The purpose of the Calvary East Valley Disaster Relief Team is to respond promptly to natural disasters in the United States by offering practical assistance and support to disaster affected communities. As part of the disaster relief effort, it will be our goal to share the love of Christ
with not only our actions (Ephesians 2:10) and various skillsets (1 Peter 4:10), but also by sharing the good news of the gospel with anyone the Lord gives us contact with (Romans 10:13-15). Calvary East Valley Disaster Relief Team will partner and collaborate with other relief organizations and agencies to maximize our impact.
In reflecting back on my trip to North Carolina I wanted to share a few things that the Lord was working on and how He was working through me throughout the week.
Going into the trip, the enemy was in my head stating, “you are only one person, how can you possibly make a difference in such a huge disaster area?” I quickly realized that once again, our gracious Lord is always in control. I was able to overcome insecurities with praying over/with people on the streets, and being intentional about it. Something I had struggled with for years. They have literally lost every material possession imaginable, and yet they were so GRATEFUL for us being there there with them, praying with them, loving on them. That was bigger than anything that they had lost in the flood.
God started this journey off simply by putting it on my heart that I had to sign up for Heir Force. During this trip, God kept us safe and sustained/gave us the energy each day despite poor sleep, 30 snoring men in a sanctuary hall, cold showers, and the dangerous work of chainsawing trees, walking roofs/attics to remove chimneys, and operating heavy machinery. God drew us close to Him through much prayer as a volunteer group with cavalry Asheville, as the Heir Force team and individually.
We saw first hand the devastation of the small community of Swannanoa. It was heart-wrenching to hear the flood escape stories and see the condemned houses, but seeing God’s goodness in all of the volunteers (both with Calvary Asheville and other organizations, like Samaritans Purse) was uplifting and reminded me that God works all things for His glory.
The thought that we could do some small part to help be the hands and feet of Jesus and the bonds we formed with each other will stay with us forever.
Before going on a trip like this, you see some of the images from the media and you end up with a thought of how things are going to be and what things are going to look like. Honestly, nothing apart from the Holy Spirit could prepare me for a trip like this. There was a ton of manual labor that needed to be completed, but I think one of the most impactful things we were able to do was minister to those impacted by the storm and to pray over them with the gospel of Jesus Christ as the ultimate goal.
I saw the Lord move in powerful ways through the Heir Force team, most notably removing us from our comfort zone, so that He is glorified. Our team time at the end of the day was encouraging, convicting, and uplifting all at the same time. I now have a list of people to be praying over in North Carolina and an amazing Heir Force team that I know is praying for me!
