Western NC Disaster Mission Trip

Messiah Lutheran Church is sending a group down to Boone, NC Monday Nov. 18 and returning Saturday Nov. 23 to do disaster relief ministry. Boone and the surrounding area sustained a lot of flood damage during Hurricane Helene and many homes and churches were severely damaged, if they were not swept away.

We will be staying in a hostel for relief workers run by a church in Boone. There are two or three single beds per room and they ask that we bring our own linens. People of the same gender will be housed in the same room unless married. We will have showers but need to provide our own towels and toiletries. They provide breakfast (6:00-7:00) and dinner (6;00-7:30). There is no cost to us but I am sure they would be willing to accept donations.

During the day we will volunteer with Samaritan’s Purse. Typically, after flooding volunteers will work to get homes ready for later repairs and renovations, including removing debris, carpets and drywall. On the exterior trees have to be cut up and removed and roofs may need to be tarped. Not everyone will be doing strenuous work and your role will not be determined by SP’s group leader without your input. There are many light tasks to do and they very strongly encourage spending a lot of time with the homeowners. There is a strong focus on care of the flood victims. After completing work at a job-site we gather together with the homeowner (with their consent) to pray and they are given a Billy Graham Bible. In our experience working with SP we have found them to be very organized and safety minded; the team leaders go through a lot of training.

Men and women are both welcome and minors 14 and up may come if their parents do. If you can bring your kids I would encourage you to do so, it is a wonderful experience. You do not have to stay the whole week and may arrive late or leave early.

If you are interested in going please contact Michael Kelly by phone or email.