We, as I’m sure many of you, have been heavily burdened with the devastation from Hurricane Helene through the south. Of course it hits closer to home having had it “hit closer to home” in North Carolina. Our area was very fortunate in that we did not get anything near what was predicted. Our farm is certainly wet but completely fine. And most of our community is. BUT our community is heavily responding to the needs in the western part of the state where such catastrophic flooding has taken place. Supplies and helpers have been attempting to get as close as possible. It has been different for us in that, times past, we always were connected to resources; knew how to get ahold of them; knew where the greatest needs were to distribute them; and had our own teams that helped connect resources to those in need around Tijuana Mexico. And for over 17 years it was clear to make our mission; #1 help others help, #2 focus on the needs that come across our path verses being overwhelmed by the needs all around us. So the situation going on in this storm crisis feels familiar.
There are so many needs that one person or one organization could never meet. This is why it is so amazing that neighbors (local and afar) are helping neighbors. Churches are opening their doors and organizing teams and supplies. Companies are rallying their employees and customers. Farmer’s are gathering resources for needs they will personally understand. Law enforcement agencies are communicating. So many unified efforts are being
Maybe you, like ourselves, have been asking, “What can I do?” Some of you have contacted us, wondering if we might know specific ways to help, since we are in close proximity. Wayne has been communicating with a new believer friend who is also a Captain in one of our local county Sheriff departments. As soon as it seems wise, productive, resourceful, etc, we expect to put our trucks in to action and go to wherever we may be directed to go.
What can you/we do now? We have a family member who is a student at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. Her own apartment was flooded out. But even in the midst of her personal struggles, she is helping others in need. She connected with Samaritans Purse to volunteer, even though her own living circumstances were yet to be determined. The need is overwhelming but we have encouraged her to listen for the Lords voice and follow His lead, as she tries to help the ‘one in front of her.’ In the past, we have proudly sponsored her in third world missions trips. She has a missions minded passion, training, and maturity. She is our VOB ‘boots on the ground’ in Western NC right now.
That being the case, we have been sending her support from VOB as a liaison, if you will. We would like to invite you, if you are interested, to do the same. We are in close communication when she is able to get signal, and she has made us aware of various and specific needs. This includes food, basic needs, shelter, and most of all a personal and Christ connection. There are so many levels of need, as these dear folks start to rebuild their lives. But loving encouragement from a kind soul and reassurance that others around the nation care and know they exist, are massively helpful at this time.
If you would like to help us, the various ways to send tax deductible donations through Voice of the Bride are at this following link.
www.voiceofthebride.net/donate
Thank you in advance and feel free to reply with any questions, Love Wayne & Carol
p.s. We will keep you posted as to when we personally get “boots on the ground” in this long rebuild effort.
Voice Of the Bride Ministries... 