Hurricane Helene made landfall in the Big Bend area of Florida late on 26 September as a Category 4 storm before carving a destructive path through much of the Southeastern United States. 

As of 4 October, more than 200 people have died across six states, and hundreds remain missing. Helene brought record-breaking storm surges to many Gulf Coast towns in Florida, flooding homes and businesses. 

The storm then unleashed torrential rains from Georgia to West Virginia, with up to 30 inches of rainfall inundating mountain communities. In eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, powerful floods destroyed roads, bridges, and entire communities, severely damaging critical infrastructure such as water, electricity, and phone service. 

Nearly a week after the storm, more than 1.1 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia are still without power.

“This is going to be a relief effort that goes on for a long, long time,” said Brad Kochis, Superintendent of the North Carolina District. “There’s a lot of devastation.” 

One Nazarene church in Nashville, Georgia, and the Georgia District’s Adrian Camp and Conference Center sustained heavy damage. While churches in North Carolina were not damaged, many Nazarene pastors and church members remain without power and need assistance.

Nazarene Disaster Response (NDR) teams—groups of skilled volunteers positioned across the country to mobilize supplies and personnel after disasters—are responding in the aftermath of Helene to provide relief and recovery. Several U.S. Nazarene Districts have begun collecting supplies for affected areas, and thousands of Crisis Care Kits have already been distributed through Convoy of Hope, a ministry partner of Nazarene Compassionate Ministries.

The North Carolina District is preparing at least three churches to host NDR work teams and distribute supplies. Leaders are also coordinating deliveries of water and other essentials to Asheville, where the local Nazarene church is hosting FEMA search-and-rescue teams. 

On the East Tennessee District, two churches have committed to host teams and distribute relief supplies, and a shipment of cots and a shower trailer from the Kentucky District is expected to arrive this week. More cots will be delivered to North Carolina. The South Carolina NDR team, along with other volunteers, is serving in the area surrounding Augusta, Georgia. The Georgia District NDR team is at Adrian Camp, cleaning the premises and distributing Crisis Care Kits and essential supplies to the community. In Florida, two churches are preparing to host NDR teams. 

“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our pastors and church leaders who have been working tirelessly, both in preparation for the storm and now in its aftermath, putting the needs of their communities first,” shared Dale Schaeffer, Superintendent of the Florida District. “Please join me in continuing to pray.”

How You Can Help

Pray

Pray for all who have experienced the devastation of this storm, especially those mourning the loss of family members and friends. For those who lost homes or sources of income, pray they will find the shelter and resources they need. Pray for the quick and efficient distribution of aid and for the long journey of rebuilding that lies ahead. Remember the vulnerable who suffer more after tragedies, especially the elderly, those with chronic illness or disabilities, and those already struggling with poverty. Pray for strength and wisdom for church leaders and communities as they offer support and care. To send a prayer or note of encouragement, visit ncm.org/pray.

Give

Churches and individuals around the world can provide support through the 2024 Storm Response Fund. Donations will be used for immediate needs like water and food, as well as long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.

To send donations by mail:

In the United States, make checks payable to "General Treasurer" and send them to:

Global Treasury Services

Church of the Nazarene

17001 Prairie Star Pkwy

Lenexa, KS 66220

Be sure to put 140055 in the memo area of your check.

In Canada, make checks payable to "Church of the Nazarene Canada" and send them to:

Church of the Nazarene Canada

3657 Ponytrail Drive, Mississauga, ON | L4X 1W5

Be sure to put 140055 in the memo area of your check.

For any other country, give through your local church or district, designating your gift to the 2024 Storm Response Fund.