GREENSBORO, N.C. — The Executive Committee of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina’s board of directors heard a series of ministry reports and updates on the response to Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina during a meeting held Monday, Nov. 4, prior to the start of this year’s N.C. Baptist annual meeting at the Joseph S. Koury Convention Center.
In the six weeks since Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina with massive flooding, volunteers serving through N.C. Baptists on Mission’s disaster response ministry have continued to provide meals, clear trees and debris, tarp roofs, mud out houses and more.
“While doing these jobs, they also take the time to gather around with the homeowners and pray,” said Tim Ethridge, president of N.C. Baptists on Mission. “In that case, they’re showing God’s love. We’re His hands and His feet. That’s what it’s all about.”
Ethridge and Baptists on Mission’s Executive Director Richard Brunson also announced that the first phase of home rebuilds is also underway with the start of a program being called Essential Rapid Repair (ERR). The goal of the ERR program is to get as many homeowners back into a safe, warm and functional home before the worst of winter.
The program will rely on volunteers and financial contributions to purchase building supplies and materials. Officials estimate each home will cost $12,000-$15,000 to repair with volunteers performing the labor. Officials will need licensed contractors, electricians and plumbers to serve to ensure all work is completed according to code.
The ERR program is the initial phase of Baptists on Mission’s long-term rebuilding efforts that are expected to last four to six years.
“We’re going to need volunteers and funding to provide the resources,” Ethridge said. “North Carolina Baptists are still on call. There’s lots to be done.”
Additional details about the ERR program will be forthcoming.
Financial report
N.C. Baptist officials shared a financial update with Executive Committee members.
Through Oct. 31, Cooperative Program receipts totaled more than $22.7 million which is nearly $495,000 or 2.1% behind the same time period as last year.
Giving to the North Carolina Missions (NCMO) offered totaled more than $1.9 million through Oct. 31, which is about $255,000 or 14.75% ahead of the same time period as last year.
Giving to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering totaled more than $6.6 million, and giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for international missions totaled more than $10.3 million through Oct. 31.
Officials also reported that approximately $8.3 million has been given to support the ongoing Hurricane Helene response efforts in western North Carolina through the work on N.C. Baptists on Mission.
Business items
In business items, the Executive Committee authorized the N.C. Baptist Director of Operations John Butler to approve housing allowance requests by ordained state convention staff.
Next meeting
The executive committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 28, 2025, in conjunction with a regularly scheduled meeting of the full N.C. Baptist board of directors.
