Hallways Filled with Love

How St. Peter’s became a makeshift warehouse, shelter and sign of Christ’s mercy

The Sunday after Hurricane Helene struck, Rev. Peter Frank, senior pastor at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Conover, North Carolina, shared a simple message with the congregation: “We’re going to figure out how to help, but we don’t know what the needs are yet. So, stay tuned.”

Within hours, supplies began arriving. Within days, donations overflowed from the church hallways into the gymnasium. St. Peter’s was on its way to becoming a vital relief hub for the region.

A DISTRIBUTION HUB TAKES SHAPE

By Monday, St. Peter’s had connected with LCMS Disaster Response, Lutheran Servants for Christ and others. It became clear their role would extend beyond collecting supplies—they would serve as a distribution center and housing site for volunteers.

“We started collecting water in the hallway by the church office,” Frank said, “and then we got other supplies and had to use our meeting room, and then we quickly had to move to our gym.”

Congregational President Bob Watts was moved by the overwhelming generosity. “I’ve seen nothing but love that walked through these doors,” he said. “It’s love for your neighbor. It’s the love of helping people.”

Churches from over 20 states brought supplies and even more shipped items. Managing the volume was a challenge. “It’s been a massive effort,” Watts said. “We’re bringing it in and shipping lots of it out the same day or the next day. I’m amazed by what we’re able to do.”

Despite the challenges, volunteers remained resourceful. When hygiene kits ran short on travel-sized shampoo bottles, volunteers bought larger bottles and portioned them into smaller containers—one of many small acts of resourceful service.

A PLACE TO REST

As volunteers numbers grew, so did the need for housing. With many hotels out of commission or already full, St. Peter’s stepped up.

“We walked through the building and realized we had the space,” Frank said. Sunday school rooms were converted into dorms. Lutheran Church Charities sent 25 cots, and St. Peter’s made use of its showers, kitchen and common areas—comfortably housing 16 volunteers at a time, with room for more.

Meals were provided daily by the congregation.

“St. Peter’s is known for feeding people; our potlucks are legendary,” Frank said. “Volunteers get a warm breakfast, snacks and sandwiches for lunch, and a hot dinner when they return.”

The Synod’s Disaster Response team supports efforts like these throughout the nation. “We’ve given well over half a million dollars in grants to the district to help cover the cost of volunteers—the many hundred volunteers—and some of the other expenses Lutheran congregations have experienced,” Johnson said.

LED TO SERVE

Nationwide, people are coming to St. Peter’s, led to serve their neighbors in western North Carolina. “It’s the Lord who’s sending these people, who’s putting on their hearts to do something before giving them the details of the plan,” Frank said. “It’s incredible to see the Lord at work in that way.”

Through faith, hospitality and hard work, St. Peter’s has become a living reflection of Christ’s love in action.