Pray without Ceasing.
Hurricane Helene has devastated Western NC, leaving the region in dire need. A small team of us ventured to an area northeast of Asheville to assist local fire departments with search and rescue, recovery, and wellness checks. We provided essential resources—food, water, medicine, gasoline, and batteries—to locals without power or running water and with damaged properties.
The destruction seen was staggering: roads obliterated, railroad tracks swept into rivers, homes washed away, and cars buried in sand…
Yet even more astounding was the resilience of the locals. Helene may have dealt them a blow, but it was far from a knockout. While they need outside help to rebuild, these people are undeniably self-sufficient, resourceful, grateful, and beyond impressive.
We heard that 81-year-old "Miss Maggie" on a nearby mountaintop needed assistance. Upon arrival, we discovered her neighbors were checking on her daily. She was fine—no power or running water, but just fine. She thanked us for our concern, and we moved on.
During another wellness check, we met a middle-aged man so resourceful he was milling the tree that had fallen on his barn to rebuild it. When we offered drinking water or gasoline for his machines, he declined. Instead, he offered us some salmon he'd smoked at home days earlier. We politely refused, feeling he needed it more than us (though it sounded delightful).
Few people compare to those of the Appalachians. They're grateful for what they have rather than lamenting what they've lost. Hurricane Helene took much from them, but it couldn't shake their resolve. Witnessing such resilience amid devastation is humbling. I'm thankful to God for the opportunity to witness and learn from it.
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
—1 Thessalonians 5:16-18