Hope After the Storm: United Methodists Bring Help and Healing to Augusta, Georgia

 May 1, 2025 - Six months after Hurricane Helene struck Augusta, Georgia, signs of the storm’s wrath were still everywhere – toppled trees, damaged homes, broken hearts. But in late March, a team of eight volunteers from the Susquehanna and Upper New York Conferences showed up with chainsaws, prayer, and a quiet but steady determination to serve. 

 For one week, these faithful responders – a mix of trained Early Response Team (ERT) members and first-time volunteers – brought more than tools and skills. They brought presence. They brought hope. And they brought the deep, Spirit-led conviction that no one should face recovery alone. 

 Their anchor project quickly became what they called the “model house.” Fourteen massive trees had fallen on the property, including one that crashed through the roof. With rain pouring in, the home had to be stripped to the studs. The team threw themselves into the work – clearing debris, replacing floors, mudding drywall, and even picking up skid steer training along the way. And before the new walls went up, they paused to write prayers and scripture verses on the wooden studs – blessings hidden behind the drywall, but never hidden from God. 

 Of course, the most powerful work happened outside the punch lists and project plans. It happened in the yards, on porches, and around the dinner table. One day, while clearing debris, a neighbor approached. She shared that she had paid someone to clear her yard, but they never came back. Without hesitation, the team stepped in to help. “We didn’t come to convert anyone,” one volunteer shared, “but when someone opens up about their life and you get to offer them peace, love, and prayer in Jesus’ name – that’s holy ground.” 

 Holy ground found them again when they met Mary – a local woman burdened not only by the damage to her home, but by the grief and uncertainty facing her community. As they worked in her yard, she asked if they would pray for her. “Pray for this world,” she said, with quiet urgency. So they did, lifting up prayers not just for her, but for her neighbors, her friends who had recently lost jobs, and for all those still struggling to put the pieces back together. 

 There were tears. There was laughter. There were shared casseroles from generous neighbors. One afternoon, the team learned that a young caseworker who had been helping coordinate logistics had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. The group immediately paused their work to offer up prayers. 

 Each evening closed with devotions and debriefing – time to reflect, share, and bear witness to what God was doing in and through them. Whether it was “Mama Bear” Becky keeping folks hydrated, Ralph’s essential coffee runs, or just the sound of prayerful silence before bed, every member of the team brought something uniquely needed. 

The crew – (front row – left to right) Pastor Justin Sellers, Robin Lee Searles, Dr. Rebecca Glover, Ralph Bathelt (back row – left to right) Deb Currinder, Scott Yetter, Steven Runyan, Pastor Steven Small

Behind the drywall – God’s Blessings

 By week’s end, the “model house” was ready for priming. Yards were cleared. Floors were secured. And even though the physical work was done, it was clear something deeper had taken root.

 As one team member put it, “We came to help – but we’re leaving changed.” 

 Mission isn’t measured only in square feet of drywall or hours worked. It’s measured in sacred encounters, in answered prayers, and in the quiet assurance that love shows up – in work gloves, in casseroles, in circles of prayer – because Christ shows up. 

 This is who we are as United Methodists. A people called to love. A Church committed to showing up. A Conference rooted in connection and transformed by service. And even in the long shadow of a storm, God is still at work.

Deb Currinder
SUSUMC Disaster Response Coordinator
drc@susumc.org