SHORT-TERM MISSIONS &
DISASTER RESPONSE

This week, a team was slated to start pouring the footings for the first of the “Chalmers Homes” (named for the 19th century Scottish theologian, Thomas Chalmers, who carried out a significant ministry to the poor in Scotland.) This would have marked the much-anticipated start of this phase of the Landis OPC Disaster Response effort, an effort designed to serve the most vulnerable in McDowell and Burke Counties, NC following the devastating loss of their homes in when Hurricane Helene brought torrential rains to Western NC in the early hours of September 27th. For Landis OPC, the pouring of footings had been preceded by months of planning, seeking approvals and obtaining permits. Several of the identified recipients have been expectantly working on preparing and grading their properties in anticipation of the new build. Despite this preparation, in a recent meeting of the Landis Disaster Oversight Committee (LDOC), it was determined that the forecasted low temperatures and possible snow would postpone the start of the work by as much as two weeks. Though this delay is disappointing to the crew and the recipients, there is other good work being done in the meantime.

For those of us who live outside of North Carolina, it’s hard to imagine that low temperatures could affect building projects in this region of the country. However, in the western part of the state, situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, areas like McDowell and Burke Counties are subject to harsh weather conditions resulting from the streamline of colder air from higher elevations. During winter months, this, combined with its own relatively high altitude, contributes to significantly lower temperatures compared to the coastal regions of North Carolina. 

According to the site coordinator, general contractor Jimmy Laughridge, concrete will not cure without additives if the temperature is not at least 45 degrees. The ten-day forecast is currently calling for temperatures below 45 degrees for all but two days. The forecast is also calling for snow, another prohibitive to the work.

But this unexpected postponement will not be time wasted. Landis OPC pastor Johnny Serafini and elder Mike Cloy have been using the time to meet with individuals who have been identified to receive a Chalmers Home—to pray, read scripture and point them to Christ. As the effort goes on, each recipient will be intentionally paired with a host family from Landis OPC, someone who can be a touch point for questions, conversation, and prayer. Landis OPC is clear about the purpose of this effort: it is overtly and fundamentally based on ministering in both word and deed to those in need.

Travis Childers, the effort’s volunteer coordinator, has received numerous inquiries from many interested in helping to serve, and although the effort has been postponed, he will continue to work toward scheduling those who can help in the following weeks with framing, rough-ins for utilities (plumbing, HVAC, and electric), exterior finishes of siding and roofing, interior work of subfloors, insulation, and drywall, and finish work of doors, cabinets, paint, tile, and flooring. It is expected that volunteers will be needed through the spring.

The outpouring of love in the form of monetary donations from the OPC community has been as it usually is—amazingly sacrificial and generous. As of last Friday, the 2024 Hurricanes Fund balances are at almost $350,000! In addition to these funds, Landis OPC has received a generous anonymous donation of $30,000 and have been made aware there may be more donations to come. The OPC Presbytery of the Southeast is also considering their financial role in this effort in their upcoming meeting. Additionally, attention has been called to an energy grant offered by the local electric company and a volunteer has come forward agreeing to write the grant proposal. In all, the Lord is providing mightily. 

We know you are praying. Please continue to do so. Pray specifically for the first six families who have been identified to receive a Chalmers home: Clifton and Nan, Mike, Jae, Cindy, Melissa (and her nine children who, Lord willing, will receive two connected Chalmers Homes), and Winston as they and the Landis group waits on the Lord’s timing.

To keep up with this effort, follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, or go to OPCDisasterResponse.org