On September 23rd, Hurricane Helene delivered a devastating blow to North Carolina. The Appalachian region hardest hit is still reeling from the magnitude of loss and destruction. It’s time to mobilize as the church and bring hope.
Disaster Relief
TBD
Our mission to rebuild lives and restore communities is now more crucial than ever. We are humbled to announce a two-year long-term recovery plan focused on the North Carolina communities of Old Fort, Swannanoa, and Black Mountain. Your hands-on help can bring hope and healing where it’s needed most.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, we are committed to bringing long-term recovery to Western North Carolina. Here’s our vision for the next two years:
Create housing facilities for 100 volunteers to ensure they can support the community effectively.
Collaborate closely with local leaders in Swannanoa, Black Mountain, and Old Fort to address specific community needs.
Funnel resources and partners into the Swannanoa Valley for a collaborative effort in restoring primary single-family dwellings.
The distribution center at Excel College is a bustling hub of compassion and action, able to accommodate up to 35 dedicated volunteers.
You’ll be delivering essential supplies to the hardest-hit areas or working directly on the front lines, mucking and gutting homes to lay the groundwork for new beginnings.
Your support will not only offer immediate relief but also pave the way for long-term recovery and resilience.
Together, we are rebuilding more than just structures; we are rebuilding lives, fostering hope, and creating a brighter future for those affected.
We move forward with unwavering faith in the Lord’s provision. His guidance has been our compass from the start, and we know it will continue to lead us.
Will you prayerfully consider giving towards this mission?
Your compassion is making a real, tangible difference in the lives of those most affected. Thank you for standing with us in faith, prayer, and action.
This week, something incredible is happening in Swannanoa Valley, and you’re part of it. This isn’t just a response—this is restoration. Together, we’re breathing life back into a community, becoming the hands and feet of real, transformative change.
We’re not just witnessing a miracle; we’re part of one. A momentum is building, one step, one faithful action at a time.
It began with a journey—a van, a team, a purpose. Our leadership team set out, even when the van broke down en route. We knew the mission was bigger than any roadblock. Every mile was a reminder that this mission isn’t about what tries to stop us. It’s about pressing forward because we’re called.
Then, generosity showed up, unexpected and powerful. A ministry partner stepped in with an incredible $26,000, covering bunk beds and a UTV almost before we even voiced the need. Just like that, provision appeared, a reminder that we’re not alone in this work.
And then November 1. Sixty-four volunteers will arrive, each bringing more than just hands.
They’re bringing a 53-foot semi packed with supplies, $30,000 in cash, a 4-wheeler, and invaluable skills. They’re part of a force, a family of faith and determination, here to do more than just help—they’re here to fuel an unstoppable movement.
From Maine, a spark has ignited. Ten churches and businesses rallying, supporting Adventures Relief, responding, leading, inspiring others to join this mission. And in Colorado, our alumni team, veterans of over 24 relief efforts, answered the call, giving all they have to see this valley restored.
And there’s a local Mennonite feeding ministry, pledging hot meals for our team and volunteers every single day. It’s more than food; it’s a symbol of what can happen when a community comes together.
God’s provision is evident on our Rainbow Board—a UTV, families stepping up for Swannanoa Valley Restoration, and 100 mattresses donated! This is only the beginning.
Our calling? Simple, yet bold: to spark life back into this valley, to walk with these communities, to witness restoration in real-time, and to empower others to rise alongside us.
Pray for us, for courage, for resources, for strength. This is work built not on plans or donations alone, but on a commitment to faith in action.
Join us in North Carolina and be part of this incredible story. [Click here to learn more].
In the heart of Swannanoa Valley, amidst the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, something remarkable is happening – resilience is rising.
Driving through the storm-damaged streets, the scene was humbling. Local residents, business owners, and volunteers – young and old, strong and feeble – worked hand-in-hand, pressing on together. The community’s determination to rebuild was palpable.
Excel College turned their campus into a hub for relief efforts, with students stepping up to meet the needs of their neighbors, from hauling buckets of water to delivering essential supplies. Meanwhile, the Swannanoa Grassroots Alliance and Valley Hope Church are leading volunteers in clearing debris and mucking homes, answering the call to serve their community.
Through every act of kindness and sacrifice, the people of Swannanoa Valley are showing that hope shines brightest in the darkest of times.
Now, as the recovery phase begins, we invite you to join us. Together, we can help these resilient communities rebuild stronger than before. Your hands, your time, and your prayers can make a lasting difference.
In times of disaster, we often face situations that seem impossible—needs that feel too great to meet. Yet, time and again, God shows up, reminding us that He is the provider even in the most unlikely circumstances.
In North Carolina, our team encountered a mother whose son was in desperate need of medical supplies after the hurricane delayed his surgery. With only two days’ worth of barrier seals left for his feeding tube and an Amazon order nowhere in sight, she was running out of options. But through a series of events only God could orchestrate, we were able to deliver the exact supplies she needed in just 12 hours—long before her order ever arrived.
This story connects with something we learned from our experience in Harlem Heights. Early in our relief work there, we created the “Rainbow Board”—a space where we wrote down every need, no matter how unlikely. One such need was for 65 mattresses, which felt impossible to find at the time. Yet, within 72 hours of putting the request on the board, a warehouse contacted us with exactly what we needed. God provided, and those mattresses helped house over 1,200 volunteers!
These stories remind us that nothing is too big or too small for God to handle. Whether it’s medical supplies in North Carolina or mattresses in Harlem Heights, He’s at work, often before we even know what to ask for.
We continue to trust Him for the “unlikely” as we serve those impacted by disasters. Thank you for being part of this journey with us!
Usually, October weather makes Western North Carolina an idyllic destination. However, this October is anything but “ideal.” Just three weeks after Hurricane Helene’s devastation, temperatures have plummeted into the low 30s, bringing new challenges.
Adventures Relief and its partners are on the ground in the Swannanoa Valley, facing harsh realities. On October 16th, they received an urgent plea:
“A partner of ours reached out late last night asking for help. They were set up in an old warehouse without heat. They were freezing. They were asking if we had any connections to get heat into their buildings to sustain their leadership and volunteers. We were able to connect them with resources and they were able to sleep with warmth last night!”
This single story had a positive outcome, but for many residents and volunteers, the situation remains dire. Roads are destroyed, debris is omnipresent, and countless homes are damaged and without power or water. Families are staying in these compromised conditions with no other options. With winter temperatures just beginning, immediate action is required to prevent a new crisis.
You can make a difference! Long after the headlines fade, families in Western North Carolina will continue to need our support. As Hebrews 13:16 reminds us, “Don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need.”
Mobilize now and bring hope to those in need. Prayerfully consider joining us.
In August, during a prayer session, the word “Carolinas” resonated deeply within us, alongside the message, “There will not be idle time.” On September 23rd, Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina hard. Shortly after, Hurricane Milton battered Florida, leaving devastation in its wake.
Our hearts broke, and as a nation, we wept. But now, it’s time to pick up the pieces and bring restoration. We are humbled to announce a two-year long-term recovery plan in North Carolina.
The communities of Old Fort, Swannanoa, and Black Mountain urgently need hands-on help. Your time and effort can bring hope and healing. Reserve your group or individual dates to serve here.
Our distribution center at Excel College can host up to 35 volunteers. You’ll be delivering essential supplies to the hardest-hit areas or mucking and gutting homes, laying the groundwork for new beginnings.
Your support will provide immediate relief and pave the way for long-term recovery and resilience. Together, we are not just building structures; we are rebuilding lives and fostering hope.
We move forward with unwavering faith in the Lord’s provision. His guidance is our compass. Will you prayerfully consider contributing to this mission?
Thank you for your compassion and support in faith, prayer, and action.
In the wake of Hurricane Milton, we are seeing the power of unity within the body of Christ. The destruction left behind is staggering, but as believers, we hold fast to the truth that God’s presence is near to the brokenhearted, and His people are called to respond in love and action.
Philippians 2:1-2 reminds us:
“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.”
This scripture fuels our mission at Adventures Relief – to unify the church, call individuals into their God-given roles, and empower communities to rise as heroes of their own stories. Disaster relief isn’t just about responding to the physical needs; it’s about bringing the Kingdom of God into the chaos, offering hope, healing, and restoration.
In the coming days, we invite you to join us in prayer, action, and support as we continue to stand alongside those affected by Hurricane Milton. Though we won’t have an email update over the weekend, you can follow our real-time updates and stories on social media:
Together, we are stronger. Together, we are bringing the Kingdom into the chaos.
Stay tuned, stay connected, and thank you for standing with us.
As Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key, Florida, last night as a Category 3 storm, we are reminded of the truth in Psalm 34:18: “God is near to the brokenhearted.” This morning, Milton was downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane, but the damage is severe. Millions are without power, tornadoes have ravaged communities, and lives have been lost. Yet, amid the chaos, we cling to hope and stand together as the body of Christ.
Since the formation of Adventures Relief after Hurricane Ian, we’ve been committed to serving in the face of disaster. Today, that commitment remains as strong as ever. We continue to partner with churches and organizations to bring relief to Florida’s most devastated areas. We’ve raised $60,000 for hurricane relief so far, but the journey to recovery will be long. Every dollar is helping to rebuild homes, restore hope, and provide for those in need.
As we celebrate this milestone, we remember that this is a marathon, not a sprint. We are here for the long-term recovery, trusting God to activate the body of Christ to bring healing and hope to broken communities.
Update from the ground:
From Monica Lopez – Harlem Heights, FL:
“Hey everyone! Kathryn and I drove around the neighborhood doing an initial damage assessment…the streets are pretty flooded, but God’s favor was upon the homes. Only a few looked like they may have had water damage, but overall, it’s minimal compared to Ian. Thank you for your loving support!!”
Please join us in prayer:
Thank you for your prayers, your support, and your partnership as we continue to bring the Kingdom into the chaos.
As Hurricane Milton strengthens into a Category 5 storm, its impact is growing beyond what we initially expected. The storm has nearly doubled in size over the past 24 hours, with hurricane storm-force winds now extending up to 140 miles from its center. Milton is forecasted to make landfall tonight along Florida’s Central Gulf Coast, with Tampa facing potentially historic destruction.
Our hearts are with the people of Florida, many of whom are still reeling from Hurricane Helene. Debris from Helene still covers neighborhoods, and officials fear Milton’s winds will turn that debris into deadly projectiles. Meanwhile, our teams continue to serve in Black Mountain, providing food, supplies, and spiritual support in partnership with Excel College.
The response from Harlem Heights, a community we served after Hurricane Ian, has been deeply moving. They’ve contributed financially, offered prayers, and are eager to serve the next neighborhood we adopt. Even the senior citizens from Harlem Heights have written letters of encouragement for those facing recovery ahead.
Monica Lopez, Adventures Relief Community Missionary, continues to serve faithfully in Harlem Heights with The Heights Foundation. She has volunteered to remain in the community during Hurricane Milton. Monica felt called to this opportunity, knowing she doesn’t have a home or family to secure in Florida, and with an open heart, she is ready to be available as she is needed. Her “yes” to this mission has given her peace and confidence in God’s control, and she eagerly awaits the moment when she can welcome everyone back home once Milton passes.
Please join us in prayer as we face this critical moment:
Thank you for standing with us.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, our Adventures Relief team has witnessed God’s remarkable hand at work. As we prepare for Hurricane Milton – described by experts as nearing the atmospheric limits of power – we reflect on the extraordinary events that have unfolded so far, driven by faith and fueled by action.
Our response began on September 27, with a call to prayer for Florida. Teams across the region were already reeling from Helene’s devastation, including a group of World Racers in North Carolina. A flash flood destroyed their lodging, but by God’s grace, they escaped unharmed.
The very next day, our team sought direction in how to best begin relief efforts. One of our first rescue missions emerged when a landslide left the World Racers stranded on Black Mountain. Thanks to your prayers and support, the team was safely evacuated and brought to our Gainesville campus for recovery.
By September 30, our relief teams were on the ground in Black Mountain, feeding 250 people and delivering critical supplies. In the midst of the chaos, we partnered with Excel College to provide generators and much-needed resources. The outpouring of support has been incredible, but the work was far from over.
Part of our team, led by Adventures Relief, headed to Florida on October 3 to assess the need and prepare a new long-term recovery base. We realized that thousands of volunteers would be needed to bring hope and healing.
As the days progressed, partnerships continued to grow. Chef Myles with Harvest Catering, a World Race alum, joined our efforts in Black Mountain with his catering team. By October 4, they were preparing 2,000 meals for local families, first responders, and volunteers – helping to sustain hope in the heart of devastation.
Now, as we look ahead to Hurricane Milton’s imminent landfall, we are once again preparing to serve and support the communities that will soon be in need. With resources stretched thin, we rely on God’s provision and your prayers as we stand ready to bring relief and hope wherever it is needed most.
Join Us in this Ongoing Journey of Faith and Service
From North Carolina to Florida, we are committed to being vessels of God’s love in the middle of disaster. Our heart in disaster relief is to bring the Kingdom into the chaos – offering practical help while sharing the hope of Christ. Your prayers, donations, and willingness to serve alongside us make this mission possible.
Together, we are stronger. Let’s continue to walk in faith as we respond to the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Florida is facing another disaster just days after the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Many areas are still flooded, with debris clogging drainage systems, which could worsen the impact of an incoming storm, named Milton, expected to bring heavy rainfall and high winds within the week. Relief efforts are in progress, but they are stretched thin as organizations like Adventures Relief support those who clear debris, provide food, water, and shelter to displaced families.
Relief efforts have barely begun. But there’s hope. Organizations like Adventures Relief are supporting churches and communities as they clear debris, distribute food and water, and provide shelter for the displaced. They’re doing all they can.
But they need you.
What Can We Do?
Right now, across the country and the world, we have a choice. This is our chance to step up, to help, and to show that when things get tough, we don’t retreat. We stand together.
Here’s how you can make a difference:
Pray. Keep the people of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina in your prayers. Think of the elderly and the vulnerable, still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. They need your strength.
Give. Every donation counts. It provides food, water, and cleaning supplies. It helps volunteers keep going. Your generosity fuels hope.
Go. Join the waitlist of volunteers as we establish a landing spot to activate those able to serve. We are eager to mobilize people into action when situations stabilize and we get the green light.
This is just the beginning. God is opening doors, and we believe He will use our efforts to bring restoration to devastated areas, just as He has done in communities before. Join us in making a difference today.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, St. Pete, Florida, is among the hardest-hit areas, with low-income families, elderly residents, and those with disabilities facing overwhelming devastation. Yet, even in the midst of this destruction, God’s light is shining through.
One powerful story comes from Courtney and her husband. Despite personal health battles, their home has become a hub for relief efforts, distributing essential supplies to neighbors in need. Many of the people they’re helping are in their 70s, 80s, and 90s, living in homes filled with dampness and mold. At one home, Chris Horvath from Adventures Relief met elderly residents who had eaten their last piece of bread the day before. Heartbroken, Chris and his team returned with food, eager to meet their immediate need.
Courtney’s neighbor, an 84-year-old man with a disability, tragically drowned after the storm, and the community held a candlelight vigil in his honor. Now, Courtney is compiling a list of 20 elderly residents with no insurance who desperately need help. Our team is actively connecting with them, learning their stories, and bringing aid.
As we told the community about our long-term relief work in Harlem Heights, they asked if we would adopt their neighborhood too.
How You Can Help?
We need volunteers – local hands and hearts willing to step up and serve their neighbors. We need supplies – everything from food to cleaning materials to basic household necessities. Most of all, we need prayers – for strength, for healing, and for God’s provision as we continue this work.
This is just the beginning. God is opening doors, and we believe He will use our efforts to bring restoration to St. Pete, just as He has done in countless communities before. Join us in making a difference today.
Hurricane Helene left devastation, cutting off communities and washing away roads. While help slowly arrived, many were still unreachable. One early morning, Chris Horvath felt a divine prompting to go, leading him to assemble a team and supplies to rescue World Racers stranded in Black Mountain.
Facing impassable roads, missing bridges, and dangerous conditions, Chris and his team persisted, driven by faith. After 28 hours, they safely returned with all 36 Racers. This was just the beginning. God’s provision and guidance opened doors for continued relief efforts in the area.
Now, Chris and the team are in Florida, scouting for our next long-term recovery base. Thousands of volunteers will be needed as we continue bringing hope and rebuilding communities.
We are in a crucial moment. North Carolina remains in the rescue phase, with water still receding and limited resources available. While officials haven’t allowed relief organizations into homes yet, Adventures Relief continues to deliver essential supplies. With support from his supplier and Adventures Relief, Chef Myles is preparing meals and plans to deliver gas, propane, food, and baby supplies to families in Black Mountain.
In Florida, the focus has shifted to the relief phase. Waters have receded, and the hard work of rebuilding has begun. The Adventures Relief Leadership Team is heading to Pinellas County to scout for a potential base of recovery operations. Partnering with trusted local leaders, we are discerning how best to serve these communities as they navigate trauma and loss.
We’re following God’s lead, and we invite you to partner with us as we move forward with our relief efforts in both states.
Here’s how you can help:
Together, let’s bring hope and healing where it’s needed most.
This weekend, that “yes” comes from Myles, a World Race alum and founder of Harvest Catering in Gainesville. Myles and his team are heading to Black Mountain to prepare nine meals for over 250 people—local families, volunteers, and first responders. This isn’t just about food; it’s about serving with purpose.
Adventures Relief is right there alongside them, partnering with Excel College to run a distribution center providing ongoing aid. We’ve hit our $10,000 goal for immediate relief—delivering water, gas, and porta potties—but there’s still more work to do.
Our next goal is $5,000 to support Harvest Catering and provide over 2,000 meals this weekend. This is about showing up when hope is needed most.
Will you help us keep this mission alive?
Donate Here
Together, let’s pay it forward.
P.S. Adventures Relief is deploying to Florida tomorrow to assess long-term recovery efforts. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue bringing hope where it’s needed most.
Our teams have been working around the clock to bring critical supplies up Black Mountain after devastating storms. We’ve secured $8k in generators from Lowe’s, spent over 287 man hours, and provided 4 days worth of meals for 250 people—but there’s so much more to be done.
Right now, we’re facing serious challenges: we need $10k to get through the next week, plus bottled water, gas, and porta potties for the community. Adventures Relief is guiding Excel College in becoming a distribution center, and your help is vital.
Let’s rally together to provide immediate relief! Every donation makes a difference.
We want to express our deepest gratitude to all who have generously given in response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene. Your contributions have made a significant difference in helping our World Race team and others affected by the storm start their recovery. Thank You, your support has been a beacon of hope during this difficult time, and we are incredibly thankful for your prayers, donations, and heartfelt encouragement.
While we have reached an important milestone in supporting our small team, the need across the region remains immense. As part of our ongoing efforts, we have now launched a broader campaign to extend relief and recovery to more communities impacted by the hurricane. We invite you to continue partnering with us as we bring Christ’s love and hope to those in desperate need. With your help, we can provide both immediate relief and long-term rebuilding for many who are still suffering.
This morning, a group of World Racers serving in North Carolina was deeply impacted by the devastation brought by Hurricane Helene. The house where they were staying was hit by unexpected flash floods and mudslides, forcing an immediate evacuation. Tragically, the building collapsed shortly after, and our team lost everything—passports, bags, money, and personal belongings.
We are grateful that everyone is safe, but this experience has left them and others in the path of the storm shaken and in need of urgent support.
Please join us in prayer for the racers and all those affected by Hurricane Helene. If you feel led to help, we have set up a donation link to provide immediate relief to those who lost everything.
Your prayers and generosity make a difference. 🙏
Adventures Relief is inviting you to join us in prayer for Florida as we wait and watch Hurricane Helene unfold. As a team, we have been preparing our trailers and leadership team and visiting many of our volunteers in anticipation of our next long-term recovery response.
More information will become available in the coming days. Please join us on Friday, September 27th, at 12pm Eastern on Google Meet for an open prayer call. We invite partners and volunteers to join. This time will be spent sharing up-to-date information and seeking the Lord’s guidance in our response effort.
As we establish a response plan, we need volunteers and partners to join us in the mission. We appreciate and value all of our prayer partners, financial supporters, and volunteers who generously give their time.
Adventures Relief creates a space for individuals, groups, and organizations to serve in disaster relief efforts. Each team receives housing during the trip and unique service opportunities embodying our motto of “Better Together” as we channel resources into the community for maximum impact.
Our vision extends beyond humanitarian aid
unwavering faith and hearts ablaze with compassion…
We aim to bring healing and restoration to stricken communities.
Our journey is not merely about rebuilding homes, our teams
Adventures Relief is more than a mission trip; it’s a divine calling for those ready to say “yes” to God’s work. This unique ministry welcomes all skill sets, genders, and ages to dive into Kingdom work. It’s for those seeking life change, not just a short-term mission.