Western NC Disaster Relief Team Update

"The trip to Western North Carolina to help the community surrounding Minneapolis Baptist Church will forever be in my memory. As we traveled through the mountain roads, some parts were normal, like they would be on a regular Fall day with the leaves starting to change, and then there were other areas where it was just sheer destruction. The rivers or wind wiped through with such force that whole trees were piled up against each other, roads gone, and houses torn to shreds with clothes, wood floors, roofs, and horse saddles strewn in the expanded river beds. Our main effort was in the basement of a church where the water had been up to the ceiling, with mud & muck covering every flat surface. Bucket by bucket, we assisted others as we passed items through the windows. Our work may seem small because of the vast damage throughout the area, but the looks on the faces and the hands we shook made it all worth it. We could be God’s helping hand in bringing a small part of their community one step closer to being open again." - Jim Berry

"Before we left, a woman hugged me and told me how grateful she was for all the help. She said her house was swept away by the waters, and she lost her horses. But some people had found their saddles. She said she lost her home but looked up and praised God for her life and her church home. She thanked us over and over for helping. We both cried. The last thing she said to me was not to forget her. I promised her I wouldn't. Her name was Adwena." - Elizabeth Guy

The next team will go November 1 -3 (leaving late afternoon) and work with Baptist on Mission. Sign up with Susie Reeder if you are interested (susier@snydermbc.com)