A Disciple Answers "the Call"

The Three Crosses on Calvary's hill carved into a heart-shaped tree stump by Katie and other volunteers from Samaritan's Purse

BOONE, NC - When disaster struck the Appalachian region of the country in the form of Hurricane Helene, it broke many hearts, including Katie, a disciple of the LORD Jesus Christ, who has now been to North Carolina twice on mission in recent months.

Katie, who resides in New Jersey, developed a special connection with Appalachia from a young age. It was those youth summers on her grandfather's farm in western Virginia that turned the mountains into a place of solace, rest, and celebration for her.

So when she first caught wind that a familiar destination of hers, the Creeper Trail, was devastated by the storm, her life at home came to a sudden halt.

"I completely toned out my life here and answered The Call I felt from God," recounts Katie.

That call, from God, was one of action - to leave the comforts of home behind and join the effort to bring healing and restoration to those impacted by the storm.

"The hurricane happened on Friday, [by Sunday] I was signed up to head down." Katie shared.

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (James 2:14-17)

Before her first trip to Boone, North Carolina, she publicly broadcasted "the call" and began gathering donations of physical items like clothing, blankets, batteries, etc. The preparation also included proactively raising funds through her church and through her business. These funds were distributed to non-profit organizations that could have a direct impact on the restoration efforts. Furthermore, she was gifted cash donations that she was able to use to purchase food directly for displaced people.

"So many unexpected [people] stepped up to help me," started Katie. But she added, "There were a lot of people I thought would help that didn't," speculating that her decision to glorify Jesus through these works may have made others uncomfortable.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes... (Romans 1:16 - partial)

While bringing humanitarian aid to Appalachia was important for her, she specifically chose to glorify Jesus Christ in doing so, which is why she aligned herself with Samaritan's Purse, a Christian organization that focuses on humanitarian relief missions.

Her recent missions with the organization had her meeting other Christians answering the same "call." They worked with chainsaws and engaged in outdoor physical labor, but their work was also kingdom-centered. She recalled meeting a woman whose husband had just passed several months before the hurricane, and how this woman was dreading her first birthday without him.

"In God's perfect timing, we answered her work ticket on her actual birthday," she said. God had sent Katie and the other volunteers there to witness to her and comfort her, increasing her faith about heaven and meeting the LORD Jesus face-to-face.

Katie shared what the woman had told her, "[My husband] couldn't wait to get [to heaven] and kiss the feet of Jesus."

One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. (Psalms 27:4)

But that was only the tip of the iceberg. Katie was able to witness a supernatural miracle in the name of the LORD Jesus which left her astounded. The details were not disclosed to ensure privacy for those involved.

"But after that, there is not a doubt in my heart or mind to exactly who Jesus is. And to experience HIM...I have no problem laying down my entire life for Him," shared Katie.

I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and miracles. (2 Corinthians 12:12)

Katie's experience has demonstrated that as we deny ourselves and obey the LORD Jesus, answering His call, we will see His goodness unfold in incredible ways.

While many churches have responded, offering supplies such as propane heaters and housing, there is still much work to be done across Appalachia. The winter puts many efforts on hold, potentially affecting a long list of orders that Samaritan's Purse still needs to fulfill.

"But even in the midst of disaster, people are still fully relying on God," recalled Katie after witnessing the widespread hope of the people throughout the region.

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If the Holy Spirit is speaking to you and you would like to answer the same "call" here is how you can do so:

Hurricane Helene Rebuild

Hurricane Helene Financial Support

There are many other organizations and groups responding too. Prayerfully find an organization you trust and one that will best know how to distribute funds and relief to the affected regions.

May the LORD bless you and keep you!