Our second trip to help our northern neighbors was another successful mission, marked by safe delivery and a safe return. Each journey strengthens our resolve to keep serving those in desperate need, and this one was no different.
The Journey Begins
We set out from Greenville, SC at 9 a.m. and reached Black Mountain, NC by 10:30 a.m. The highways were mostly clear, though there were a few exceptions along the way. As we drove, the devastation became more and more apparent.
Swannanoa: A Town in Ruins
Passing through Swannanoa, the scene was nothing short of heartbreaking. The once-thriving town looked like something you’d see on TV — a war-torn landscape, debris everywhere, and dazed residents standing amidst the wreckage of their homes.
The force and speed of the floodwaters were devastating, twisting steel, shattering wood, and flattening buildings in a matter of moments. Signs of life were eerily entangled in the destruction: clothing and household items caught 20 feet up in trees — a haunting reminder of the flood’s sheer power. It’s impossible to fathom how many lives were lost in this sudden catastrophe.
Black Mountain: Resilience Amid the Mud
By contrast, Black Mountain was in better shape, though the roads told their own story. Dried mud was everywhere, coating the streets and sidewalks. Despite this, fallen trees had been cleared, and the roads were at least drivable.
Our destination was a children’s home in Black Mountain, a refuge that provides food and shelter for about 90 children. This home is more than a safe haven; it also serves as a critical support hub for the surrounding community.
Even here, tragedy struck. A massive mudslide destroyed several cabins, sending huge boulders and shattered trees tumbling down the mountainside. Miraculously, all the children were safe. Seeing the aftermath was surreal, a stark reminder of nature’s force and God’s protection.
Stories of Provision
As we spoke with the staff, we were humbled by their stories of divine provision — how God’s grace worked through the hands of generous people. Being part of that solution, however small, filled us with gratitude and purpose. We left the children’s home knowing we had made a difference, if only by bringing supplies and hope.
More Work to Be Done
We are committed to continuing this mission. The road to recovery for Western North Carolina is long, but we will keep running supplies, offering support, and sharing hope wherever we can.
Thank you to everyone who supports our ministry. Your generosity fuels these trips and helps bring relief to those who need it most. Together, we are being the hands and feet of Jesus in this broken world.