Last week, Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region before moving north, leaving behind a massive trail of destruction. Communities in states as far north as West Virginia and Ohio were impacted by Helene and its high winds, record-breaking storm surges, tornadoes, torrential rains, landslides, and catastrophic floods. At least 160 people have died in six Southeastern states. Millions were left without power, water, and phone or internet service.  From Tampa to Tallahassee, dangerously high water surged into Florida gulf coast homes and businesses, causing extensive damage. In North Carolina, the entire western part of the state has been closed to vehicle traffic after more than 400 roads were damaged or destroyed. Powerful floods swept away homes, vehicles, and bridges. Hundreds of people required water or helicopter rescue, and hundreds remain missing. Food, water, and other essential supplies are limited or unavailable in many locations.  Recovery from this much damage will take years.  Nazarene church members, pastors, and disaster volunteers are serving in impacted communities. Early reports indicate extensive damage to Adrian Camp, part of the Georgia District Church of the Nazarene, and Nazarene Disaster Response team members from Georgia are on site offering cleanup assistance and distributing relief items. In Nashville, Georgia, the Church of the Nazarene sanctuary sustained heavy damage and may be unrepairable. The South Carolina Nazarene Disaster Response team along with other volunteers are serving in the area surrounding Augusta, Georgia.  North Carolina’s local Nazarene leaders are working to secure locations to house the disaster response teams that will play a key part in providing recovery support to the region once travel to the area is possible. Today, North Carolina pastors loaded a U-haul with pallets of water to drive to Asheville, with more supply runs of relief items planned. While no reports have been received that indicate damage to churches in North Carolina, there are Nazarene pastors and members who remain without power and in need of assistance.    Thousands of Crisis Care Kits were transferred to partner organizations for distribution in the hardest-hit areas, including Tallahassee, Florida.

How You Can Help Pray Pray for all who have experienced the devastation of this storm, especially those mourning the loss of family members and friends. For those who lost homes or sources of income, pray they will find the shelter and resources they need. Pray for the quick and efficient distribution of aid and for the long journey of rebuilding that lies ahead. Remember the vulnerable who suffer more after tragedies, especially the elderly, those with chronic illness or disabilities, and those already struggling with poverty. Pray for strength and wisdom for church leaders and communities as they offer support and care. To send a prayer or note of encouragement, visit our website.   Give Churches and individuals around the world can provide support through the 2024 Storm Response Fund. Donations will be used for immediate needs like water and food, as well as long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.   To send donations by mail: In the United States – Make checks payable to “General Treasurer” and send them to: Global Treasury Services Church of the Nazarene 17001 Prairie Star Pkwy Lenexa, KS 66220 Be sure to put 140055 in the memo area of your check. Thank you for supporting local churches as they live out Christ’s compassion in the days, weeks, and months to come.

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