God is Bigger than the Storm!

In the middle of devastation and heartbreak is the opportunity to obey God's commandment to love one's neighbor as oneself. This past week Renewing Hope International began its first local ministry in the form of an emergency response team. In partnership with Samaritan's Purse, a team was sent to give aid, while observing how Renewing Hope Int., RHI, could help beyond the scope of Samaritan's Purse.

The team got their hands dirty and hearts full while mudding out homes, moving furniture into the outdoors to dry out, removing ruined sheetrock, and praying over the occupants of each home. The team from Renewing Hope quickly realized that there were things only a rehab crew could practically do, but these are important things that need to be done for safety. There were homes being cleaned out that were precariously teetering on washed out foundations. The volunteers were inside removing debris from a home that could have collapsed and caused further harm. RHI's newly formed emergency response team is seeking monetary donations to gather supplies necessary to shore up homes for safety that people are currently living in and working to save. There are some who cannot be reached because of washed out roads that can only be navigated with proper equipment. Others have vehicles that they cannot get out of their driveway due to fallen trees. There are many others who live in remote areas that require ATV's to reach. Please support RHI's efforts to reach these people by donating! You can donate here:

Hurricane Helene Response

Your donation will meet the following needs:

- Building supplies such as 8x8s, cinder blocks, sheets of plywood, etc.

- Gas cans and gasoline

- Chainsaws and blade sharpening tools

- Food and water to share with homeowners

- Transportation of ATV's to go beyond paved roads to remote homes

- Snacks and water to share with line crews

Please consider giving as the need is great and the call is ever present - Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. (Mark 12:30-31 para.)

Photo by Ken Swanger - The team loading up an ATV for this week's visit to victims of the hurricane.

Photo by Steve Swanger - This is a home with the foundation washed out

Photo by Steve Swanger - Roads and highways have collapsed or completely washed away

Photo by Steve Swanger - Hillsides have given way causing vehicles, sheds, trees, and sometimes home to slide downward.