Where Are We Going Next? Trusting God Through Disaster Relief

After two years of disaster relief in Western North Carolina, Adventures in Missions is closing one chapter and trusting God with the next steps for our ministry team.

“Where are you going next?”

It’s a question we’ve been hearing a lot lately. And one that feels awfully familiar.

Two years ago, in September 2024, Chris and I were wrapping up a season of traveling and sharing with churches and groups all God had done in Florida after Hurricane Ian. We didn’t know what was next, but we had heard the Lord say, “You will not have idle time.”

We weren’t sure what that meant, but we trusted Him. So we began telling people our tour would finish on September 22, and on September 23, God would show us our next steps.

And wouldn’t you know it, on September 23, the storm that would become Hurricane Helene began taking shape, marking a significant moment in our hurricane relief efforts. Within days, Chris was headed to Western North Carolina.

What followed was two years of watching God provide, open doors, bring people together, and restore far more than homes.

A Legacy of Disaster Relief in North Carolina

As we approached the end of our mission in Western North Carolina, people began asking us that familiar question again.

“Where are you going next?”

Our answer was simple. We didn’t know what was next, but we knew our time there would come to a close on October 1.

And that’s exactly what happened. On October 1, 2026, we officially closed our Western North Carolina base, marking the end of our two-year response.

Remembering how faithfully God had led us before, Chris and I had already begun praying and declaring that October 2 would be the day He revealed our next steps.

Meanwhile, we were grateful for an unusually quiet Atlantic hurricane season, allowing our disaster response team time to rest and reset. It gave us time to finish strong, celebrate all God had done in Western North Carolina, and prepare our team for whatever might come next.

Then, on the morning of October 2, we woke up to a message from Seth Barnes. He had sent a link about developing weather patterns in the Pacific and Gulf that could potentially produce a hurricane in the warm waters near the northern Gulf states.

September 23, 2024, all over again?

Maybe. Maybe not.

But if there’s one thing we’ve learned over these past five years, it’s that God has been faithful every step of the way. We don’t need to have the whole plan figured out. We simply need to be faithful with what’s in front of us and available for whatever He asks next.

And right now, that means preparing.

Preparing for Future Christian Disaster Response

Our hearts and prayers are with the families and communities that may be impacted. We’re praying for safety, protection, and for the storm to weaken so communities are spared.

We certainly aren’t praying for another disaster! However, we know that short-term mission trips during times of crisis can change lives. But we know that when disaster strikes, the Church has an incredible opportunity to show up and care for our neighbors.

And we’d love to invite you to be part of that.

Will you pray with us? Pray for families who may be impacted and for wisdom as we prepare our team and seek the Lord’s direction.

Will you prepare with us? Consider how you, your family, or your church might be ready to serve on a short-term mission trip should the need arise.

Will you give with us? Your generosity helps Adventures in Missions prepare before disaster strikes, so we’re ready to respond with hope when communities need it most.

Trusting God With the Next Step

Five years ago, God called our family to be available. We had no idea where that would lead, the people we’d meet, or all He would do along the way.

And five years later, we’re still learning what it means to trust Him.

We don’t know what’s next, but we know Who does.

Thank you for praying, walking alongside us, and being part of that journey.