Hurricane Helene brought unprecedented destruction to the East Coast. SBDR has responded to these events from the onset and still continue to serve, even after the media attention has ceased. MWBC had teams serve in Augusta, GA, utilizing our chain saw units to remove large trees from houses and yards. Our presence there lasted 5 weeks. Yet, North Carlina SBDR, with other supporting states, are still serving with Food Preparation, Shower and Laundry, Debris Removal, Flood Recovery and more – and they are very tired indeed.
Presently, winter has set in across the mountains of North Carolina and countless families are still without heat, electricity and access to supplies. They are huddled under tarps and blankets and whatever else they can find. In response, there is an active private network established for air drops across the state, coordinating with churches, to bring food and supplies to a number of remote mountain communities.
I am asking our churches to collect three primary products to send to NC before Thanksgiving. We are asking for 1000 indoor safe Buddy Heaters and adaptors (F273699) and 500 propane cook stoves. This is a HUGE undertaking, yet it is possible with the Lord’s blessing and all of us pulling together. When shopping for Christmas gifts, consider that approximately $100 will bring heat to a family in North Carolina.
We have secured a local trucking company (Reedsburg, WI) who will collect the items and will ship them to Asheville NC free of charge. I will be posting Primary pick-up locations across our convention on our Facebook page and our websites. If each church can collect these items and deliver them to our pick-up locations, this will make warmth and hot food possible for many families in need. We also have just partnered with Mr Heater to provide Heaters, adaptor hoses and free shipping with every $4000 bundle. If you’d prefer to give online towards this offer, please see the link below.
QR Code for Giving
Thank you for joining us on this crucial mission. To make this as easy as possible, I have a few suggestions:
1. Pray for North Carolina and your part in this effort.
2. Establish a point leader. There is someone in your church that is mission minded and will commit to this whole-heartedly. Connect them to Ben and Kayla
3. Choose method or methods of response (collecting specific items directly or giving online, etc)
4. Establish Goals. (20 Cookstoves by Nov 15th, etc)
5. Encourage participation regularly (vision leaks!)
6. Establish a collection point (foyer, Fellowship Hll, etc.)
7. Print, email and distribute flyers to members and community. Engage the community!
8. Communicate all the above to Ben and Kayla
9. Celebrate the wins (numbers, amounts, sacrifices made, etc)
10. Pray regularly for those still serving after the media and others have gone.
Again, thank you for hearing and responding to this need. We are praying for all of you as well. With God, all things are possible. Together, with God, we can make this happen!
Ben and Kayla Seamans
State Directors of Disaster Relief
Minnesota Wisconsin Baptist Convention
bseamans@mwbc.org
c: 608-415-1435
