Carolina Churches Mobilize Hurricane Relief Efforts

Two Rivers Church of Christ in New Bern, N.C., has been actively involved in responding to the impact of Hurricane Florence. The storm, which made landfall in Wrightsville Beach on Friday, brought heavy rainfall and flooding across the Eastern United States, affecting millions of people and numerous churches. The church has been a focal point for relief efforts, offering a way for individuals to contribute to hurricane aid online. The city of New Bern, in particular, faced significant challenges due to storm surge, overflowing rivers, and the need for rescue operations.
As the storm progressed, Two Rivers Church of Christ requested donations of essential items, including water, canned food with pull tops, cleaning supplies, clean blankets, towels, pillows, and hygiene products. These items were to be dropped off at the church between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Tuesday. However, the church temporarily paused its collection efforts on Saturday night, as it assessed the situation and coordinated with other local churches and ministries.
Despite the pause, the church continued to receive support from various Christian organizations, including Brothers First Motorcycle Ministry, Athens Chapel Church of Christ, Open Door Church, and Gold Point Church of Christ. These partnerships highlight the collaborative nature of disaster response within the Christian community. The church also adjusted its schedule, holding a single service on Sunday instead of its usual three, and streaming the service online to reach those unable to attend in person.
International Disaster Emergency Service (IDES), an Indiana-based Christian organization with a long history of disaster relief dating back to the 1970s, reached out to churches in the Carolinas before the hurricane’s arrival. IDES has a staging site at Two Rivers Church of Christ, where storage sheds and other supplies are ready for distribution. The organization is also coordinating the delivery of shower trailers and other essential resources to support those affected by the storm.
The response to Hurricane Florence reflects the commitment of churches and ministries to serve their communities through mercy and practical aid. As the storm’s impact continues to unfold, the efforts of these organizations underscore the importance of neighbor-love and collective responsibility in times of crisis. Their work aligns with biblical principles found in passages such as Matthew 25:35, which calls believers to care for the vulnerable and in need.

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