Displaying items by tag: Hurricane Helene

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Howard and Lisa Ray, a North Carolina couple, experienced God’s saving power firsthand amidst unimaginable devastation. When floodwaters from the hurricane overtook their trailer, they used their couch to stay afloat as the water rose nearly thirty feet above normal levels. They drifted 400 yards on their makeshift raft, with Howard reassuring Lisa, ‘If we’re going to drown, we’re going to drown together’. Eventually, Lisa managed to pull herself up on a barbed-wire fence, sustaining cuts in the process, and they took shelter in a nearby garage. They lost everything but incredibly were soon reunited with their dog, Saddi, which had waited at the ruins of their home. Supported by donations from their church, they are pressing forward, convinced that God has a purpose in their survival. The chaplain assisting relief efforts echoed their faith, testifying to God’s guidance and strength in the worst storm damage he had ever seen.

The heartbreaking story of Meghan Drye’s loss during Hurricane Helene took a miraculous turn. Meghan, her son Micah, and her parents were swept away by floodwaters in North Carolina. Meghan survived, but Micah, her parents, and their dog Bella were lost. In his final moments, Micah called out to Jesus, and his faith became a source of strength for his grieving mother. Shortly afterwards, Christian artist Elizabeth Londen, unaware of the tragedy, was moved by God to create a painting and poem entitled ‘Can you tell my mommy I’m safe now?’ The poem, written as if spoken by a child in Heaven, brought profound comfort to Meghan and her family, and they discovered that the painting referenced specific details from Micah’s life, including his dog and favourite blanket. Elizabeth reached out to the family, offering the artwork and peace in their sorrow. This story exemplifies God’s intimate presence and reassurance, even in the deepest grief.

On 9 October Hurricane Milton hit Florida’s west coast, bringing 120 mph winds and widespread destruction. At one point a Category 5 hurricane, the Category 3 storm weakened overnight to a Category 1 storm, but not before destroying over 125 homes and knocking out power for over three million residents. Tornadoes and heavy rain have also caused significant inland damage, with storm surges threatening coastal cities such as Tampa. Officials have warned of severe flooding along rivers and lakes as Milton continues to batter the state, with nearly 100,000 people sheltering in evacuation centres. Florida officials had issued urgent evacuation orders for nearly two million people, many of whom had not recovered from Hurricane Helene. Joe Biden, calling Milton one of the most destructive hurricanes in Florida's history, has urged residents to heed local warnings.