Former North Carolina judge Phil Ginn, a resident of Boone, shared that his church, Perkinsville Church in western North Carolina, is among several in the region providing relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Helene. The church is housing people and offering space for individuals who are coming to help in the recovery effort. Ginn described the storm as a “generational event” and emphasized that the recovery process will be a marathon lasting for years. Despite the challenges, Ginn noted that there is a strong faith among residents that God is still in control and will guide them through the crisis.
Samaritan’s Purse, a humanitarian aid organization, continues its efforts in North Carolina by providing three water filtration systems to assist with relief efforts following Hurricane Helene. Ginn mentioned that there is a resounding faith among the individuals affected by the storm, and the bond between people has strengthened as they come together to support one another. While President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and former President Trump have visited affected areas and FEMA has allocated federal aid, Ginn highlighted that the help primarily comes from local residents who are offering assistance regardless of political beliefs or backgrounds.
Ginn shared that his seminary, the Southern Evangelical Seminary, is collaborating with Samaritan’s Purse and the North Carolina Baptist Men’s Association to establish the SES Benevolence Fund for Hurricane Helene Relief. The fund aims to provide essential items such as food, water, hygiene products, and first aid kits to individuals in need across four southeastern states. Ginn underscored the challenges faced by those affected, noting that much of the damage caused by the storm, including water and mud damage, is not covered by insurance. This has left families who were already struggling economically with the additional burden of rebuilding their lives.
The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene has led to a significant mental health and economic crisis for affected individuals, with many losing their personal possessions and homes. Ginn emphasized that the recovery process will be challenging, as entire towns have been destroyed, and the landscape has been altered due to changing river courses. However, he expressed confidence in the community’s ability to come together and rebuild, citing their strong faith and mutual support as guiding forces in overcoming the challenges that lie ahead. He highlighted the importance of faith in God and faith in each other in navigating the difficult road ahead.
Ginn emphasized the unity and support among local residents in providing help to those in need, regardless of individual differences or circumstances. He noted that the outpouring of assistance is coming primarily from the community rather than from government sources. Ginn highlighted the importance of individuals coming together to support one another and expressed gratitude for the solidarity and compassion shown by residents in the face of adversity. He emphasized that in times of crisis, the bonds between people are strengthened, leading to a shared sense of purpose and resilience in overcoming challenges.
Despite the overwhelming devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, Ginn remains hopeful and optimistic about the future, citing the resilience of the community and their unwavering faith as sources of strength. He expressed confidence that together, with faith and mutual support, the community will be able to rebuild and recover from the impacts of the storm. Ginn underscored the importance of coming together as a community to rebuild, emphasizing the power of faith, compassion, and unity in overcoming adversity and working towards a brighter future for all those affected by the disaster.
