Spotlight
Spring 2026
Letter from our Director
Springtime is the peak of World Renew Disaster Response Services (DRS) activity as we mobilize spring break groups and long-term volunteer teams to repair homes across North America. As volunteers engage in this ministry, I’m reminded of Jesus’ teaching that if we remain in him and him in us, we will bear much fruit (Jn 15:5).
As DRS partners with disaster-impacted communities, we often place high value on the tangible results of home repairs, like new floors or drywall. But fruit is also borne when homeowners feel relief from newfound safety or find peace after ongoing challenges. For Michael and Donna, DRS homeowners, this fruit has produced new hope in their lives.
Amid lots of volunteerism, and as you read about Michael and Donna in our Spring Spotlight, I pray we remember our ultimate source of hope: Jesus himself, shining through the ministry of World Renew. Your support makes these stories of hope possible. Thank you.
Chris Gibson Director Disaster Response Services
On September 27, 2024, Michael, Melissa, and Jaquan were unaware of Hurricane Helene’s oncoming fury in North Carolina.
On September 27, 2024, Michael, Melissa, and Jaquan were unaware of Hurricane Helene’s oncoming fury in North Carolina. In the middle of the night, the family was awoken by Michael’s sister, who lived in a trailer on the family’s property. “There is flooding nearby; we need to evacuate!” To their surprise, Hurricane Helene’s intense rainfall had caused the nearby Cane River to rise 20 feet.
Running downstairs, the family saw the rushing floodwaters nearby. But the road to escape was already flooded. They were unsure of what else to do, but quickly grabbed important documents and ran up a nearby hill. The family fearfully awaited safety for hours, and even witnessed their panicked neighbors float away on what was once their home’s roof.
Thankfully, the river never rose to the hill, and the family survived. While their home withstood the strong floodwaters, everything in it was destroyed, and the house was unlivable. Heading into the winter of 2025, more than a year later, Michael’s family and many others nearby were still living in
trailers while trying to recover from Hurricane Helene.
When a local recovery organization, the Beacon Network, learned about World Renew Disaster Response Services (DRS), they called on volunteers to winterize trailers for Michael’s family and others. DRS volunteers traveled to North Carolina to install skirting and insulation on 12 trailers for families who were still displaced by Hurricane Helene. “This gives me such relief going into the winter,” Michael, the Navy veteran said. “The flood was terrifying, and we are still recovering. But having a safe and warm place for my family is a gift. Thank you.”
The Southeast United States was just recovering from Category 4 Hurricane Helene’s destruction when warning came about Hurricane Milton nearing landfall in the fall of 2024. With less than two weeks between the storms, Milton struck Western Florida with a toppling nine-foot storm surge, 20 inches of rain, and 90 mph winds in the hardest-hit areas.
In South Sarasota County, Donna could hardly believe her unlucky circumstances. Because
of Milton’s excessive rain, the roof of her double-wide trailer leaked, causing damage throughout her home. Frozen in grief from recently losing her late husband, who suffered from dementia, she was unable to solve the problems caused by the hurricane for some time. Eventually, Donna mustered up the strength to contact a contractor for a repair estimate. Unfortunately, she realized she could not afford the costly repairs. But God was making a way when she couldn’t see it. In his kindness, the contractor helped Donna contact the Sarasota Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG), which was assisting those in the community affected by natural disasters.
When the LTRG learned about her situation, Donna was quickly added to their reconstruction case load for Hurricane Milton recovery beginning in the fall of 2025. With funding from the American Red Cross, DRS volunteers worked hard repairing floors, walls, and more throughout Donna’s kitchen and bathroom. At a Last Nail Ceremony, she was finally able to celebrate overcoming the hurricane and the restoration of her home.
