Thompson tours hurricane ravaged western North Carolina: Long-term recovery challenges are many, yet hope is present

As the season of Christmas joy ramps up, Mother Nature’s one-two hurricane punch — that sent several southern states down for the count this past fall — is fast becoming yesterday’s news. But for those living in the wake of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, which made landfall on Sept. 26 and Oct. 9 respectively, the ongoing and urgent needs for shelter, food, and numerous infrastructure repairs are still headline worthy.

In western North Carolina, for example, where Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm with 140 mph winds, created devastating and deadly flooding, winter’s dipping temperatures and snow are growing concerns for those without adequate housing.

While an appeal was issued by the United Church of Christ to help in the long-term recovery of the 2024 hurricanes, the Rev. Dr. Edward Davis, Conference Minister for the Southern Conference, issued a different appeal.

After seeing how greatly affected western North Carolina was, Davis traveled to UCC’s Cleveland office to personally invite General Minister and President/CEO the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson to see the devastation firsthand.

Thompson accepted.

Witnessing hope amid the debris

On Oct. 23, Davis picked Thompson up from the Charlotte, North Carolina, airport. She was accompanied by Andrew Long-Higgins, team leader for Global H.O.P.E., and Katie Howe, minister for disaster response and recovery.

“I invited Andrew and Katie knowing their work would benefit from being with us on these visits,” said Thompson.

The trio spent the day touring storm-ravaged areas, hearing the stories from those affected by the winds and flooding and, more importantly, spending time in prayer together.

Thompson said that while being with the ministerial leadership in western North Carolina — and with those whose lives have been disrupted by these hurricanes — was devastating, she also added the adjectives “hope-filled” and “inspiring.”

“Our churches are helping to bring healing to people and communities. Our pastors are providing care beyond the walls of the church as assessments continue and the full extent of the damages continue to emerge,” she said.

The first stop for Thompson and the Global H.O.P.E. team was Johns River Valley Camp. Nestled in the foothills of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge in Collettsville since 1936, the camp, owned by the Southern Conference, was damaged by flooding.

Thompson observed that while the “devastation was evident,” so was the power of hands and hearts joining together to help remove debris. More than 90 volunteers, she added, had been at the camp that weekend cleaning up.

“We saw the effects of communal care and response. This is the church in action — caring for and helping each other in times of need,” said Thompson.

Howe, who was equally moved by the outpouring of communal care and response for the camp, also found the damage Hurricane Helene left behind in the mountains profound.

There amid washed-out bridges and roads and muck piled high, Howe found herself struck by “the beauty and the beast of God’s creation.”

A time for listening — and praying

Later, Thompson and the national leaders gathered at First Congregational United Church of Christ of Asheville, where church members from the neighboring communities of Hendersonville, Tryon, Hickory, and Boone, shared stories. They also voiced the many frustrations that come with long-term disaster recovery.

While no UCC church buildings were greatly impacted by the floods, no congregation in the area escaped being touched by loss.

“The work of these congregations is in helping friends and neighbors rebuild. They are just at the beginning of their journey. It’s hard to comprehend what post-recovery will look like,” said Long-Higgins. “They are looking at a very extended timeline.”

Thompson added that while the immediate needs are being met in a variety of ways, “we know the challenges will be there through the long-term recovery of the community.”

“Homes and lives will need to be rebuilt, and the United Church of Christ will be there for the long haul, providing assistance and support in rebuilding,” said Thompson. “This pastoral visit was much needed and well-received by those who came to be present, to share their stories, and to find ways to move forward together.”

More on Thompson’s Hurricane Helene tour can be found here on the Southern Conference website. Donations to the UCC 2024 hurricanes relief effort can be made here.

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