For those who don’t know, Adventures in Missions had a gap squad in the Swannanoa Valley, just east of Asheville in North Carolina, during the hurricane. It is a miracle they survived. A million testimonies exist about God’s provision and grace through this tragedy. In three days, AIM raised $40,000 for relief and supplies for the racers. And by a miracle, all the racers who lost their passports in the hurricane managed to expedite new ones on time.
Our CGA class had an ownership week, meaning we had to choose something that built up the Kingdom. Half of our class decided to go to North Carolina to help with hurricane relief.
AIM has a disaster relief branch and is trying to establish a long-term operation in NC. One of our goals was to come alongside them and set them up well. The other was to try and help the community in any way possible. We worked with Churches and distribution centers in and around ground 0.
What was wild to me was how drastically the community came together. A shopping mall parking lot became a food distribution center run by churches and families. Where anyone could go and get a free meal. Churches and schools became warehouses full of water bottles, toiletries, and dried food. And all these people who weren’t “qualified” to run these things were running them. The pastors of the churches became logistics coordinators, and teachers became distribution managers. People just saw the need, said yes, and took a leap of faith.
What saddened me was that it took a natural disaster to get a community to that point. Watching the community love and care for each other was a perfect example of the body of Christ: people just loving and supporting strangers without asking for anything in return. There are aspects where the average American church loves well, but we can step up.
I talked to one family who lived on a cattle farm in Missouri, but they felt the call of the Lord. So they took their whole family—aunts, Uncles, and Cousins—and four RVs and tons of beef and drove to NC. They were cooking and serving premium burgers for free in this parking lot. I asked the Mom of this family why they were here, and she said they felt the lord pull their hearts to NC, and they knew they had abundance, so they thought it would be wrong if they didn’t share with those in need.
Other than this specific week, classes have been going well. We read about emotionally healthy spirituality. At the beginning of the semester, we dug into theology. And now we are figuring out what to do with it. What does that mean for you specifically? How does the Gospel affect Drew McKinney? And what does he do with it?
I love you all. Thanks so much for your support over the past year.
-Drew McKinney
P.S. I am still fundraising and need $1000 more to be fully funded. If you feel called, here is the link.
So thankful you got this experience of serving in your own backyard. Love you.
ACTS 2! ACTS 4! the modern church can and should be doing early church things. This is the Gospel in motion!
You may have met our college friends, he is the pastor of first baptist swannonoa there
I know this made quite an impression on you. Glad you were able to help!
❤️you!
Wow, your stories of the outpouring of love to the communities in NC brings tears to my eyes. So glad you could be a part of seeing the hands and feet of Christ at work there.
Patty B
Dear Drew, it’s always a treat to get your blog. I really like the idea of your “ownership” week to build up the Kingdom. Your description of the body of Christ coming together to serve is moving and I’m thankful you could experience it first hand. Looking forward to seeing you at Thanksgiving!!! Give Kevin a hug from cousin Jan. 😘