When Hurricane Helene swept across South Carolina, few were prepared for the destruction it would bring.

The intensity of the storm left many South Carolinians without power and widespread damage.

Rick Burkey, Disaster Relief regional coordinator said, “We were just caught totally off guard. We have large areas of the community that are without power.” The severe damage left South Carolinians in need of immediate support, and South Carolina Baptist Disaster Relief (SCDR) teams were activated across the state to answer the call.

Widespread Destruction

For residents in hard-hit areas, the devastation was profound. Associational Mission Strategist for the Lakelands Association, David Little, described the overwhelming sight of communities that were “literally devastated” as relief teams worked tirelessly to clear trees and debris from homes.

Scott Smith, Baptist Collegiate Ministry Director at Lander University, had recently returned home from a worship service when Hurricane Helene hit his community. “I knew that it was going to be a storm, but did not know it was going to be as bad as what it was.” In the middle of the night, Smith found himself seeking shelter as multiple trees crashed through his home. By the third tree, he began texting his children, fearing he might not survive. The sheer force of Helene left many grappling with both physical and emotional hardships, with some feeling as if their lives had been changed forever.

Reflecting on the devastation he personally saw, Smith emphasized the role his faith plays in recovery. “Hurricane Helene brought extreme destruction to our community, but through it all, we have hope in Jesus Christ. A hurricane doesn’t win—Jesus Christ always does,” he said.

Responding to the Call

In the aftermath of such a crisis, SCDR volunteers arrived, bringing not just physical aid but a message of hope. “We work for free because Jesus has already paid the price when he shed his blood on Calvary,” Scotty Smith, Associational Mission Strategist at Calhoun Baptist Association, said. Their presence in affected areas provided a tangible reminder of resilience and compassion, reminding survivors that they were not alone. June Wolfe commented on the unity born out of tragedy, observing, “Tragedy seems to bring people together,” highlighting how these moments provided opportunities for SCBaptists to demonstrate Christ’s love.

Volunteers came from all across the state to, serving the equivalent of 6,316 volunteer days. Daniel Harper, student at The Citadel, served in Aiken with Charleston Baptist Collegiate Ministry, helping to load supplies onto a cargo plane to send to Western North Carolina. “I feel like God has really called me to come here this weekend,” Harper said. “I felt like me just sitting and watching these things happen was not going to help at all, and I knew me actually being here and being present would greatly be appreciated by everyone in this community.”

Serving Faithfully

This response was a collaborative effort across SCBaptist churches and Associations. In all, Disaster Relief received reports of 1,054 recovery jobs, served 41,998 meals to impacted residents, and shared the Gospel 329 times. “The more donations and the more cooperatively we work together, the more people we can help and spread the Gospel,” Chris Hutto, Disaster Relief unit leader, said. SCDR’s coordinated response enabled them to reach countless individuals who were in desperate need of help, offering not only material support but also spiritual encouragement. At least 20 people professed their faith in Christ through Disaster Relief teams.

For the residents impacted by Hurricane Helene, the assistance provided by SCDR was a beacon of hope. “There’s no doubt that Hurricane Helene brought all the devastation, but South Carolina Baptists, they’re bringing the hope, and for that, we are very grateful,” David Little said.