DART Newsletter
October 2024
Greetings DART Members,
I am writing this letter in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene that swept across the southeastern U.S. beginning on Thursday, Sept. 26. My heart goes out to all our friends and colleagues who have been impacted by this devastating storm. Please know that we are praying for you that you will find comfort and strength in this challenging time. We also are praying for the church that it will rise as a beacon of hope to shine brightly for Christ.
Sometimes, it's in the most difficult circumstances that God begins to write something beautiful. We need to be attentive for the divine moments given to us. I once heard a reflection on the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10 that suggested the Samaritan chose to see his encounter with the man lying on the side of the road as an opportunity rather than an obstacle.
As DART members, you know what it's like to step into difficult situations and offer help to those in need. Our work often places us alongside individuals experiencing unimaginable pain, but it is in these moments that we have the opportunity to demonstrate God's love and compassion.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven”
While you wait for the next deployment, I encourage you to look for opportunities to extend God's love right where you are—in your neighborhood, workplace, school, and with your family and friends.
In Christ,
Katrina Annunziello International Disaster Response Director, Samaritan's Purse Canada
Hurricane Helene Response
Hurricane Helene tore through western North Carolina dumping massive rainfall and causing catastrophic flash flooding. Samaritan’s Purse is responding by providing relief in Watauga County, North Carolina, home to our international headquarters in the town of Boone, along with five other locations across four states. The town and surrounding communities have been particularly hard-hit with toppled trees, flooding, road damage, and a lack of power and water. Samaritan’s Purse has aided in the following relief efforts:
- AIR MISSIONS: Over 350 missions delivered basic necessities to isolated communities in 17 counties.
- WASH: Three water point establishments produced over 330,900 liters of water; 3,200 jerry cans were distributed.
- MEDICAL: A Tier 1 Emergency Field Hospital staffed by DART personnel was set up and provided emergency room triage surge support to a local hospital; oxygen tents filled 1,000 bottles of oxygen.
- NON-FOOD ITEMS: 3,200 generators, 12,900 blankets, 15,900 solar lights, and 1,900 propane heaters were distributed.
U.S. Disaster Relief
Additionally, our U.S. Disaster Relief team has been mobilizing volunteers to help families begin to recover from the storm. Thousands of volunteers have already helped scores of families by cleaning debris, mudding out flooded homes, tarping roofs, and cutting up downed trees.
Click here to learn more about our ongoing efforts to serve those impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Vietnam Response
Typhoon Yagi caused severe flooding and landslides throughout northern Vietnam after it made landfall on Sept. 7. It is the strongest storm to hit Vietnam in three decades and resulted in 291 deaths and over 1,900 injures. The Vietnamese government expressed an urgent need for food and various non-food items. The Samaritan's Purse country office there is responding in several provinces by distributing jerry buckets, water filters, solar lights, kitchen sets, blankets, food bags, hygiene kits, and more. Four international DART staff members have deployed to support the country office as they serve those impacted by the storm. As they continue to journey to the far reaches of Vietnam to distribute more aid, please pray for the safety of our staff, partners, and local residents. Pray also that the supplies will reach the hands of those who need it most.
Czech Republic Response
Central Europe received a year's worth of rain in just a couple of days in mid-September. Communities in the river valleys were heavily damaged, and roads, bridges, and rail access were cut off due to flash flooding. Samaritan's Purse sent a small international team to the Czech Republic—two each from the U.S., Germany, and the U.K.—to assist local churches as they mobilized their response. The team was able to provide churches with supplies needed to clean and dry homes, and they joined in the labor effort so pastors could build relationships with homeowners. Samaritan's Purse Germany is now coordinating trauma-healing training in the impacted communities where the team served. Please pray that God will continue working to open the hearts and minds of people throughout the flood zone, while also encouraging Christians to be faithful witnesses of their hope in Jesus. Pray for the pastors who are exhausted from their efforts but still encouraged to see people they have tried to reach for years now open to conversations.
Upcoming Trainings
- Food Program Manager: Nov. 18–21, 2024, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina
- Shelter Training: Nov. 19–22, 2024, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina
If you were hired for one of these roles or have the preferred skills/experience listed, express interest in attending here!