/Revealing clothing with inappropriate design.
If you plan to come, please email david@unitypres.org and RSVP. The work day will end at 4:30 pm.
Here is one story of a work crew from 3 days ago.
When Michael and Nancy left their home for higher ground, floodwaters were knee-high. 15 minutes later, a neighbor sent them a photo of their home submerged up to the gutters.
“Disbelief,” Michael remarked, recalling the reaction the first time he saw his home after the storm. “When we woke up and left at three o’clock that morning, we didn’t know that was the last time we’d be in this house.”
Samaritan’s Purse volunteers came alongside the couple to help mud-out their home, shoveling caked mud, hauling out ruined furniture, and preserving family keepsakes. At the end of the job, they prayed over Michael and Nancy and gave them a special Billy Graham Study Bible, with notes of encouragement from each volunteer who worked on their home.
“It means everything,” Michael said of the volunteers. “They didn’t have to do this. They could have stayed home—but they chose to help me.”
