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Video: ‘Look what God can do’

Video and photos by Annette Spence, Holston Conference; produced by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

An East Tennessee pastor says God guided her congregation to respond to the needs of families displaced by Hurricane Helene. The Rev. Sarah Varnell, pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church, says the church’s response started small and has grown into a community-wide effort, with the church becoming a safe place for people to come and get supplies. “Look what God can do,” she said.

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Elias Torres cleans up flood damage from Hurricane Helene at Cedar Key (Fla.) United Methodist Church. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News. 

Florida churches begin Helene recovery efforts

United Methodists across the southeastern U.S. are responding in communities that were devastated by Hurricane Helene. UM News photographer Mike DuBose traveled with church leaders and relief workers in Florida this week to document as they began assessing damage and planning relief efforts.
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A view of Valle Crucis United Methodist Church in Valle Crucis, N.C., shows water over the stairs of the entryway after flooding caused by Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina and other parts of the southeastern United States last week. Bishop Ken Carter, who leads the Western North Carolina Conference, said it’s estimated that more than half of the 44 counties in the annual conference have been affected. Photo courtesy of the Western North Carolina Conference. 

United Methodists offer relief after Helene

Church members are beginning the long, slow recovery following Helene’s devastating storm surge and flooding in the southeastern U.S. Conferences are busy supporting survivors.
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Violence
At least 100 people, including eight United Methodists, have been killed in fighting in Goma, Congo, between the Congolese armed forces and the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. The security situation has continued to deteriorate since the M23’s major offensive on Jan. 23. Image courtesy of Google Maps.

United Methodists killed in Congo conflict
At least 100 people, including eight United Methodists, were killed in fighting in Goma between the Congolese armed forces and the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels.
Disaster Relief
Women receive food during a distribution operation in Beni, Congo. With a United Methodist Committee on Relief grant, more than 125 tons of food rations, hygiene products and other supplies were distributed to families who fled their homes due to unrest in the country. Photo courtesy of the East Congo Episcopal Area disaster management office.

Church responds to humanitarian crisis in Congo
With financial support from UMCOR, more than 12,000 people displaced by conflict received food and other needed supplies.
Participants of the Healing through Art Therapy and the Word of God ministry proudly display the artwork they created. Photo courtesy of the Michigan Conference.

Art therapy ministry helps heal
Artist Contreda Navarro-Jewell is using her talents and teaching skills to provide art therapy in Detroit area churches. A member of Hope United Methodist Church in Southfield, Mich., Navarro-Jewell teaches children there and has served as the art director for the district’s Urban Methodist Youth Camp during the summer.

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