Contributed
Contributed
Contributed
Contributed
Adventist World Aviation Responds to Hurricane Helene Crisis
While family often begins with those a person grows up with, some of the most cherished family connections are those each one chooses — friends who become like siblings, or strangers who show up during a crisis and become part of one’s life story. Hurricane Helene was one such crisis that brought unexpected “family” together in profound ways.
After forging new relationships at EAA in Oshkosh, Wis., and the 2024 Believe the Promise Camporee, Adventist World Aviation (AWA) came home to a shifting season — one that included hurricanes. While Hurricane Debby had already impacted the region in August, no one anticipated her “relatives,” Helene and Milton, to follow so closely behind.
Hurricane Helene, which struck western North Carolina on September 26, 2024, as a Category 4 storm, caused catastrophic damage. The Asheville area bore the brunt on September 27, with millions in property damage and loss of life. Families were stranded in mountain towns without essential supplies, and roads, power lines, and communication infrastructure were obliterated. The devastation mirrored the great flood of 1916, which left western North Carolina in ruins.
Recognizing the urgency, AWA’s leadership connected with social media networks of volunteer pilots and relief agencies. After two agonizing days, the call came: supplies were needed in areas unreachable by road. AWA leaped into action, using the Pathfinder Cessna 206 and a trainer Cessna 172, to deliver aid across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Volunteer and staff pilots Dion Viventi; Deyvid Batista, pastor; Shasha Zhang; Mark Roblee; and Jarrett Moss worked tirelessly for 12 days, flying late into the night and through weekends.
In collaboration with other agencies, AWA pilots transported more than 3,500 pounds of relief supplies daily. Items included water, baby formula, diapers, canned and dried goods, warm clothing, medical supplies, blankets, and even a generator. Relief efforts extended to airports in Banner Elk, Asheville, Franklin, Sylva, and Mountain City, among others.
The headlines tell only part of the story:
• “Water returns to some areas in Asheville; some west NC students back in school.”
• “Helene destroyed 80% of Asheville’s River Arts District.”
• “Volunteers bring solar power to Hurricane Helene’s disaster zone.”
• “Fayetteville farmer donates pumpkin patch proceeds to Helene relief efforts.”
These headlines reflect the resilience of those affected and the efforts of volunteers. But, beyond the statistics lies a deeper truth: each person served is part of the human family. As AWA staff reflected on their mission, they were reminded of Matthew 22:39: “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” This philosophy, combining philos and agape love, fuels their work and ministry.
AWA continues to step out in faith, meeting the needs of those impacted by disasters like Hurricane Helene. Your support makes this work possible. Please consider donating to AWA’s Disaster Response fund to help sustain these vital efforts. Thank you for being part of this family.
Carolina | February 2025
Comments are closed.