Newsletter November 2024
Two Marias, One Almighty God
Separated by only 15 miles in the mountains of North Carolina, Maria Sixtos and Maria Chavez have both suffered in Helene’s wake—not only when the historic hurricane hit the area six months ago, but every moment since. For Maria Chavez, a stay-at-home mom, the storm’s damage to the family’s septic system created a daily nightmare…
Newsletter February 2025
A Workshop of Faith and Hope
Walter Lewis barely missed one great flood in Boone, North Carolina. That was 85 years ago—about five years before he was born. He did not escape a second great storm, Hurricane Helene, which hit late last year. More than eight decades ago, the 1940 flood triggered more than 2,000 landslides and caused 16 deaths. It’s…
Helping the Hurricane-Ravaged Florida Coast
Diane Pangburn had lived under a roof of blue tarp and damaged shingles since Hurricane Ian tore across her Florida community in 2022. When Hurricane Milton roared ashore in early October, it shredded that covering and torrential rain was channeled into her home. Milton, following so closely after Hurricane Helene, left many areas underwater. Bewildered…
Edward Graham Photos
Fire Chief Reflects on God’s Work in His Community After Helene
Fire Chief Stephen Freeman has lived in Bat Cave, North Carolina, for more than six decades. He’s seen severe and deadly weather events. But he’d never seen anything like the force of water that swept through the southern Appalachians in September of last year. He said he’s also experienced God’s presence and the love of…
Special Medical Outreach Held in Western North Carolina
Note: A second free clinic will take place on June 21-22 in Marshall at the same location. All are welcome. For more information on volunteering, go to samaritanspurse.org/free-clinic. “Do I eat or do I go to the doctor?” Samaritan’s Purse physician Elliott Tenpenny explained the dilemma that many underinsured people face across the country. When…