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The devastation brought by Hurricane Helene to Asheville, North Carolina, has been immense. Record-breaking rainfall, historic flooding, and massive power outages left hundreds of thousands without basic necessities, transforming a beautiful community into a disaster zone. But even in the midst of chaos, pastors have emerged as beacons of hope, demonstrating the power of faith and community.
On a recent episode of the Believe Again podcast, powered by Parable Church Accounting, host Josh Roberie spoke with Pastor Dave Jackson of Rise Church and Pastor John Mark Redwine of The Gathering Church. Both have found themselves leading their congregations in the aftermath of one of the deadliest storms to ever hit the region.
A Storm Like No Other
Hurricane Helene wasn’t just another storm—it was a “once-in-a-hundred-years” catastrophe for Asheville and the surrounding areas. Both pastors shared the heart-wrenching reality of what it’s been like to live and minister in the middle of such devastation.
Dave Jackson, who had been set to launch Rise Church the day after the storm hit, spoke about the shock of seeing a city without power, water, or access to essential services. With schools closed indefinitely, and launch plans shattered, his focus quickly shifted. “We didn’t have a service, but we launched in a different way,” Dave explained. Instead of focusing on building a congregation, Dave and his team have been focused on serving the city, distributing food, water, and other necessities to those in need.
Pastor John Mark Redwine, whose church has been established in Asheville since 2016, shared the impact of seeing beloved parts of his community swept away. “The flood reshaped the land,” he said, describing how homes, businesses, and historic areas were simply wiped out. The River Arts District, a cultural hub in Asheville, is now just a memory, with only concrete slabs remaining where vibrant spaces once stood.
Rising Above the Storm
Despite the overwhelming destruction, both pastors expressed an unwavering commitment to serve. Dave Jackson shared how his team has been on the ground, working tirelessly with organizations like Convoy of Hope, delivering essential supplies and offering spiritual support. “We’re here to be the hands and feet of Jesus,” Dave said, “not just giving physical aid, but meeting spiritual needs as well.”
For John Mark, who has seen his congregation rise to the challenge, this storm has softened the ground for deeper ministry. “People who wouldn’t have spoken to us before are now standing with us,” he said, noting how the disaster has opened doors for conversations about faith, hope, and community that weren’t there before.
Unity in Action
One of the most striking elements of their conversation was the incredible unity that has emerged among the churches in Asheville. “We’ve got a text thread with 25 pastors,” John Mark shared. “We’re constantly sharing needs and resources, working together to serve our city.”
This sense of collaboration isn’t limited to local churches either. Support has poured in from around the country, with churches and organizations sending supplies and offering assistance. As Dave Jackson noted, “The broader church family has been amazing. We’ve had people we’ve never met calling to ask how they can help.”
Looking Ahead
Though the road to recovery will be long, both pastors remain hopeful. Rise Church, though delayed in its official launch, is already making its mark on the city through its relief efforts. The Gathering Church, too, is finding new ways to minister and serve, with John Mark reflecting on how this disaster is shaping the future of their mission.
“The gospel is going to find fertile soil in this city,” John Mark said. “We’re seeing people’s hearts soften, and I believe this is going to lead to a season of growth and transformation.”
How You Can Help
As the people of Asheville work to rebuild, both pastors are encouraging anyone who feels led to contribute. Rise Church has set up an outreach and relief fund to assist families who have lost everything. “We have enough supplies,” Dave Jackson said, “but we need help rebuilding lives.”
For those looking to support The Gathering Church, you can follow their efforts at gatherashville.org or on social media. Both churches are on the front lines of recovery, and their work is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of faith in the midst of hardship.
As the Believe Again podcast episode concluded, Josh Roberie summed up the sentiment beautifully: “The church is rising up in the midst of this storm, showing the world what it means to truly serve and love people.” Let’s continue to pray for Asheville and support these incredible pastors as they lead their communities through the darkest of times.
In this episode of the Believe Again podcast, host Josh Roberie discusses the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Asheville, North Carolina, with pastors Dave Jackson and John Mark Redwine. They share the devastating impact of the storm, which brought record rainfall and flooding, leaving many without power and running water. The conversation highlights the resilience of the local community and the church's response to the crisis, emphasizing the importance of serving those in need and the hope that emerges from such devastation. The pastors reflect on their experiences, the challenges they face in their ministries, and the partnerships formed to aid recovery efforts
.https://risechurch.tv/
https://gatherasheville.org/
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Image: Associated Press,My Bellingham NowResident Anne Schneider, right, hugs her friend Eddy Sampson as they survey damage left in the wake of Hurricane Helene, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in Marshall, N.C. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
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