No doubt you have seen the scenes: devastated cities, communities, businesses, churches and homes. Hurricane Helene has left a horrific mark from Florida to Georgia to the Carolinas and more, leaving behind unbelievable destruction. Many of you have ties to family and friends who have been affected, and our hearts go out to everyone who has been harmed in some way.

When you see devastation on this scale, it’s hard to know what to do. May we offer three things?

First, pray!

Please join us in praying for God to lead relief workers to people who need to be rescued quickly. Pray for our partners in the South who are feeling the brunt of the workload as they work to care for their neighbors. Pray residents affected by the storm will be vigilant and avoid further danger. Pray for churches and other organizations, like our Disaster Relief, to have a great impact in the recovery process. More than anything, pray that people will turn to Jesus as their Savior. He alone is the true source of strength and help.

Second, give!

Many have asked how to donate to help hurricane victims. You may give online below, or you can write a check to the Baptist Resource Network (write Hurricane Relief in the memo line) and send it to our address at 4620 Fritchey Street, Harrisburg , PA 17109. We will be sure to disperse the funds where needed most in the disaster response. Thank you!

Third, go!

How to Bring Help, Hope, and Healing after a Disaster

Step 1: Decide which week you (an individual or a group) are going.

Think Saturday to Saturday. This could go on for a long time, maybe until Christmas. Then, email that info to disasterrelief@brnunited.org. You will be attached to an on-site team.

Step 2: Get your background checks.

We can’t send volunteers without them. Go to background check information.

Step 3: Get some training.

This goes along with being ready, competent, and trustworthy. You can become a BRN Disaster Relief Volunteer by taking the “Disaster Relief 101” online course, submitting background checks, and paying $25 for the hat, shirt, and badge. For the badge, we need a photo, which can be a phone headshot with a solid background, sent to disasterrelief@brnunited.org.  Go to the Disaster Relief 101 Course.

Step 4: Start preparing.

Watch your email for additional travel info. What are you going to pack? Find out if there is a laundry unit on site. If so, you won’t have to pack as many clothes. You will need work boots (recovery work) or comfortable sneakers (kitchen), a cot or air mattress (twin-size only!), bedding or sleeping bag, meds, CPAP, etc.

Please contact Kenton at KentonH@brnunited.org for more information.

With our partners N.C., S.C., and Georgia Baptists in our hearts, we thank you again for your willingness to pray, give and go.