Wesleyan district superintendents throughout the Southeastern United States have been assessing Hurricane Helene’s impact throughout the weekend. The North Carolina West District has reported the most significant and widespread damage. Impact among the other districts varies.
In response to reported damages and awareness of immediate and long-term needs, General Superintendent Wayne Schmidt has activated the Wesleyan Emergency Relief Fund (WERF).
“Wesleyan churches and individuals are asking how they can help,” said Dr. Schmidt, “and we are better able to coordinate assistance to and through district superintendents and their district leaders after their initial assessment of where and what emergency relief is needed.
“Wesleyan district leaders are focusing on urgent relief measures including community provision distribution, immediate structural repairs and debris removal.”
North Carolina District Superintendent Jerry Lumston reports: “We have already sent several pickup loads of relief … Other districts and churches are already providing news of collecting supplies to distribute — we are blessed to be part of such a close-knit family of believers. Our greatest need is prayer support for the many who have had their lives altered by loss and who need signs of encouragement and assurance of God’s care for them.”
All WERF donations go directly to The Wesleyan Church districts. To give, go to https://wes.life/WERF-Helene.
District leaders, when able, are providing updates to www.wesleyan.org/helene.
Janelle Vernon is the executive director of Communication and Administration of The Wesleyan Church.
