Brittany Farrell has a great article in Family North Carolina magazine about the response by North Carolina citizens to help those affected by Hurricane Helene. She describes the doctrinal concept of ordo amaris that suggests we must first help those closest to us.
She particularly discusses Baptists on Mission (formerly NC Baptist Men), Samaritan’s Purse; and Operation Helo– the valiant helicopter initiative to rescue and otherwise get help to those trapped.
It was an awesome effort to get relief to those who desperately needed it; and it vastly outperformed the meager, nominal governmental responses.
Even now, there are numerous Amish from points further north building homes and outbuildings for those affected in western North Carolina. That is a special love for others because they are not from our region:
🚨#BREAKING: Chimney Rock NC officials confirm that 50 people from the Pennsylvania Amish community have been rotating in to help the town rebuild EVERY SINGLE WEEK… FOR MONTHS!!!
— Matt Van Swol (@matt_vanswol) June 20, 2025
Officials also say the Amish have REFUSED to be paid for their labor.
GOD BLESS THE AMISH!!!! pic.twitter.com/Yc3LXJM8cP
What a beautiful story of love and Christian charity.
It really is, Fred, and the work continues…