Our third trip to Asheville may have been uneventful in terms of travel, but it was a success in fulfilling our mission. The crisp October air reminds us that winter is coming, and with it, even more challenges for those who are struggling in the aftermath of recent devastation.
The roads to the church-turned-shelter were clear, making the journey smooth. Upon arriving, we met with Matt Sutton, the relief coordinator from Fellowship Asheville. Matt shared the heartbreaking reality of his county: stories of desperation and despair abound, but there are also rays of hope when supplies arrive through the generosity of caring people.
The Growing Need
The human toll has been staggering — thousands of lives lost, and the death toll continues to rise. Despite this tragedy, the community is pressing on. Fellowship Asheville’s sanctuary has been transformed into a warehouse of relief, offering essentials to those in need. It’s a remarkable and inspiring use of sacred space.
People come seeking basic items such as:
- Water
- Wipes
- Food
- Instant coffee
These simple items provide a sense of dignity and comfort to those in crisis.
Stepping Up to Meet the Needs
This time, the shelter provided us with a specific list of needs. My wife, Theresa, quickly went online to source items we couldn’t get locally in Greenville. Every effort, big or small, helps ease someone’s burden.
We were also blessed to deliver 100 Bibles, generously provided by Holli Snyder Meindl. These Bibles will be handed out during the church’s outreach efforts, offering spiritual nourishment alongside physical aid. Thank you, Holli, for your kindness and faithfulness.
A New Chapter: Friends and Faith in Action Ministries
We are excited to share that we have officially formed our nonprofit: Friends and Faith in Action Ministries. This means that moving forward, your generous donations will be tax-deductible. We are so grateful to those who support us, enabling us to continue these relief trips.
Special thanks to Mike Meilinger for donating his time and resources to help us set up this nonprofit. Your contributions — and the contributions of so many others — have made an incredible difference.
The Road Ahead
The road to recovery will be long. Infrastructure restoration may take months, and clean water remains a precious commodity. But with God’s help, and with your continued support, we plan to keep making these trips to provide relief to those who need it most.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us through prayers, donations, and encouragement. Together, we are making a difference. We are truly blessed to be His hands and feet in this mission of hope and relief.
Lord willing, we will continue to go where we are needed.