SHORT-TERM MISSIONS &
DISASTER RESPONSE

It has been about eighteen months since Hurricane Helene impacted western North Carolina. While the homebuilding effort led by Landis OPC is beginning to wind down, the care for those living in these homes continues.

Thanks to the generous donations to the Hurricane Helene Fund, the leadership of Landis OPC and the Presbytery of the Southeast, and the volunteers serving through OPC Disaster Response, several families have now received new homes.

Mike “Clyde” Huffman, who lost both his brother and his home in the mudslides, is thankful not only for a new place to live but also for the relationships that have grown through this process. Jae Edwards and her daughter, who were unable to rebuild on their own, have also moved into their new home. Others, like the home for Clifton and Nan Hollifield, are nearing completion.

Early in the effort, five families—Huffman, Edwards, Hollifield, Chapman, and Solomon—were identified to receive Chalmers Homes, modest 16-by-40-foot houses built with the goal of joining practical help with ongoing spiritual care.

The Hollifields’ home is expected to be completed within the next couple of weeks, pending its certificate of occupancy. Their previous home was destroyed in the storm and despite a harrowing 24-hours of uncertainty, they survived. Reflecting on the help they received, Nan shared, “I thought it was a miracle that somebody wanted to help us.” Only a few final items remain before their home is finished, and other churches and ministries have helped furnish it as they prepare to move in.

Winston Solomon’s situation has required a different approach. Due to health challenges, he is currently living in a camper and attends church with the help of his son, Jacob. Members of Landis OPC continue to visit him regularly, building a relationship and offering encouragement.

A late addition to the list is Gail Merrill, whose house was buried during the storm. Permits and funding are in place and the eight-to-twelve-week construction is anticipated to begin within the next couple of weeks. The project will be led by Landis OPC member Jimmy Laughridge, with support from Gail’s church and pastor. As you may recall, Jimmy initiated the Chalmers Homes effort after being deeply moved by the suffering of his neighbors.

Melissa Chapman’s home is now being built through another relief organization. We are thankful for the provision the Lord has made for her and her nine children.

As the work has progressed, some of the process has changed. Due to increased inspection requirements and the complexity of scheduling, the remaining homes are now being completed by skilled rather than volunteer labor. Through generous giving and careful planning, the Lord has provided the resources needed to bring these projects to completion. OPC Disaster Response is no longer raising funds as Gail Merrill’s home is expected to be the final build connected to this effort.

Even as construction winds down, relationships remain central. Each of the Chalmers Home recipients continues to stay connected with Landis OPC, and the church remains committed to ongoing care and encouragement.

Please continue to pray:

• For the completion of the Hollifield and Merrill homes
• For Winston Solomon’s health and housing needs
• For continued opportunities to build relationships and share the gospel
• For wisdom and endurance for those serving on the ground

The Lord has blessed this work—not only through completed homes, but through the ongoing care of those who have been served. He has also blessed the ministry of Landis OPC by bringing new visitors. We praise the Lord for all He is doing in western North Carolina.