ELIZABETHTON, Tenn.—More than two weeks after Hurricane Helene hit northeastern Tennessee, life slowed to a crawl. The floodwaters are gone, but destruction remains.
At least that was the case until Texans on Mission volunteer flood recovery teams began cleaning out homes affected by the storm.
Local residents viewed them as an injection of energy, help and hope across the region.
“I haven’t been happy since the flood—until today,” one homeowner told a Texans on Mission team as they worked on her home.
More than 25 Texans on Mission teams—supplemented by local volunteers and out-of-state church mission teams—have focused on meeting needs in parts of Florida, Tennessee and North Carolina after Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.
These include chainsaw teams, flood recovery teams, mass feeding teams, heavy machinery, shower/laundry units, chaplains and more.
In all, Texans on Mission volunteers have served more than 9,000 hours. They have provided more than 30,000 meals. And they continue ministering today in Christ’s name.
Ray Gann, who is leading the feeding team in Port Charlotte, Fla., said volunteers are working together like a family. They help each other out. They focus on meeting needs and helping others.
It’s encouraging to see the body of Christ working together, he said.
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“I’ve met many of my friends that I’ve worked with before,” he said. “I’ve met new friends. It’s the camaraderie that’s great. We minister together.”
The presence of Texans on Mission chainsaw teams is being felt across Rutherford County, N.C. One homeowner described the teams as being “like a breath of fresh air” after the oppressive storms.
“I prayed with three homeowners today,” David Wells, Texans on Mission disaster relief director said. “They’re so grateful we’re there. People are waving at us everywhere we go. They’re excited we’re here.”
Local volunteers and mission teams from churches have been a vital part in Texans on Mission ministry after the hurricanes. Local congregations are feeding the Texans and people from all over have jumped in to be part of the volunteer teams. New faces and new energy abound in this relief effort.
“It’s cool to see that spirit,” Wells said.
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