The Martinezes and their children now have a place to call home in the cold mountain months after Hurricane Helene.
It was the first home they’d ever owned, so when feet of water filled the house, Maggie and Ruben Martinez of Bakersville were devastated. Samaritan’s Purse volunteers and other volunteer groups helped clean the water out, but it was still unlivable, as mold and moisture took over.
Maggie looks through the pages of signatures from the team inscribed in her new Bible.
And as the winter months approached, they knew they needed a better place to live.
Samaritan’s Purse has transitioned from relief efforts to rebuild programs in western North Carolina. We will help rebuild, repair, or replace scores of homes in the region. In the interim, our teams are providing campers to many families who are facing the bitter winter months.
We’re also replacing vehicles lost in the storm. The Martinezes have been living with their kids in a borrowed camper that has its own problems, including a gaping hole in the roof patched with tarp.
“We’ve been living in a moldy trailer,” Ruben said.
The mountains are cold until spring so it was important to provide these campers and vehicles in the early months of the season.
Samaritan’s Purse is providing dozens of campers and vehicles in areas devastated by Hurricane Helene. The Mitchell County couple said they are grateful for the gift of a warm place to live in the coming months. They are also grateful for the encouragement they received from our teams serving in Jesus’ Name.
During a special ceremony, our teams dedicated campers to two families. Our staff also presented the families with Bibles signed by staff and volunteers.
Each camper dedication includes a time of prayer and the presentation of a special Billy Graham Study Bible.
“I’m grateful for everything Samaritan’s Purse has done for us. We feel so blessed,” Maggie said. Ruben agreed. “It means the world to us. No one has ever helped us like this before. This is just a blessing to help us get back on our feet. It goes beyond words.”
Please continue to pray for these and many other families in the region impacted by the storm. Pray that God would protect people in these hurting communities as the bitter cold moves through the region.
John Freyler, a chaplain from Samaritan’s Purse, reminded the family of God’s love for them.
“As wonderful as these gifts are, the greatest gift is eternal life that God offers us for free,” he said.
Samaritan’s Purse chaplain John Freyler presents Bibles to the families.
