Dr. Pam Davis

Just three weeks ago, at the beginning of a new school year, we gathered as a community at our Charlotte campus feeling hope for all that God had in store for us in the coming weeks and months. We did not anticipate that our hope would soon be co-mingled with heartbreak following the tragedy of Hurricane Helene. Some of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni are experiencing prolonged periods without power, water, cell phone, or internet. Some lost their homes, their cars, and perhaps most poignantly: their sense of safety. Some experienced what they call a miracle—watching houses nearby be swept away in a mudslide, while their house alone was spared. Some are still waiting to be evacuated by helicopter to a safer place. Some are anxiously waiting to hear from loved ones in the affected area; cell phone service is spotty.

Truly, hope and heartbreak mingled together mirrors the essence of the gospel that changes our lives. Helene is a life-changing event for many. Some will begin to count time as “before Helene” and “after Helene.” Where then is hope in the midst of such heartbreak? It is only in the hope of God, who is our refuge and strength. He is still El Roi, the God who sees (Gen. 16:13). For those who are experiencing the devastation of Helene, we know that he has counted the number of hairs on your head. He is bottling your tears. He knows every detail about your situation.

For those in the Gordon-Conwell community specifically, we see you too. We see that you are longing for help, unable to concentrate, wondering about your future, and leaning into your past experiences of trust in El Roi, the God who sees. We are here for you, supporting you, and praying for you and volunteering our time and resources to aid in the recovery efforts.

For those who were not directly impacted, here are specific ways to help:

• Donate cash. The most effective way to offer help is to donate financially, because this allows immediate needs to be addressed and provides flexibility for the relief organization. Be sure to do your research before donating so that you choose a reputable organization. At Gordon-Conwell, we have established a Benevolence Fund that will be disbursed specifically to Gordon-Conwell students impacted by Hurricane Helene. You can donate to this fund here. (For donations for general relief, some reliable agencies can be found here and here.)
• Donate your time and skills. The relief and recovery efforts will be ongoing for an extended period. Consider how you might join in clean-up and rebuilding efforts, or provide counseling, or offer a pastoral presence for survivors.  Recovery will take a long time, so volunteers will still be needed three and six months from now.
• Stay Informed. On-the-ground needs immediately after a disaster can change rapidly. What is true today may not be true tomorrow. Staying updated as the situation unfolds will help you know how best to donate, volunteer, and pray.
• Pray. Perhaps this sounds obvious, but prayer is a powerful way to support those who found themselves in Helene’s path. Pray individually. Pray collectively. Pray for the physical and emotional needs of both survivors and relief workers. Pray for spiritual refreshment and for people to experience Christ in a new way. Pray for the rebuilding of communities. Pray that funds will be used wisely and with integrity.

As we wait and pray and support each other, may we consciously hold hope and heartbreak together, reminding ourselves that God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea (Psalm 46:1-2).  He knows and he sees. He is our hope!

Dr. Pam Davis is an associate professor and director of graduate programs in counseling at the Charlotte campus. She is a licensed clinical mental health counselor supervisor and a registered play therapist supervisor. She has had the heart-wrenching opportunity to provide disaster relief in communities across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.