Preacher David's Corner

Helene Disaster Recovery Update for Ashe County

In the wake of the Helene disaster, Ashe County has witnessed both devastation and resilience. Several homes, once deemed uninhabitable, have now been restored allowing families to return. However, many homes still require significant repairs leaving some residents in temporary housing such as hotel rooms, apartments, or staying with relatives. Despite the hardships, the community continues to push forward with hope and determination. The hardest-hit areas, particularly in Creston and Lansing, suffered extensive damage. Damage did occur though out the entire county. Yet, each day brings progress of the tireless efforts of volunteers. Individuals from all across North Carolina and from many other states have come to lend a helping hand, working to rebuild roads, bridges, homes, barns, stores and fences. They have also provided essential supplies like clothing, food, medicine, and clean water. Great amounts of monies have been received in many different ways. Farmers receive hay and feed to keep their livestock nourished as they recover from their losses. A critical part of the recovery effort is the Ashe Baptist Campground. Normally closed during the winter, the Campground has remained open to accommodate volunteers, providing them with a place to sleep, eat, shower and rest. This has been a tremendous help in sustaining the ongoing relief work, allowing volunteers from without the county to focus on their mission projects without concern for their own basic needs. Churches, community organizations and countless individuals have stepped up, offering resources, time, and prayers to support their neighbors. The restoration effort is expected to take four to five years and some places may never be the same again. However, the unwavering faith of the people of Ashe County keeps them moving forward, trusting in God’s guidance and provision. Though the road ahead is long, the spirit of unity and compassion shines brightly. with each restored home, each repaired fence, and each hot meal shared, Ashe County rebuilds—not just structures, but hope and community. Through faith and perseverance, the people of Ashe County will overcome and are becoming stronger. The Ashe Baptist Association has been facing a difficult time following a devastating flood that caused significant damage to four of it’s churches and other churches not in the Association. Despite the hardships, these congregations have demonstrated resilience and faith, coming together to restore their places of worship. Tuckerdale Baptist Church suffered a major setback when the floodwaters washed away it’s bridge, making access to the church impossible. After much effort, the bridge was rebuilt, allowing the congregation to return to their sanctuary for worship for the first time since the disaster. However, the work is far from over and repairs are still being made on the church building and parking lot. The church remains steadfast in its mission, knowing that full restoration is within reach. Buffalo Baptist Church has also been deeply affected by the flood. While their sanctuary undergoes extensive repairs, members are gathering in the fellowship hall for worship. Their hope is to return to the sanctuary soon, and in the meantime, they are working tirelessly to restore the fellowship hall to its pre-flood condition. The church remains committed to maintaining a welcoming space for worship and fellowship. Riverview Baptist Church experienced severe damage with its fellowship hall and Sunday School rooms completely destroyed by floodwaters from the river. Despite these losses, the congregation has not wavered in their faith. They continue to meet in the sanctuary while actively working to restore the damaged areas. The process has been challenging but their determination to rebuild is unwavering. Beaver Creek Baptist Church also faced significant damage with floodwaters impacting their Sunday School rooms and other areas of the church. However, they have been able to continue worshiping in the sanctuary while repairs are being made. Their dedication to restoring the church is a testament to the strength of their faith and the unity of their congregation. Each of these churches has shown incredible perseverance in the face of adversity. Though the road to recovery is long, the faith and commitment of these and other congregations serve as an inspiration to all. With continued support and dedication, these places of worship will once again be fully restored, stronger than before.                                             God is at work!!                    Your Servant, David