The flood waters have receded in Western North Carolina since Hurricane Helene devastated the area on September 27, but for many, holiday traditions will look different this year. Some family dining room walls will be scarred with water lines, while others no longer exist. Many homes have been destroyed, and clean water has only recently returned. Additionally, many residents are without income after businesses have temporarily or permanently closed.
Since Helene hit the Asheville area, over $650,000 has been given toward relief efforts from the generosity of people within Seacoast Church. The Seacoast Asheville Campus has been able to provide clean water through our partner, Water Missions International, Wi-Fi, and host worship services on Sundays. They’ve also been integral in establishing disaster relief teams who are interested in serving alongside our relief organization partners in the area.
A Heart Of Generosity
As Christians, God calls us to serve our neighbors. To give is at the core of our faith, just as our love of God and people. The Bible uses the word “give” over 2,000 times, and generosity and selfless acts are written hundreds of times more. God instilled in us a heart of generosity. So, when Hurricane Helene hit, the natural response was for people to want to help.
But what happens when the storm leaves the spotlight as Hurricane Milton and other significant events in the media shift our attention? Why do we suffer from “donor fatigue,” and become less likely to give resources over time? For many it is the perception that high-profile issues like Hurricane Helene no longer need support because of the initial outpouring of resources.
But, areas of Asheville are still experiencing massive recovery efforts and relief organizations are still providing daily meals to those affected. So, how do we continue the call to serve our neighbors?
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- Pray – Spend time thanking God for all that he has equipped you with—your time, talent, and treasure. Then, ask him how he would like you to use what you’ve been given to serve others. Choose a regular time to seek him for guidance on how he can use one small thing in your life to help others.
- Resources – Everything you have is a gift from God. Whether it’s time, money, or a skill that you can offer, open your heart to how God might use what you already have. When we steward these gifts for his Kingdom, we simultaneously disciple others to do the same. Stewarding our gifts well requires consistency and steadfastness. One way you can create a rhythm of giving is by setting up a regular giving routine toward relief efforts or establish a monthly collection of goods and resources and coordinate delivery to the Asheville area.
- Tell Others – You may not be in a position to give or travel right now, but you can tell other people who might be in a position to help. Share the Seacoast relief serve opportunities with your small group or coworkers who might be interested or add it to your social media accounts. When we work together, we can make a big difference.
With tragedy comes the opportunity for God to work in the lives of his people. When preparing my own heart to be generous, I reflect on Acts 20:35 (ESV), ‘“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” This verse is a reminder that God prepared great works for us long before we came into being, and it is our job to live them out.
As we approach December and focus on our own holiday traditions, let’s also return to our calling of loving our neighbors through the giving of our time, talent, and treasure. Our collective giving to make a difference brings hope and comfort to those who need our support, and it gives glory and honor to God.
Reflect
In what ways is God calling you to serve the Asheville area this holiday season and into the new year?
Ways To Help
- If you would like to visit the Asheville area to provide necessary relief efforts, please visit Seacoast Serve Opportunities to learn more.
- Give toward Disaster Relief
