Faith in Action After Hurricane Helene

Before Hurricane Helene struck the United States on September 26, 2024, Carolyn Ward of Fairview, North Carolina, felt disillusioned by the negativity she saw in the world.

After the powerful storm brought five feet of water through her home — which in turn brought the helping hands of many on October 5 and 6 to clear away the muck — she saw another side of humanity.

“I have seen the best in people in the past five days,” Ward said as she stood among the debris of her damaged home. “It’s made me feel better about the world in general, even though I’m standing in absolute chaos. I feel better about the world right now than I have in a long time.”

Ward was among the many residents who received help from over 6,000 Latter-day Saints volunteers from 400 congregations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and the Carolinas. These volunteers traveled to various parts of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina to assist in the relief efforts. They spent the weekend mucking out flooded homes, clearing debris, removing downed trees and tarping roofs.

[maryannstout]

I’m just grateful that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was there, as well as the other churches in the area. When we serve those in need we are serving Jesus Christ. It’s been wonderful the way that ALL CHURCHES were serving together. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ.❤

[DarrylWolk]

Thank you to all of these volunteers for taking action during a time of need. Grateful for the church and its humanitarian efforts.

[KevlarX]

So cool to see all the faith based relief services coming to the aid of these storm victims. Helping Hands from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Catholic Relief Services, Samaritans Purse from the Protestant faiths, Salvation army, and so many others. So cool.

[kathleensmith]

I’m so blessed to be a member of this church. I love my Savior and I love our country ✨🇺🇸

[wandayanez]

There is so many good people in this earth.

[jkawpiper]

so awesome to see the great service by this church 💓

[thechoreodiaries]

Thank you everyone! For your Christ- like service. There is something so inspiring about people just being awesome!

[jilldowding-walker]

I'm so touched by all of the Latter-day Saints who have come to serve their community along with other volunteers. There are a lot more good people than bad ones! That is the blessing of such terrible disasters - the pure love of charity and unity that is fostered in difficult times. I'm sure that thousands upon thousands of prayers have been uttered on behalf of all the people who have lost something. Those prayers strengthen and inspire both helpers and sufferers.

[coleenburris]

Lord, please bless everyone involved

[ThirteenKidsLater]

Wonderful examples of true Saints. Thank you for the reminder of what we should all strive to become and how we should love our neighbors.

[GwenithHobb]

Second greatest commandment, love thy neighbor ❤️

[tressybrown]

❤Communities coming together in love and service is such a blessing! Love thy neighbor!❤

[carolynbosil]

Trials everywhere but those who love and serve the Savior, can perform help and miracles ❤❤❤

[gardenquilts]

Doesn't it just fill your heart with gratitude to see so many kind people going so far out of their own way to help others who have been left sad and heart broken by this storm? May God bless all of our suffering people, and all those who are treating them with such loving kindness.

[glenda]

Such important charitable work from so many faith organizations including the LDS Church!!

[davidstout]

Not sure why the responses of the churches is unexpected. They have a pretty good track record of helping people in need. Glad to see it continuing, but not surprised.

[davidlondon]

Plece Don't Forget What Our Jewish brother and Sisters Are Suffering Too Shalom

[JoanneMercader]

Thank you ❤
Thank you ❤❤
THANK YOU ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[temgmcks]

Fantastic! It has been so wonderful seeing so many people of all faiths out giving of their time and means to help those around them.

[karylmorgan]

I did helping hands for hurricane Flo in.2018. It was rewarding and the Lord gave us endless energy.