Faith After Hurricane Helene

NORTH CAROLINA – In the wake of devastating destruction in North Carolina, a powerful story of faith after Hurricane Helene emerges. Events across the state are becoming beacons of hope, demonstrating that even in the darkest times, the light of faith burns bright.

Faith Events Unite Communities in North Carolina

In Hendersonville and beyond, faith events are springing up across North Carolina, offering solace and strength to those affected by Hurricane Helene. These gatherings are more than just religious services; they’re a testament to the unbreakable spirit of North Carolinians and their unwavering strength in the face of adversity.

Hendersonville High School: A Field of Faith

At Hendersonville High School’s football field, an open-air event welcomed people of all faiths and denominations. The message was clear: despite life’s storms, strength can be found in God.

Brookstone Church: Comfort in Community

Just north of Asheville, Brookstone Church in Weaverville held a special service at Mars Hill University. Pastor Jared Reece emphasized the tangible hope felt within these communities. “For those who don’t believe in Christ, they are seeing the hope of Christ right in front of them as their neighbors go out and are pouring into one another.”

Faith After Hurricane Helene: Stories of Survival and Grace

Aaron and Larissa Smith’s experienced some of the worst affects of the storm. They were airlifted from their neighborhood after a boulder crashed into their home. All they and their two children have left are their dog and a suitcase. “We were 15 feet away from being crushed,” Aaron recounted, his voice filled with gratitude for their survival. He also spoke of God’s faithfulness and the blessing he found at the Hendersonville event.

Your Generosity: The Cornerstone of Recovery

In times like these, the incredible generosity of partners like you becomes the cornerstone of recovery efforts. Your support is the reason why organizations like Operation Blessing can make a real difference on the ground.

Operation Blessing: Your Hands Extended

Thanks to your generous donations, Operation Blessing’s Disaster Relief Team has been able to establish a base in Asheville, serving thousands of meals daily and distributing essential supplies. You also made it possible for teams to fly into remote neighborhoods, delivering clean water and offering hope to those in desperate need. Your support goes beyond material aid; it enables us to share the love of Christ in tangible ways.

The Path Forward: Faith After Hurricane Helene

Your continued support and prayers are crucial in this journey of recovery. Together, we can ensure that faith after Hurricane Helene doesn’t just survive, but thrives, becoming a testament to the indomitable spirit of North Carolina and the power of community united by God.

To support ongoing relief efforts and be a part of this inspiring story, visit Operation Blessing’s disaster relief page at ob.org/obdisaster. Your generosity today can make a world of difference for those rebuilding their lives after Hurricane Helene.

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Hope Through Hurricane Helene Relief

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UNITED STATES – When Hurricane Helene made landfall as a powerful Category 4 storm, no one anticipated the sheer devastation it would leave in its wake. Ripping through Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee, Helene proved to be the deadliest hurricane to strike the United States in over 20 years. Communities were cut off, roads washed away, and the lives of thousands were turned upside down. In the midst of this disaster, you—the generous partners of Operation Blessing—rose to the occasion, providing life-saving hurricane relief to those in desperate need. In spite of the destruction, you helped provide hope through Hurricane Helene relief.

Damage from the storm in Asheville, North Carolina

Helene Relief in North Carolina: The Storm Hits Home

As Hurricane Helene barreled northward, Asheville became one of the hardest-hit areas. Record-breaking flooding devastated the region, cutting off residents from essential services. “It hasn’t been this bad since 1916,” says Hayley Henson, a member of the Operation Blessing U.S. Disaster Relief team, who experienced the storm firsthand in her hometown. Washed-out roads and downed cell service left many stranded and unable to call for help. “Many people couldn’t leave. Low-income communities were hit hardest because they didn’t have the resources to evacuate,” Hayley said.

“Many people couldn’t leave—low-income communities were hit hardest because they didn’t have the resources to evacuate.”
-Hayley Henson – National Media Liaison

Hayley Henson National Media Liaison for Operation Blessing

But thanks to your unwavering support, help arrived swiftly. The Operation Blessing team, already positioned in Florida ahead of the storm, quickly mobilized and reached those in need.

You Made Hope through Hurricane Helene Relief Possible

With the magnitude of the disaster, our Operation Blessing disaster experts from across the globe were called in to assist with the relief efforts in Asheville and the surrounding area of North Carolina. Emergency meal kits, water, and other essential supplies were delivered to communities that hadn’t yet received help. Danny Castro, a member of the Operation Blessing International Disaster team summed up the direness of the situation. “There’s no gas, no electricity—they’re in great need.”

Bringing Hurricane Relief to Georgia: Your Impact in Valdosta

In Georgia, the impact of Hurricane Helene was also significant, with communities left grappling with downed trees, destroyed homes, and power outages. In Valdosta, local churches partnered with Operation Blessing to bring critical hurricane relief to affected residents. Pastor Caleb Clay, who worked closely with Operation Blessing, noted how the partnership allowed his church to be the “hands and feet of Jesus” to their hurting community.

“We’ve never seen anything like this, not even after Hurricane Idalia last year,” Pastor Clay said. “But as soon as we needed them, Operation Blessing was there, organizing volunteers and providing resources to help us clean up debris, tarp roofs, and bring hope to our neighbors. None of this would have been possible without you, our generous donors.”

Your Generosity in Action: A Personal Thank You

In the face of such overwhelming devastation, it’s easy to feel helpless. But you, through your donations and support, have made an incredible difference. Residents who were isolated and afraid, like Melissa Benson, were overjoyed to see Operation Blessing arrive. “This is the first organization to come to this side of town,” she said. “We appreciate you being here to help us when we need it most.”

Another resident, Sadie Jones, echoed that gratitude: “You people are God’s blessing for two old ladies who can’t fend for themselves. What you’re doing is beyond imaginable, coming to our rescue like this. God bless you all.”

Continuing the Work of Hurricane Helene Relief

The road to recovery is long, but thanks to your selfless giving, Operation Blessing continues to be on the front lines of disaster relief. Whether it’s clearing debris, delivering meals, or simply offering a shoulder to cry on, the impact you’ve made through your generosity is life-changing for those affected by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina and Georgia.

As Hayley, who witnessed the devastation firsthand, says, “There’s something about disasters that pulls people together. God helps us pool our resources to help those in need, and I’m so grateful to be a part of it. And we couldn’t do it without you.”

Your love and compassion are the heart of our efforts. Because of you, hope is on the horizon for the countless families rebuilding after Hurricane Helene.

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The Peril of Dangerous Water in Guatemala

GUATEMALA – Abygail lives in the heart of Guatemala. A single mother of 2 boys, she faces a silent struggle that threatens many people in her community: the risk of using dangerous water to survive. While she does have places to go to get water, the sources are not safe to drink. The only real solution is a water system that provides water free from bacteria and contaminants.

2 Sources of Dangerous Water

Abygail’s family, like many others in their community, relied on two primary sources of water, both of which posed significant health risks.

A shallow well dug near their home
A polluted river located more than a 30-minute walk away

The water from these sources was far from safe. “The color is yellow. Sometimes it smells like dead animals,” Abygail described the well water. “We can’t drink it because it is bad and hurts our stomachs.” The river water was no better, with Abygail noting its “rusty smell and taste.”

Despite knowing the dangers, families like Abygail’s often had no choice but to consume this water. Her son said, “When I drink the water, my stomach hurts.” The consequences of drinking such contaminated water were severe, with Abygail’s children frequently falling ill and requiring medical attention.

The Need for Clean Water Systems in Guatemala

The situation in Abygail’s community highlights the critical need for clean water solutions in Guatemala. Families shouldn’t have to choose between dehydration and illness. The presence of proper water treatment and distribution systems can dramatically improve public health, reduce waterborne diseases, and enhance overall quality of life.

Operation Blessing Brings Change

In the face of this localized threat from dangerous water, Operation Blessing stepped in with a life-changing solution. We drilled a deep well in Abygail’s community. This helped provide a reliable source of clean water. But they didn’t stop there. We went further by:

Installing a 4,000-gallon water tank
Implementing a purification system
Creating a network of pipes to distribute clean water to every home in the community

This system will ensure that families in Abygail’s community have constant access to safe, clean water right in their homes. The impact has been immediate and profound. Abygail expressed her heartfelt gratitude: “Thank you to Operation Blessing and the people who gave money to bring this clean water.”

The Power of Kindness

The transformation in Abygail’s community wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible kindness of Operation Blessing’s partners. Your donations have directly contributed to providing not just clean water, but hope and health to families in need. You are the reason children in Abygail’s community can now drink water without fear of illness.

The Power of Your Support

While the story of Abygail’s village is one of triumph, countless others in Guatemala and around the world still face the daily struggle of accessing clean water. Because of this, Operation Blessing remains committed to addressing this global need, one community at a time.

Your continued support makes that possible! Every donation, no matter the size, contributes to a future where dangerous water is a thing of the past, and clean, safe water is a reality for all.

Helicopter Supply Drop Brings Vital Hurricane Relief to North Carolina

helicopter supply drop following Hurricane Helene in North Carolina

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ASHEVILLE – In the wake of Hurricane Helene, you sent lifesaving aid directly to those in need. Operation Blessing’s helicopter supply drop in North Carolina brought crucial hurricane relief to families isolated by the storm. Thanks to your incredible generosity, survivors of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina received water filtration systems, solar lights, and emergency food packages. This swift response brought hope and life-saving resources to those hardest hit by the devastation.

Hurricane Relief Through a Helicopter Supply Drop

The scale of destruction caused by Hurricane Helene has been overwhelming. Roads were washed away, bridges collapsed, and entire communities were left without power or clean water. But your donations made it possible for Operation Blessing to reach these remote locations with essential supplies. Our multiple helicopter supply drops targeted areas cut off from traditional aid routes, ensuring that no family was left behind.

Jess, one of the storm survivors, shared her emotional story: “Hearing that we could reliably pull water from our creek again brought me to tears.” Thanks to your support, Jess and many others now have access to clean water through the water filtration systems you helped provide.

hurricane relief with a supply drop from the air

Hurricane Helene Relief in North Carolina via Helicopter

With roads impassable and communities stranded, helicopter supply drop proved to be a lifeline for families across Western North Carolina. In addition to water filtration systems, you helped deliver solar lamps and emergency meal kits. These supplies, made possible by your donations, are vital for families like Jess’s, who lost access to clean water and power after the hurricane. The impact of your donations is felt deeply by those receiving aid. “We’ve been living off bottled water, but it can only go so far,” Jess explained.

You Made This Relief Possible

Your compassion and generosity are the driving force behind Operation Blessing’s ability to provide timely disaster relief. The hurricane relief through this helicopter supply drop was a direct result of your support. You are the reason we can continue to deliver emergency supplies to those in desperate need after disasters like Hurricane Helene. Families in North Carolina are still recovering from the devastating effects of the storm. But thanks to you, they have clean water, light, and food during these challenging times.

Help More Families in Need

The recovery is far from over, and there are still many families who need help. If you want to continue supporting disaster relief efforts, visit Operation Blessing’s disaster relief page. By donating today, you are helping Operation Blessing continue to deliver life-saving aid to families facing the aftermath of hurricanes and other natural disasters.

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helicopter supply drop to Asheville North Carolina

Bringing Hope to Brazil Long after Floodwaters Recede

BRAZIL – Weeks after the rush of floodwaters in Brazil no longer dominated the news, families were still suffering. But thanks to your generosity, Operation Blessing continues offering hope and help long after floodwaters recede and the headlines fade.

“We were very, very surprised, because it happened so quickly,” shared Rosangela, a flood survivor. “We never thought the water would get as high as it did. There was no time to do anything.” The devastation was overwhelming, with hundreds of thousands displaced, homes destroyed, and livelihoods lost.

Andre, a local baker, remembers the moment he realized danger was imminent. “I was at home, and we were following the news of what was happening, and we kind of freaked out when the dam started to overflow close to our house. Then we had to get out.”

The Loss of Personal Items after Floodwaters Recede

For Andre, the floods washed away more than just his possessions—they threatened his family’s entire livelihood. “Some things I lost during the flood are impossible to recover. I lost boxes for organizing our groceries. I lost fryer baskets, spoons, and utensils that we use frequently for the churro business, as well as perishable products,” he explained.

The loss of his churro cart hit particularly hard. “I felt so helpless that we couldn’t deal with such destruction by this force of nature. I felt so sad when I saw the cart submerged in water. It’s my livelihood. It’s the only thing I have to support my family.”

But even as the news cycle moved on, Operation Blessing remained in the hard-hit city of Novo Hamburgo, offering crucial support to those in need. Thanks to your compassion, we were able to step in with brand-new tools and materials and help Andre restart his business. “After such loss, we got back to doing things and working. It makes us feel like we can go on. Operation Blessing helped me to start my work again,” Andre said gratefully.

Your generosity allowed Operation Blessing to address a range of needs across affected areas. From providing food and safe water to distributing solar lamps, hygiene kits, and cleaning supplies, your support made a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Picking Up the Pieces After the Flood

Many families found hope through the disaster relief team’s ongoing efforts. Patrini, a mother of three, returned home after weeks in a shelter to face the daunting task of cleaning up. “Mentally, my children and I have had a very difficult time with this. Everything is difficult. We lost everything.

It’s hard to see our house in this state,” she explained. Patrini’s husband, Jeremias, added, “It’s overwhelming. We never imagined this could happen to us. It was a shock to see our things not be rescued in time to salvage them, and only be able to take what little we could.”

Thanks to friends like you, we were able to provide essential cleaning kits to Patrini’s family and others to help sanitize their homes. “This cleaning is so important to me, because I was alone with three children,” Patrini said. “There was no one to help me, and then help practically fell from the sky! It would have been hard for me to clean alone. I’m so glad they arrived.”

She added gratefully, “To those who give, I say thank you very much! May God help more and more. And may God touch more hearts to help people in need.”

Andre also expressed his gratitude. “I want to thank the people who help us. It’s not just for me and my business, but also the others you’ve helped by helping me. I want to thank Operation Blessing for all their help. God always sends the right people at the right time.”

Your faithful support enables Operation Blessing to keep showing the world God’s love far beyond the initial shock of disaster. Even after floodwaters recede, you are helping communities rebuild and restore their lives. In Brazil—and wherever disaster strikes next—you are making a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Disaster Relief in Georgia

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GEORGIA – When natural disasters strike, the impact on communities can be devastating, and Hurricane Helene was the most devastating storm to strike our country in years. Operation Blessing and its partners have been at the forefront of providing crucial aid and offering disaster relief in Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina.

Your Generosity in Action: Disaster Relief in Valdosta

The impact of your donations became immediately apparent as Operation Blessing teams hit the ground running in Valdosta. Within 24 hours of the disaster, a fully operational headquarters was established, ready to serve those in desperate need.

“Operation Blessing was right there as soon as we needed them, getting volunteers ready to go, partnering with our church, being able to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our community,” Pastor Caleb said.

The Power of Partnership in Georgia Disaster Relief

Your support has enabled Operation Blessing to provide comprehensive disaster relief services across Georgia, including:

Chainsaw work to clear fallen trees
Debris cleanup to restore safety and access
Tarping damaged roofs to prevent further damage
Distribution of essential supplies and hot meals

In just 48 hours, over 1,000 hot meals and cases of water were distributed to those hurting in the Valdosta community. This immediate response was made possible by your generous contributions.

Why Your Continued Support Matters

The need for disaster relief in Georgia remains critical. As Pastor Caleb emphasized, “We’ve seen the results of it. We’ve seen the boxes of food come in, we’ve seen the cleaning supplies. We’ve seen the hands and feet show up here and be able to set up a headquarters for all those in need within 24 hours of a major disaster. But he also pointed out a crucial fact: “It only happens because of individuals like you and me that give to this organization.”

“We’ve seen the hands and feet show up here and be able to set up a headquarters for all those in need within 24 hours of a major disaster.”
-Caleb Clay, Pastor Anchor Faith Church

Be a Beacon of Hope in Georgia’s Disaster Relief Efforts

Your partnership is the lifeline that allows Operation Blessing to respond swiftly and effectively to disasters across Georgia and beyond. As we continue to face natural disasters, your ongoing commitment to disaster relief in Valdosta is more important than ever. You have the power to bring hope, healing, and restoration to communities devastated by hurricanes and other catastrophes.

Remember, in the face of disaster, you are the reason families find shelter, communities rebuild, and hope is restored. Together, we can continue to provide crucial disaster relief in Georgia and other parts of the Southeast, bringing light to even the darkest of times.

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feeding hurricane victims in Valdosta,GA

Hurricane Helene Relief: Partnering for Recovery

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NORTH CAROLINA – When Hurricane Helene rampaged through parts of Western North Carolina, the damage was devastating, leaving homes and businesses in shambles. Entire communities faced widespread destruction, with roads blocked by debris, power outages, and access to basic necessities severely limited. Operation Blessing quickly stepped in, providing critical disaster relief to Hurricane Helene victims. This included delivering essential resources like water, food, and hygiene kits.

This massive relief effort is only happening because of you. Your generosity makes it possible to reach storm-affected families and help them begin the long road to recovery. The incredible response from our partners means that, even in hard-to-reach areas, we can continue delivering the necessary supplies and support.

Hurricane damage in Asheville, North Carolina

Hurricane Helene Relief in the Town of Asheville, North Carolina

In the town of Asheville, North Carolina, residents found themselves cut off from gas stations and grocery stores, unable to find basic essentials. Fallen trees and impassable roads contributed to the chaos. Operation Blessing’s team, alongside volunteers, is working tirelessly to provide much-needed relief. Despite the immense Hurricane Helene damage, our partners are working hard to ensure that no one is left behind in this recovery effort.

The overwhelming property damage in small towns is heartbreaking. Yet, with your unwavering support, we managed to deploy relief teams swiftly, setting up feeding stations and distributing water in these storm-ravaged areas. You are making this happen by standing with families as they begin to rebuild their lives.

The Power of Community After Disaster

The Hurricane Helene relief effort also demonstrates the power of community, with our partners’ generosity at the forefront. You allow Operation Blessing to continue offering the disaster response needed to bring hope to people in distress. The impact of your donations reaches far beyond immediate needs, contributing to long-term recovery for families devastated by the hurricane.

This is more than just a cleanup; it’s about restoring hope to families who lost so much. Your continued support throughout the Hurricane Helene relief effort makes all the difference.

Rebuilding these communities would be impossible without the tremendous help of our partners. Every donation, every show of support, is a lifeline for those who lost their homes and livelihoods in the storm.

Thank You for Caring for People in Western North Carolina

We want to thank you—the heart and soul behind this relief effort. Because of your generosity, families across Western North Carolina are being given hope. Together, we stand stronger, ready to face whatever comes next, knowing that your compassion will continue to bring comfort and help to disaster victims in need.

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Hurricane Helene damage in North Carolina

Hope After Helene: A Mother’s Terrifying Tale

VALDOSTA, GEORGIA – “Mom, I don’t think I’m going to make it.” Those were words no mother ever wants to hear, and they chilled Belinda Cribb to the bone as she heard them from her son over the phone.

Unfortunately, stories like this continue to pour in from hurricane-devastated North Carolina even now, and not all of them have such a good ending. That’s why our team is there on the ground searching out those in need to offer a helping hand.

In the video above, Belinda shares her terrifying experience with Hurricane Helene, which struck as a Category 4 storm in late September near her home of Valdosta, Georgia.

Thankfully, Belinda’s fears were unfounded. Though their home was surrounded by fallen trees, her son was thankfully unharmed. By God’s grace, Belinda was reunited with him the next morning.

But after returning home, Belinda faced the immense damage unleashed by the storm. “The last three days, I’ve cried all the way from where I’m coming from to here. I’ve cried all the way,” said the long-time Valdosta resident. “Because seeing what people are going through is just immense.”

Hope After Helene Through Your Kindness

But friends like you didn’t let Belinda suffer alone. You sent an Operation Blessing disaster relief team to her home, and they got to work tarping her roof and providing prayer and support. “You can’t put it into words when you’re going through this,” Belinda said through tears. “And, you know, all these nice boys come up to you and shake your hand.”

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Thank you for providing tangible help and hope for survivors of Hurricane Helene. There are still countless families who need help, especially in North Carolina! Visit https://www.ob.org/disaster-relief/ to send aid to disaster victims today.

Hurricane Helene Devastation: A Tale of Destruction and Hope

UNITED STATES – The recent Hurricane Helene devastation has left communities reeling across multiple states, with North Carolina bearing the brunt of what officials describe as “catastrophic” destruction. As residents grapple with the aftermath, a massive disaster relief effort is underway, bringing together local communities, government agencies, and humanitarian organizations like Operation Blessing.

Massive Hurricane Helene Damage

In Asheville, North Carolina, the extent of Hurricane Helene devastation is staggering. Drone footage reveals impassable roads, isolating survivors and complicating rescue efforts. Local officials report that hundreds of people are missing in Buncombe County alone, where compromised cell connections and dangerous travel conditions hamper communication and aid delivery.

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Community Response and Hurricane Helene Disaster Relief

Despite the challenges, communities are rallying together. In Asheville, residents lined up outside grocery stores to stock up on essentials, while others organized community potlucks to share resources. Organizations like Operation Blessing are at the forefront of these relief efforts. Staging out of Valdosta, Georgia, and partnering with Anchor Faith Church, Operation Blessing is sending volunteers into affected neighborhoods to assist with cleanup and provide hot meals. In Forest City, North Carolina, Operation Blessing has set up distribution sites, delivering hygiene kits, water, and emergency meal kits to families in need.

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Thank You For Being There for Them

The immediate focus is on disaster relief, and your support of Operation Blessing is what makes that possible. As we continue to address the impact of Hurricane Helene devastation, your kindness is making a difference in the lives of disaster victims. You are writing a larger story of hope and are the hands and feet of Christ. Thank you for endless kindness and generosity!

Help After Hurricane Helene

GEORGIA – You are empowering volunteers to provide help after Hurricane Helene for disaster victims! Your incredible generosity has enabled Operation Blessing to forge a powerful partnership with Anchor Faith Church in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Together, we’ve mobilized dedicated volunteers who are now on the ground, providing crucial support to devastated communities.

These compassionate individuals are distributing essential supplies and helping families clear debris, as they take their first steps towards recovery after the storm’s destruction. Your support is the catalyst for hope, turning despair into determination as we work tirelessly to rebuild lives and restore communities.

Volunteers are the backbone of disaster relief. They are there on the ground, providing both physical support and spiritual support. After a massive storm like Helene, these volunteers are essential both to offer a ray of hope and to offer comfort in the midst of tragedy

Help after Hurricane Helene in a Number of Ways

Thank you for your continued prayers and support in this difficult time. Your kindness and generosity make our disaster relief efforts possible. Without YOU, many might not have the basic necessities needed to survive. You are truly the hands and feet that show people the love of Christ. By providing support after Hurricane Helene, you are helping to restore hope to people in need. Visit ob.org/obdisaster to help victims of disaster get back on their feet.

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