The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene last fall stretched far beyond Florida and the southeastern U.S. While much of the attention focused on the hardest-hit coastal regions, Western North Carolina quietly endured its own disaster, as torrential rains from Helene led to severe flooding, road collapses, and home destruction.
Helene made landfall in Florida on September 26, 2024, and by September 28, the storm had unleashed massive rainfall and flash flooding in Western North Carolina. Months later, many residents in the mountains of North Carolina are still struggling to recover—but thanks to the dedicated mission efforts of Marvin Methodist Church in Tyler, Texas, help is coming from the Trinity Conference.
Marvin Methodist has made it their mission to stand in the gap for those who have been largely forgotten by relief organizations and government aid. Last December, the church sent a five-person team to serve in Fines Creek, North Carolina—about 40 miles west of Asheville—partnering with Love Mercy International (LMI) to help rebuild homes, clear debris, and provide much-needed support.
“We saw firsthand the devastation these families are facing,” said Shannon Pogue, Director of Missions Engagement and Local Missions at Marvin Methodist Church. “Many homes are still unlivable, and with winter in full force, the needs are urgent.”
Recognizing that recovery in Western North Carolina will take years, Marvin Methodist is preparing to send another team March 15-21, 2025— during spring break. They will once again work alongside Love Mercy International, while also seeking to connect with Global Methodist Church (GMC) congregations in the area for longer-term support.
The Trinity Conference Disaster Relief Fund continues to provide financial aid for hurricane recovery efforts in the Carolinas and beyond. 100% of your donations go directly to supporting long-term restoration in impacted communities.
“We would love to partner with GMC churches for future rebuilding efforts,” Pogue said. “If you know of any churches or ministries actively engaged in the region, please let us know. This work isn’t just about one trip—it’s about walking alongside these communities as they rebuild their lives.”
The needs in Western North Carolina are still great, and there are multiple ways you can get involved:
Click below to give and select “Disaster Relief Fund” from the dropdown menu:
DONATE NOWAs attention shifts away from last fall’s disasters, let’s not forget our brothers and sisters in North Carolina still struggling to rebuild. Through the faithfulness of churches like Marvin Methodist and its mission partners, lives are being changed—one home, one family, one community at a time.
Will you stand with them?
