3 minute read
Faithful Hearts Rebuild Valdosta Campus
In late September, Hurricane Helene made its mark on Georgia, and The Methodist Home’s Valdosta campus was directly in its path. Our preparations began days in advance, but no one could have fully predicted the damage the storm would bring. On September 27, 2024, we received word our Valdosta campus had sustained significant damage, particularly to our office and cottage buildings, as well as our generator. Thankfully, the girls residing on campus were safely relocated before the storm hit.
Our hearts were heavy as we assessed the damage, but we knew help was on the way! The United Methodist Church Emergency Response Team, along with volunteers from Pierce Chapel Global Methodist Church, Midland Church, Beulah Bible Church, and many others, mobilized quickly. These selfless individuals worked tirelessly to clear fallen trees, tarp the roofs, and began the long process to recovery.
Despite the damage, our spirits were lifted by the overwhelming support of our community. The words of Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think,” became our rallying cry. Volunteers from Hurtsboro, Alabama and other places arrived with heavy equipment to assist in debris removal, and with their help, we began to see real progress. Power and water were restored to the campus on October 5, a big step forward! While our Valdosta campus was being repaired, our girls found temporary refuge in Macon, where they were warmly welcomed and even treated to a special shopping trip since most of their belongings still remained in Valdosta. The staff, despite facing personal challenges from the storm, remained steadfast in their dedication to the children in our care.
On October 16, 2024, the girls returned home to Valdosta! With the insurance deductible covered and enough funds raised to replace roofs and repair other storm related damages, we are well on our way to a full recovery. The outpouring of prayers, donations, and physical assistance from our community and beyond has been nothing short of miraculous.
We are deeply thankful for every individual who came to our aid. From the emergency responders, to the kind donors who helped us meet our $25,000 insurance deductible, your contributions have been invaluable. We give all glory to God for the incredible community He has surrounded us with and for seeing us through this challenging time.
While our journey is not yet over, we are grateful to know we have YOUR love and support. With your continued prayers and assistance, the girls and staff returned to a safe, loving environment where they can heal, grow, and thrive once again.
