North Carolina is no stranger to hurricanes, and our state has taken the brunt of several storms in recent years. Thanks to answered prayers and God’s hand of mercy, Hurricane Dorian did not inflict the same degree of widespread damage as other storms when it struck our state earlier this month on Sept. 6.

While the damage caused by Dorian may not be as pervasive as recent hurricanes like Matthew, Florence and Michael, there are still many people in our coastal region who are hurting. Please join me in praying for the victims of the storm as they begin putting their lives back together.

Another group I would encourage you to pray for is the network of volunteers from across our state and elsewhere who serve through the disaster relief ministry of Baptists on Mission, also known as N.C. Baptist Men. When natural disasters and calamities strike, I’m thankful for these men and women who show up wearing the recognizable yellow shirts to serve and minister to those in need.

Many of these volunteers are members of our N.C. Baptist churches who generously give of their time to offer help and hope in the name of Jesus. They help meet physical and practical needs such as sharing a hot meal, doing a load of laundry or repairing someone’s home.

There are scores of testimonies of individuals who have found eternal hope and peace in the midst of loss and despair by trusting Christ as Savior.

By meeting the physical needs of others, these volunteers also have the opportunity to point people to Christ and meet their spiritual needs, as well. There are scores of testimonies of individuals who have found eternal hope and peace in the midst of loss and despair by trusting Christ as Savior. Our disaster relief ministry is changing lives, and it would not be possible without the many volunteers from our N.C. Baptist churches.

In addition to our response to Hurricane Dorian, many volunteers are still serving parts of our state in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, which struck North Carolina last year and was one of the deadliest and costliest storms in our state’s history. Baptists on Mission’s rebuild efforts related to Hurricane Florence are ongoing and will continue for the foreseeable future.

Serving as a disaster relief volunteer is a great ministry and missions opportunity for you and your church. No prior experience is necessary, and opportunities are available for a day, a weekend, a week or longer. Learn more about how you and your church can serve with Baptists on Mission by visiting baptistsonmission.org.

Also, thank you for your generous support of the North Carolina Missions Offering (NCMO), which supports disaster relief and other important ministries. You can learn more about NCMO at ncmissionsoffering.org.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1 (NKJV)