One year ago, Hurricane Helene reached western North Carolina, leaving behind a trail of destruction from which many are still recovering today.
The devastation was widespread. Floods swept through towns, trees and power lines came down, and families lost their homes. Churches were damaged and lives uprooted. But North Carolina Baptists immediately showed up, ready to serve.
In those early days, thousands of volunteers with Baptists on Mission mobilized to provide hot meals, distribute supplies, offer laundry and shower services, and begin the long process of cleanup and recovery. Local pastors and church members quickly stepped up to care for their neighbors, living out the gospel through service, compassion and prayer.
Hurricane Helene has since been identified as one of the deadliest U.S. hurricanes since Maria in 2017 and Katrina in 2005. It ranks among the costliest hurricanes in U.S. history. Its size — about 400 miles across — contributed to Helene’s destructive storm surge and brought flooding to western North Carolina, marking one of the worst natural disasters in our state’s history.
But the response has also been powerful. N.C. Baptists and partners from other states put on display who we are: local churches on mission together, serving as the hands and feet of Jesus.
Baptists on Mission received more than $20 million in the first few months after the storm, funding essential rapid repair efforts and helping complete home rebuilds.
Another $1.5 million given through the ServeNC initiative has also helped families return to safe living conditions, and more than $135,000 has been dedicated to pastoral relief and respite.
The pastors leading through these challenging times need care, too. To the many who’ve led faithfully this past year, especially in western North Carolina: We see you. We thank God for you.
The work continues. Baptists on Mission is making progress toward their goal of rebuilding 1,000 homes. Volunteers are making it possible. More than 16,000 individuals have come to serve, helping with everything from demolition and cleanup to framing and finishes. More than 5,000 mud-out and tearout jobs have been completed.
As of Aug. 17, 455 homes have been fully rebuilt, about 250 were in progress, and about 600 more requests were in the pipeline. Five active rebuild centers across western North Carolina house and feed volunteers, fueling this mission every day.
These efforts will extend for years to come — likely another four to five years of rebuilding homes, restoring hope and walking alongside families long after headlines fade. But I believe the fruit we’re already seeing is only the beginning. I’ve heard story after story of churches reaching their communities, leading people to Christ and even baptizing new believers — all because the church showed up when it mattered most.
God’s grace and providence have been evident every step of the way. As we press forward, I’m praying for even more gospel stories of transformation and for even more people to join in the work through volunteering, giving or praying. This is who we are. Let’s keep going.
(EDITOR’S NOTE — Todd Unzicker serves as the executive director-treasurer of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. This article originally appeared in the September/October 2025 issue of the Biblical Recorder magazine.)
