When natural disasters leave families displaced, Baptists on Mission steps in to meet urgent needs and provide long-term help. Thanks to gifts through the North Carolina Missions Offering (NCMO), volunteers continue long-term recovery from Hurricane Helene and other storms, bringing hope and restoration to communities in Jesus’ name.

When natural disasters strike, volunteers with Baptists on Mission are there to meet both urgent and long-term needs. From hurricanes to flooding, volunteers are serving families across North Carolina who are still recovering years later.

In Eastern North Carolina, work continues in New Bern and Lumberton, where homes damaged by Hurricane Florence in 2018 are still being rebuilt. In communities like Shelby, Red Springs and Rose Hill, projects extend beyond housing. Volunteers serve through food boxes, a thrift store and a community garden to meet everyday needs.

The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in September 2024 left thousands in Western North Carolina displaced from their homes. To respond, Baptists on Mission has established six rebuild centers in the hardest-hit areas. These centers not only support long-term recovery but also house and feed volunteers who come to serve for a day, weekend, week or longer.

Churches from across the country are sending teams to partner in this work. 

“There are so many people from our church that said, ‘Hey, when are we going? What are we doing? We want to go help,’” said Bryan Forney, lead pastor of CrossView Christian Church in Waynesville, Ohio. “We feel honored to be able to serve with you guys and help serve the good people of North Carolina.”

For many volunteers, rebuilding work has been both a learning experience and a calling to serve on mission. 

“This is my first experience with reconstruction,” said Monique Myers, a member at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Charlotte. “I’ve learned how to do different things. So, it’s very exciting, and It feels good to be able to make an impact for other people and to be blessed to do it.”

Her fellow church member, Regina Echols, agreed. 

“This is also my first time doing mission work. It’s been rejuvenating, rewarding. I like to serve. It’s good to give back.”

Another volunteer said, “We do it for Jesus Christ because He’s the one that brings us here. He’s the one that gives us the skills.” 

With so many families still displaced, leaders estimate there is enough work to last at least five more years.

Through the North Carolina Missions Offering, Baptists on Mission can continue providing critical housing assistance, supporting volunteers and bringing hope in Jesus’ name to those who need it most.

Every fall, N.C. Baptist churches join together in generosity through the NCMO, which also makes other ministries through Baptists on Mission possible as well as church planting through SendNC and local ministry efforts through associations.

This year’s theme is “Living Sent,” based on John 20:21: “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you.” The theme highlights seeing a need, responding to it and offering hope in Jesus’ name.

The 2025 NCMO goal is $2.6 million. Whether you give as an individual or through your church, every gift makes a difference.

Give securely today at ncmissionsoffering.org/give.