What’s Next for Ministries in North Carolina?

Recovery takes time. But so does resurrection.

In May, Camp Linn Haven hosted a rededication ceremony to mark its reopening—just in time for the 2025 summer season. Mountainside Lutheran Church returned to its sanctuary Memorial Day weekend, bringing worship back into its restored space 8 months after the hurricane.

Still, full recovery will take much longer.

“This is going to be a multi-year process,” said Rev. Bryan Chestnutt. “It’s going to be years and years of recovery for this region.”

LCMS Disaster Response committed to a year-long effort, with a reassessment planned for the fall. “We’re going to reassess the needs of the community in the fall and their willingness to continue that response,” Johnson said.

Unlike organizations that leave when news cameras turn off, LCMS Disaster Response stays for the long haul.

“Depending on the size of the disaster, we will respond for up to three years. We call that a long-term response,” Johnson said. “A lot of organizations disappear really quick. But because we work through LCMS congregations, we can meet the needs of the community.”

In western North Carolina, that meant deploying chainsaw and flood cleanup crews, providing housing and food grants to churches and equipping hundreds of trained volunteers.

But the response isn’t just logistical—it’s spiritual.

“We really see the work that we do as Christian mercy work … in the name of Christ as Lutherans in a time of disaster,” said Johnson. “We help anybody that has a need that’s storm related … and a lot of times they’ll ask, ‘Why are you doing this?’ Then there is an opportunity to share the faith or to plant a seed.”

“When somebody has lost all their earthly goods … they’re also going through a spiritual crisis. We come together as people of the same faith who want to care for people spiritually.”

Even as camp returns, worship resumes and buildings are rebuilt, the road ahead in western North Carolina will require ongoing prayer, partnership and support. Yet in the midst of it all, one thing is certain: the church never stopped.

And by God’s grace, it will continue moving forward—together in faith.

Get Involved

LCMS Disaster Response depends entirely on the support of Lutherans like you—through time, gift and prayer.

Volunteer. LERT volunteers receive standardized training as part of the LCMS Disaster Response team, preparing them to serve safely and effectively in disaster zones. All volunteers deployed by the Synod are LERT certified. Learn more: lcms-lert.org.

Donate. LCMS Disaster Response receives no federal funding. Every dollar comes from donors who want to ensure Christ’s mercy can be shared freely, even in times of great loss. Learn more: lcms.org/disaster.

Follow. Stay informed and inspired. Follow LCMS Disaster Response on Facebook for updates and ways to help: facebook.com/LCMSDisasterResponse.