In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the resilient community of Fairview, North Carolina, is coming together to heal and support one another. Pastor Todd Royal of Fairview Baptist Church, the second-oldest church in Buncombe County, shared insights into the ongoing struggles and the unique opportunities for ministry that have emerged in the wake of this devastating storm.
Hurricane Helene struck in September 2024, leaving a trail of destruction that impacted many homes and families. Pastor Royal reported that approximately 100 homes were lost in Fairview alone, with some areas of the community now unrecognizable. "We’re ministering to people who lost everything," he said, highlighting the church’s commitment to assist those in need. The church has been actively involved in local relief efforts, including providing winterized campers for families who have been displaced.
One particularly poignant moment for Pastor Royal came when he offered assistance to a single mother who was struggling to keep her camper warm. "She had bags of leaves under the camper to protect the pipes from the cold," he recalled. "When I told her we would provide some underpinning, she started crying. She lost everything." Such moments underscore the deep emotional and spiritual wounds that the community is facing as they grapple with loss and uncertainty.
Despite the challenges, Pastor Royal sees this as an opportunity for the local church to shine. "Asheville has had a mixed reputation when it comes to Christianity," he noted. "But this storm has opened doors for us to minister in ways we hadn’t anticipated." With around 400 churches in the Asheville area, the call for unity and outreach has never been more critical. "We’ve been praying for revival in the church, and this situation has given us a springboard to reach out and show the love of Christ."
The pastor emphasized that the healing process will take time, but he remains hopeful. "It’s going to take years for many people to heal from this," he said. "But in the midst of the pain, the church can be a source of love and support." He believes that true healing comes from pointing people to the Lord, who offers comfort and strength during difficult times.
Interestingly, Pastor Royal has noticed that non-Christian locals have begun to take notice of the church’s efforts. "The unbelieving eyes are seeing the work we’re doing, and that’s encouraging," he remarked. "We see prayers being answered, and the darkness of this situation serves as a backdrop for us to share the light of Christ."
When confronted with questions about why God allows disasters like Hurricane Helene, Pastor Royal has a straightforward approach: he shares the Gospel. "I remind people that even in suffering, God’s character is redemptive," he explained. "When people express anger toward God, they often don’t understand His nature. I take them to the cross, where we can see God’s love and sacrifice."
As Fairview continues on its path to recovery, the community stands united in faith, ready to support one another and rebuild. The work of the church is more than just providing physical aid; it’s about offering hope and healing through the love of Christ. In these challenging times, the spirit of community and faith shines brightly, reminding everyone that even in the darkest moments, there is a light that cannot be extinguished.
For those looking to support disaster relief efforts in North Carolina, consider visiting Samaritan’s Purse or Convoy of Hope, organizations dedicated to providing aid to those affected by natural disasters.