FEATURE

In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastation in September 2024, OPC Disaster Response has continued to demonstrate the love of Christ through compassionate service and hands-on help in McDowell and Burke Counties in North Carolina. The "Chalmers Homes" project—a coordinated response to rebuild homes for those affected—has steadily progressed thanks to a remarkable stream of volunteers from OPC congregations across the country.

Over the past several weeks, significant strides have been made on the homes for Jae, Clyde, Clifton and Nan, and most recently, Melissa—a single mother of nine. These homes represent more than just construction projects; they are symbols of restoration, hope, and gospel love.

Building Progress

The first Chalmers Home, for Jae and her daughter, has been the first focus. Thanks to a skilled team from Shiloh OPC in Raleigh, NC, crucial grading and leveling work is being done, along with the construction of porches, ramps, and steps—ensuring both functionality and accessibility. Interior work has continued with sheetrock and trim installation, spearheaded by teams from Grace Fellowship in Zeeland, MI and Covenant OPC in Amsterdam, NY in recent weeks.

Jae’s home is now sided, and connected to plumbing, thanks to Joel Weirauch from Landis OPC and help from Sandy Springs OPC in Maryville, TN and Heritage OPC in Wilmington, NC. In the coming months, the home will receive final touches like electrical wiring, HVAC, trim and painting.

Meanwhile, Clyde’s home—Chalmers Home #2—is also dried in, fully sided, and secured with windows and doors. The momentum continues with Clifton and Nan’s home (Home #3), as its block foundation nears completion. And now, with Melissa approved as the fourth recipient, plans are underway to build a larger home for her family of 10.

Volunteers from Coast to Coast

The volunteer energy fueling this mission has been overwhelming. In recent weeks, groups from Calvary OPC (Glenside & Middletown, PA), Harvest OPC (Winston-Salem, NC), Reformation OPC (Gastonia, NC), Resurrection OPC (Matthews, NC), and Shiloh OPC (Raleigh, NC) have come together to wrap homes, install siding, and prepare for upcoming mechanical work. Individuals like Gary Elliott (Harvest OPC), John Gordon (Calvary Middletown), Eoin Anto from Calvary, Glenside, PA and his companions Dante and Jack added extra hands to the effort.

A Week of Preparation, Then More to Come

Next week is a designated “prep week,” during which no new volunteers will be onsite. Instead, site coordinator Jimmy is assessing needs and restocking supplies to prepare for new incoming teams from Upton, Massachusetts and California, Maryland. This brief pause allows for evaluation and planning to ensure the work continues efficiently and effectively.

Landis OPC, which has been instrumental in spearheading much of this effort, is also using this time to consult with contractors and prayerfully consider helping additional families in need.

A Call to Prayer and Participation

Throughout this process Pastor Johnny Serafini and Elder Mike Cloy have provided spiritual care and connection. After a church-wide luncheon last month to introduce the Chalmers Home recipients, host families were paired with each recipient, offering encouragement and fellowship during this rebuilding with the hopes of a long-term connection. This is truly a ministry of Word and deed.

As construction continues, prayers are appreciated. Please lift up Jae and her daughter, Clyde, Clifton and Nan, Melissa and her children. Pray that these families not only experience relief from material hardship, but grow in their love of Christ through these tangible acts of mercy.

We also invite you to pray for the volunteers and coordinators, for safety, wisdom, and endurance. If you feel led to join in this ministry, please contact Travis (helenevolunteers@opc.org) or visit OPCDisasterResponse.org.