Roan Park Baptist receives $400,000 grant after Helene havoc

Note: This story is a follow-up to the article “Parking Lot Is Gone, but Hope Remains in Place,” written by the B&R last November. The story can be viewed here.

After dipping into their savings to repave their parking lot, the members of Roan Park Baptist watched the investment wash away during Hurricane Helene last September.

ROAN MOUNTAIN — Two weeks after Roan Park Baptist Church spent $20,000 from its savings to pave its parking lot, Hurricane Helene’s floodwaters washed it all away.

The small congregation of about 15 members now faces a different future — one funded by a $400,000 grant from Samaritan’s Purse that will help rebuild not just their parking lot, but their entire ministry.

“We’re hoping to rebuild the church and then rebuild the congregation,” said Jerry Moore, a deacon coordinating repair efforts at the church. [Read more…]

Brentwood Baptist volunteers rebuild home

ERWIN — The rain had been relentless for days as Hurricane Helene swept through in late September last year.

Bryan Nicholas and his girlfriend watched as water levels rose, transforming their familiar yard into a treacherous landscape.

By 10:30 the next morning, the Nolichucky River had swollen to waist depth. [Read more…]