Domestic Ministry!

North Carolina Hurricane Relief

This past week we served in North Carolina doing domestic ministry for hurricane relief. Black Mountain was heavily affected by Hurricane Helene, and our squad got to help rebuild homes and make food for the community. Adventures in Missions has a base in Black Mountain, which is where we stayed.

Sunday

Our first full day in North Carolina was a Sunday. We started the day by going to church. We split into our teams and visited different churches in the area. My team ended up at a small church with just ten people. When the thirteen of us walked in, we doubled the congregation. It was a pretty traditional Baptist church. One of the men told us afterwards how much he loved seeing us lift our hands to praise God during worship. It was such a sweet service, and it was lovely talking to everyone afterwards.

The rest of the day we explored Black Mountain. We wandered through shops full of ceramics, books, and weird t-shirts.

Monday

Monday kicked off our week of ministry. My team was on base ops, which meant we stayed on the Adventures base and helped with clean-up projects. We started by power washing over 30 fold-up tables and weed whacking. It was cool getting to prepare the base for their one-year anniversary event happening on September 27th.

After a long day of work, it was such a blessing to go sleep on the real mattresses they had for us there.

Tuesday

Tuesday was filled with more power washing, weed whacking, and hanging lights in their tool shed. I got to screw the lights into the ceiling, which was a fun little project.

That evening we went to a local Christian college called Excel for dinner and worship. It was wonderful getting to connect with the community there.

Wednesday

On Wednesday, we switched jobs and served with an organization called Mercy Chefs, which makes meals for the community and different ministries. That day we prepped veggies and meat for thousands of meals. It was crazy to think about how many people would be fed from that work.

Afterwards, we had team time at a local coffee shop called The Laundry Collective. It was so cute, and the people working there were incredibly sweet. They had even done the Race before, which made it extra special.

Thursday

The next morning, we started with worship all together before heading back to Mercy Chefs. This time, we cut 125 pounds of onions. I do not think I have ever cried so hard in my life. My eyes burned for two straight hours. It was definitely a memorable way to end our time in the kitchen.

That night, we wrapped up with games and hangout time as a squad.

Friday

Friday was our last day of ministry. We did a big campus clean up, deep-cleaning bathrooms, showers, and the big tents. To finish, we made cards for the staff and left a poster filled with Scripture for their upcoming anniversary event.

Almost Joining the 90% Club

Okay, are you ready for a crazy story? I do not think you are.

On the World Race, there is something called the “90% Club.” It is for people who poop their pants on the Race. Yes, you read that right. Well, I almost joined.

On our drive back to Georgia, my leader Braden bought us drinks from a gas station. For some reason, I told him to grab me chocolate milk, forgetting for a moment that I am lactose intolerant. I happily drank it, but hours later found myself in a very bad situation.

I grabbed my friend Meridyth’s arm and told her, “I am about to poop my pants.” A few seconds later, I announced to the whole van, “Guys, I am about to join the 90% Club.” Braden, who is already a member, just laughed and started frantically searching for a gas station.

At this point I was panicking, sweating, and moving seats so I could be by the door. The second we pulled in, I sprinted inside. I will spare you the details, but praise the Lord I made it. I am still part of the 10 percent, though probably not for long.

Other than my near disaster, this week was such a blessing. It was an honor to serve the people of Black Mountain, help rebuild, and be part of such a beautiful community.