October 20, 2024
It’s been 3 weeks since Hurricane Helene destroyed homes and took numerous lives over a horrific 500 mile path. The destruction left behind is absolutely heartbreaking here in Western North Carolina. It’s hard to imagine what these people have been through. These people lost family members, friends, their homes, personal belongings, animals, crops and businesses. The destruction caused by the numerous mudslides, landslides and horrendous flooding is hard to grasp, just by looking at pictures.
This past week was definitely not a typical week for our volunteers, but they humbly served in any capacity that was asked of them. Having no running water until just 2 days ago was challenging, but the volunteers didn’t complain. They understood the reality of what the residents here are dealing with.
This week, we had our very own Bart Tucker and his team from Trinity Evangelical Church with us. They did everything from working alongside Emerge Ministries volunteers in the warehouse, to mucking out a home (while digging mud out of the crawlspace), setting up a generator for a homeowner and working in the kitchen to prepare and serve thousands.
Eric Morris drove in from VA and instantly connected with our new friend “Sarge”. Sarge is a disabled Marine Vietnam veteran that quickly stole our hearts. His mobile home took on 2 feet of muddy water and ruined his vehicle. Thankfully, his power chair and hospital bed are working well.
Mike Bultemeier and crew teamed up with Eric to help get Sarge taken care of. Today, our KY staff member David Hyde, his wife Meredith and a friend of their’s came in with supplies. They also spent the day helping Sarge, while checking on others. It’s been a truly amazing week!
If you’ve never experienced the beauty of serving others on a mission trip, there is no better time like the present to sign up with Fuller Center Disaster ReBuilders!! We can assure you there will be plenty of opportunities to serve in this area for at least the next year.
If you’re unable to volunteer on site, there are always opportunities to serve in other ways, or by making a financial contribution to help us help those we serve. We promise that your heart will be filled many times over.
