Hurricane Helene made landfall in northwestern Florida late on September 26, 2024 and moved through Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee early on September 27, causing catastrophic loss of lives, homes, vehicles, and businesses. Helene is estimated to have claimed the lives of more than 230, with that number still growing, deeming her the deadliest to strike the United States since Maria in Puerto Rico in 2017. She left an economic impact of $200 Billion, including property and infrastructure damage, giving her the title of the costliest storm in United States history.
With the swift influx of rain, the areas hit the hardest also had to deal with a new fear: the imminent failure of the dams. Ultimately, the dams did not fail, but to save them, enough water was released to drop the pressure. This necessary choice caused significant damage and loss of life. There were many forced evacuations, but for most, it was already too late.
Helene’s Devastation
Only Roofs Are Visible
Bishop Michael Ainsworth of IPHC’s Cornerstone Conference in North Carolina spoke with IPHC briefly to share a little about the devastation in his area and the surrounding conferences. Ainsworth explained, “Close to 40 of our ministers on the far side of our conference are without power, have trees down, water in their dwellings. Everybody in our conference was affected in some way, even into the hardest hit part, the Lake Moore, Asheville area.” Bishop Ainsworth shared that one of his staff members lost everything. He also shared that many are questioning whether the pictures coming out of North Carolina are real or doctored by AI (artificial intelligence); Bishop Ainsworth claimed that the pictures don’t do the damage justice. One pastor described it as “a war zone.”
After the Storm
After the Storm
Interstate I-40 is still closed between Asheville, North Carolina, and Tennessee. NCDOT (North Carolina Department of Transportation) is keeping an updated list of roads as they become clear for travel. Bishop Ainsworth explained that some people are still trapped or confined to their homes because they cannot leave their communities because roads are blocked or washed out.
Helene’s Devastation
Just days after Helene moved through, Milton was following closely behind. As the sprinkling began, many were gripped with fear: is this whole nightmare going to happen again? As time passed, cell phone service still had not been restored, and it was a full week before Bishop Ainsworth knew if his ministers were okay. Cornerstone Conference pastors were also waiting to connect with their members. As people began showing up to get a hot meal and a shower, the pastors were filled with relief, seeing and hearing from some of their members for the first time since Helene struck.
The news out of North Carolina, though grave, still offers reasons for encouragement. Ainsworth said: “God has been so present through his people, providing protection and provision. There is a lot of hope.” He shared how he has witnessed ordinary people who just want to help. Without knowing where they were heading, some good Samaritans set out with a carload of supplies. Bishop Ainsworth shared a story from one of the North Carolina pastors, Pastor Anthony Craver, who encountered a young man from out of state who had loaded his car, headed to Western North Carolina, pulled into Upward Christian Fellowship, saw DRUSA (Disaster Relief USA – IPHC’s disaster response team), and knew that he had been sent there.
IPHC’s DRUSA
IPHC’s DRUSA
DRUSA and Mission M25 have been working to form rebuilding teams, which are operating now. They have also brought out their mobile feeding and shower trailer. Meeting these essential needs, food and a shower, is a show of great compassion. Bishop Ainsworth shared, “There is a strengthening, mobilizing grace. The strength of the Holy Spirit is so evident here. Walls have come down; people are here working together. It’s a miracle of God’s grace.”
The Cleanup Is Ongoing
Rebuilding Teams Joining in Prayer
Bishop Ainsworth has been encouraged by the outpouring of love and resources from across the IPHC. He has received numerous calls from pastors and bishops asking, “What can we do?” and “How can we help?” As time passes and less and less media coverage is given to the aftermath of the hurricane, the interest and outpouring of resources will likely wane. But there is still much to be done! The needs are still great in these hard-hit areas. As the weather changes, cooler temps are upon us, with many areas experiencing freeze and frost warnings just this week. Heaters and warm blankets are essential. Cleaning supplies, baby supplies, and personal care items are also needed. Bishop Ainsworth mentioned that many of the individual collection sites have a better understanding of the specific needs. Be sure to consult with them to determine the most urgent necessities.
So, how can IPHC help?
Bishop Ainsworth is encouraging everyone who can to Pray, Give, Donate, and Volunteer.
PRAY – for everyone who is suffering from Helene’s aftermath. As you pray, please pray for those who are serving. GIVE – consider giving a financial gift to assist individuals and families impacted by the storm. DONATE – to one of our many collection locations. VOLUNTEER – by completing the form and receiving updates for opportunities to serve. Please visit this site to learn more about what is happening in the Cornerstone Conference and how to get involved:
https://www.ccrdc.org/drusa-helene
Statistical Information on Hurricane Helene was pulled from https://www.britannica.com/event/Hurricane-Helene
