In the wake of Hurricane Helene, a catastrophic storm that left over 230 dead and caused billions in property damage, the town of Boone, North Carolina, has emerged as a beacon of hope and faith. Among the many local recovery efforts, Perkinsville Church has become a hub of support, embodying the message that in the midst of devastation, God is still in control.
Former North Carolina judge Phil Ginn, now president of the Southern Evangelical Seminary, shared how the church has transformed into a relief center for both victims and volunteers. “We’ve given up all of our Sunday school space to literally house people who are coming to work,” Ginn said. “We’ve got a shower trailer set up, a washer and dryer to keep their clothes clean, and we’re feeding them.”
The church’s actions reflect a deep sense of community and selflessness. Local people, regardless of their background or beliefs, are stepping up to help one another. Ginn emphasized that no one is concerned about politics, past mistakes, or differences. “It’s just if you need help, you’re getting it from local people,” he said.
The heart of this relief effort is not just practical assistance but a strong reliance on faith. Despite the overwhelming challenges, the community is steadfast in its belief that God will carry them through. “There is a resounding faith among folks that God’s still in control of this and that He will carry us through this,” Ginn shared. “The bond between us as human beings, as brothers and sisters, has really increased.”
This storm is more than just a physical disaster. The damage caused by water and mud has wiped out homes and livelihoods. Families who were already struggling with the pressures of inflation have now lost everything, from personal belongings to entire properties. Ginn acknowledged that the recovery process will be a long and difficult journey, both mentally and economically. “It will never return to what it was,” he said. “But we’ll build each other up, and we’ll come back through this because of our strong faith and our faith in each other.”
In addition to housing and feeding volunteers, Perkinsville Church is working alongside Samaritan’s Purse and the North Carolina Baptist Men’s Association to provide essential supplies, such as food, water, hygiene items, and first aid kits. The SES Benevolence Fund for Hurricane Helene Relief has been established to assist families across four southeastern states in rebuilding their lives.
In times like these, it’s easy to lose hope, but Boone’s faithful community is holding on to a greater truth. As Ginn said, “God has come to us during the storm,” and the people of Boone are leaning on God and one another, confident that through faith, they will emerge stronger.