Show Notes
The magnitude and reach of Hurricane Helene were catastrophic. Rain, flooding, wind, and landslides wreaked havoc across the Southeast. Western North Carolina, where Kristy Graham lives, was impacted in a way that has not been seen in decades. Amid all the destruction and sadness, the Church is stepping up. In Boone, North Carolina, Alliance Bible Fellowship is hosting a Samaritan's Purse Disaster Relief Unit and has become a sending point for volunteers. Kristy has been at Alliance Bible Fellowship every day since the hurricane or out serving with our volunteer teams.
This week, Kristy talked with Jason Kimak from North American Ministries, who is helping to lead the response on the ground. Jason has witnessed an outpouring of love from the community. The volunteers come from all over the country to take part in the mission of Samaritan’s Purse: sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
“The why of who we are is because of what Jesus did for us. And so, people that are coming out, these volunteers, it's this opportunity to love on [people needing help] with the physical piece to help them get back in their homes, but most importantly, the spiritual side.”—Jason Kimak
Every department across the ministry is banding together to help in the wake of the storm. After stopping by Alliance Bible Fellowship, Kristy went to the Boone Airport, which is right down the road from Samaritan's Purse headquarters. On the tarmac, Kristy spoke with Aaron Ashoff about how Samaritan’s Purse is utilizing helicopters to transport much-needed supplies to inaccessible communities.
“Our prayer is that people know God loves them. That when we show up, that's an answered prayer on their side. And they know Jesus loves them and He died for them.”—Aaron Ashoff
While she was at the airport, Kristy talked with Bev Kauffeldt about International Project's role in this response. Bev discussed the process of sending out assessment teams to churches in cut- off communities. That day, a team was heading to a town in eastern Tennessee that has been experiencing issues with their water system.
“We're sending assessment teams out to connect with churches in these kind of remote areas off these roads to find out what else they need.”—Bev Kauffeldt
Please continue to pray for all those affected by Hurricane Helene. And please pray for Samaritan's Purse and our church partners as we serve. If you’d like to keep up to date with more stories from On the Ground, please visit samaritanspurse.org.
When Hurricane Helene devastated communities throughout the Southeast, thousands of volunteers stepped up to serve in Jesus’ Name. Kristy Graham talked with Samaritan’s Purse staff from North American Ministries and International Projects about the uniqueness of the response and how in this seemingly hopeless situation, God gives a peace that cannot be shaken. Samaritan’s Purse is a beacon in a difficult time, pointing those hurting to the hope of the Gospel.
Resources
·Learn more about Samaritan’s Purse Hurricane Helene Response.
· Read how God provides comfort in the wake of a storm.
· Listen to “Opening Doors in Israel and Gaza” to hear how God is helping Samaritan’s Purse work in a tough region.
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