Damage in Asheville, NC from Hurricane Helene

Western NC Disaster Relief Trip This December

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By Mark Brosch and John Osberg

Many of you have expressed an interest in volunteering your time and talents to help the victims of Hurricane Helene.   Though we are beginning the holiday season, and it is obviously not the best time of year to plan time away from home.  But there are so many victims suffering every day now, in so many ways, and in so many places because of the disaster it is a bit daunting to figure out where the best place for us to serve is.  The answer to the question of when the best time to help is obvious:  ASAP!

We have decided that to make the greatest impact, and to immediately help at least some of those struggling, we are organizing a trip to North Carolina Wednesday, December 4 through Sunday, December 8.  Some volunteers may chose to leave early Thursday morning instead.  We have been invited to stay at Lutherock Camp and Conference Center at Newland, North Carolina (near Banner Elk/Boone, NC). The travel time is about 5 1/2 hours. We are fast-tracking this effort knowing there are many details still needing to be firmed up.

The Lutherock Camp itself has received significant damage from Hurricane Helene. It is estimated that over 2,000 trees were downed.  In addition, considerable damage was done to various buildings including the retreat center and the office building.  But the camp can accommodate, and is able to adequately function, for disaster response teams now.  We are focusing on this volunteer opportunity for two main reasons:

  • First, until the damage repairs are substantially completed, Lutherock will be unable to operate the camp facility for the hundreds of campers that are already scheduled to arrive in the spring.  They envision many of the campers will also be helping provide disaster recovery services to the community.  (FYI – Over 50 youth organizations have contacted Novusway, the owner of Lutherock, Lutheridge and Lutheranch, regarding volunteer opportunities for over 700 young adults.).
  • Second, Novusway is working with Lutheran Disaster Response (Carolinas) to provide lodging for volunteers coming to the Asheville/Boone area to help with overall disaster recovery efforts.  Please read the description below provided by Novusway.
All the details are not flushed out yet, but here is what is known at this time:
  • In attempt to beat the first snow, a trip is planned for leaving the afternoon of Wednesday, December 4th (or early morning Thursday, December 5th) returning Sunday, December 8th.
  • The biggest need seems to be for assistance with tree removal.  Also needed are volunteers to do drywall work, painting, laminate flooring installation and deck repair.  A complete work list will be provided as the date approaches and the number of volunteers is known.
  • There will be some cost for food and lodging.  We will provide that information as soon as it is known.

Please prayerfully consider volunteering to help Lutherock recover from the ravages of Hurricane Helene.  It was severely damaged but will, with God’s help and servants like us, be ready to host campers in the spring and other sorely needed disaster response volunteers.  We need your expression of interest and availability! 

Listening to God, 

Mark Brosch  + John Osberg 

Email the church office to get connected with Mark or John
 

Note from Novusway Camps:
Dear Camp Friends,
We remain overwhelmed by the realities of this situation, including what our staff and neighbors are experiencing. Today, we can finally share with you that we have been working closely with Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) Carolinas since Sunday to partner in providing disaster response efforts based out of both Lutheridge and Lutherock. This will be for groups of adults, college students, and youth. This won’t simply be summer groups, but year-round opportunities for years to come – as that will be needed. LDR is in this for the long haul and so are we!
Our goal is to provide a place apart that serves as a base camp for groups to do disaster work throughout Western NC. Logistics are forthcoming, and we are confident it will happen. We have been doing this type of work through our Luther Springs camp in Florida for years.