
Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers complete a job request during response efforts in Newport last fall. — Photo by Chris Turner
I like Monty Burks. He’s a government man who truly gets it.
Monty is the deputy director of Governor Bill Lee’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative. This was the second time he represented the governor at meetings held at First Baptist Church of Greeneville, where passionate, like-minded individuals gathered to collaborate on relief efforts for those affected by the devastating flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in East Tennessee.
Monty is a man of faith and has been serving in government for 12 years. Yet, he understands that government can never fully accomplish what God’s people can through the local church.
He visited God’s Warehouse, a ministry of the Nolachucky Baptist Association, after the relief group’s initial meeting last fall. The experience left a lasting impression on him.
“I saw faith in action,” he said. “I saw so many people from so many different churches doing so much work that government is not built to do. I’m thankful for the work you do. I’ve never seen such a massive operation run by so few people, where the driving factor was their faith, heart, and love for others.”
Monty is right. Government entities can aid in recovery and rebuilding — so too can local churches. But a local body of believers, serving as ambassadors of Christ during the worst disasters, can also minister the gospel, which is the greatest message of hope.
Last fall, as communities reeled from unprecedented devastation, Hurricane Helene’s flooding marked East Tennessee’s most staggering disaster. Who could have anticipated a hurricane striking the mountains?
Yet amid the chaos, a resolute determination emerged as laypeople, pastors, directors of missions, Tennessee Baptist Mission Board staff, disaster relief representatives, and organizations such as Appalachian Service Project gathered to act swiftly after the waters receded.
Last week, pastors shared stories of those helped, like a family who lost their home fostering multiple children. Or an elderly couple whose long driveway to their isolated house was washed out, impacting the husband’s access to life-saving dialysis treatments. Some individuals whose homes were destroyed now live in tents as winter temperatures drop over the mountains, while others in trailers recently endured frozen pipes during a cold snap. Over three months later, many remain without electricity.
The situation is dire. It’s painfully bad.
“But God…”
That’s one of my favorite phrases in the Bible. When all hope seems lost, when circumstances could not appear darker — “But God.” Nothing is beyond His power to redeem.
The atmosphere in the room brightened as pastors shared testimonies of how God had worked through His people. Stories of homes being rebuilt or restored. Coats and socks rapidly being donated when needs arose. Endless examples of financial contributions pouring in from across Tennessee and the nation. Building materials have even arrived unsolicited on flatbed trucks from as far as Idaho.
And most importantly, many people have come to faith in Jesus Christ thanks to the unwavering witness of God’s people serving in His name. Through it all, Tennessee Baptists have continued to rise to the challenge of alleviating damage, loss, pain, and grief for their neighbors. As Monty said, the driving force behind the church is their faith and love for others.
However, Tennessee Baptists, it is critical that we keep our focus until the mission is complete. While news cycles have moved on, thousands of Tennesseans continue to wake each day facing the devastating aftermath of this disaster. We must remain steadfast.
Here are some practical ways you can help:
- Financial Contributions: Donate through Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief at TNDisasterRelief.org.
- Get Hands-On: Help rebuild homes in East Tennessee, adopt a family in need, or, if your church is located nearby, host volunteers coming to assist (details at TNDisasterRelief.org/ariseandbuild).
- Prepare for the Future: Pursue disaster relief training now to be ready when future crises occur (TNDisasterRelief.org).
- Need Guidance? Send an email to drelief@tnbaptist.org.
The situation remains bleak, but there is hope. The church of Jesus Christ shines brightly when it runs toward the darkness, bearing the light of help and hope for those in need. B&R


