Greg Williams at the West African Leadership Conference
Dear GCI Family and friends,
When electrical power is lost and cell phone towers are down, our reliance on technology becomes exposed. It heightens the fear and concern we feel for our loved ones whom we cannot reach.
During Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic destruction across the southeastern U.S., my home state of North Carolina was hard hit. After the brunt of the storm had passed, it took until Sunday, September 28, before we had communication with my extended family to know that everybody was safe. There was one exception — my older brother Evan. My friend and colleague, Rick Shallenberger, was at my home, and he and I listened to the prompting of Susan to determine that rather than head to church services, the greater need was to make our way to Evan. I appreciated that Rick made the statement, “Rather than going to church, we were being the church.”
Could we even get through crippled roads, washed out bridges, downed trees and power lines? We weren’t sure, but we were determined to try. We made our way west through towns where traffic lights were out and stores had darkened windows. We got within less than a mile of Evan’s house, and we had to park because of the impassable road. After hiking in with arms laden with groceries and drinking water, we began seeing the damage — a tree laying across the roof of his detached garage, a caved in roof of his truck. And then when we got to the entrance of the main house, we saw another big tree laying across the roof of the primary bedroom with a gaping hole in the ceiling.
We knocked on the side entrance door. We saw the dogs, but not Evan. After a few minutes, he appeared with a surprised look. Once the shock passed, we rejoiced in finding him upright and in good spirits. We listened to his harrowing story of nature’s fury that snapped trees, dumped torrents of water that carried off his firepit and rearranged his front yard. Evan was grateful for the provisions, but more so for human company; he was moved to tears that we made the effort to come to him. It brought a huge sigh of relief to Evan to know that we would tell his children, our mom, and brother that he was safe.
On our walk back to the truck, we encountered Evan’s neighbor trekking toward his house. It was heartwarming to see a concerned neighbor making the effort. Disasters can bring out the best in people.
Our visit moved to stage two — driving up the mountain to check on my mom. When we reached the family property, we first encountered my brother, Mark. He was on high alert, as he and his wife, Penny, were working through their church and county offices to get water and food to stranded people, to cut up trees blocking the roads, and to rally care and support as best they could.
My son, Glenn, was working extra shifts as a paramedic supervisor attempting to help so many people in dire situations. It is unbelievable the pressure and amount of effort that is expended in a disaster of this magnitude. The first responders are heroes, and yet they feel massive disappointment when they cannot rescue everybody. Please pray for them.
One of the most practical ways I could serve was to take my mom to stay at my house, along with my daughter-in-law and grandkids, until the power is restored so that folks like Mark and Glenn can continue to bring help where it’s needed.
Times like these amplify the reminder that we are our sister and brother’s keeper. I mentioned that we embarked on this Sunday venture at the prompting of Susan, but she would rather give credit to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. (In my experience, the voice of the Spirit often comes through my sweet wife.)
Fortunately, the Home Office fared well through the storm, and we are operating as normal now. The news of Hurricane Helene destruction will become old news in a matter of a few short weeks. Please do not forget these people who are left to rebuild their homes and lives. There is a tremendous loss of property and a growing number of fatalities. As we continue to pray for the many who are suffering, please keep in mind those affected by Hurricane Milton. It is currently bearing down on the west coast of Florida.
Made in the image of the One who keeps us all, Greg
P.S. I recently traveled to Ghana for the GCI 50th Anniversary. Read the story here.
10 thoughts on “I Am My Brother’s Keeper”
Nancy and I appreciate this update from one who is in North Carolina helping where able. Along with many others, we have been praying for the people in Ashville. Do you recommend a disaster fund for financial donations for those in need?
Greg, Our prayers are with you and your family as well as with everyone who may have suffered painful losses caused by the terrible hurricane. While reading your comments the thought came to me that being “our brother’s keeper” included primarily our responsibility to preach the gospel of salvation in Jesus. Perhaps this catastrophe will turn hearts to the Lord.
Glad to hear you and yours are blessed. I will continue to pray for all people in that area. I can’t even imagine what that is like. My heart goes out to them all and asking God to have Mercy on them all; He hears our prayers and I know He’ll answer them in ways we can’t even imagine.
I am so thankful your family is alive and well. So many were not so fortunate. My heart was saddened to hear of such devastation, and yet thrilled and encouraged to see so many people being the hands and feet of God.
Nancy and I appreciate this update from one who is in North Carolina helping where able. Along with many others, we have been praying for the people in Ashville. Do you recommend a disaster fund for financial donations for those in need?
Well said! Wishing you the best! And may God bless all your efforts to do what is right for you, your family and congregation!
In all matters, Trust In God Alone. Faith alone, grace alone & Christ alone.
Praying for Brethren caught in Hurricane Milton.
Really appreciate the first-hand experience and report of what some, and many others, are coping with right now.
Greg,
Our prayers are with you and your family as well as with everyone who may have suffered painful losses caused by the terrible hurricane. While reading your comments the thought came to me that being “our brother’s keeper” included primarily our responsibility to preach the gospel of salvation in Jesus. Perhaps this catastrophe will turn hearts to the Lord.
In Christ,
Santiago
I am so glad your family was safe, and thank you for telling us about the events we are truly our brothers keepers.
Glad to hear you and yours are blessed.
I will continue to pray for all people in that area. I can’t even imagine what that is like.
My heart goes out to them all and asking God to have Mercy on them all; He hears our prayers and I know He’ll answer them in ways we can’t even imagine.
I am so thankful your family is alive and well. So many were not so fortunate. My heart was saddened to hear of such devastation, and yet thrilled and encouraged to see so many people being the hands and feet of God.
In every circumstances, let us trust God