10/10/2024
Warning: This is a graphic story and should be read with that expectation. also very long encounter and recap of our mission trip.
I recently returned from a relief mission in North Carolina, and after a couple of days of winding down and reflecting, I felt ready to recount the events we experienced. It’s amazing what just one day in a disaster zone can do to you—how much it can affect your heart and mind. The journey was filled with challenges, disheartening moments, and times of profound impact.
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On our first day, we faced delays en route, and we didn’t arrive at our base until around 3 p.m. Once there, we quickly dropped off our load and set up camp. Abby Culley and her husband, who had been tasked with managing the camp, did an incredible job. Their leadership was flawless, giving us a solid base of operations to work from.
Once the U-Haul was unloaded, we transferred the supplies into smaller vehicles and headed west over the mountain. As we ventured further, the extent of the damage started to reveal itself. When we reached Black Mountain, we were surprised at the lack of visible destruction, especially considering how badly other areas had been affected. In fact, the overwhelming presence of supplies and support in the area left us feeling unsure of how to help. Despite the flooding, Black Mountain seemed well-stocked with resources. It felt like we weren’t being very productive, so we moved on.
Our lack of GPS signal led us to spend much of that time driving aimlessly, searching for where we could help. We headed a few miles down the road to Swannanoa. But again, the area seemed flooded with support—literally and figuratively. Everywhere we turned, parking lots were packed with supplies, and there was no shortage of help. It left us in complete awe, wondering where we could make the most impact.
We finally came across a more heavily affected area in Swannanoa, though most of the destruction was to businesses rather than homes. We spoke with workers, law enforcement, and residents, trying to find where our supplies were needed most. Despite the visible damage, the community appeared well-supported. Almost everyone we asked turned down our offer for supplies—except for two or three people who accepted. It was disheartening to have brought so much, only to feel like our efforts were not making a difference.
As we continued through the area, even the residential neighborhoods we encountered had minimal water damage. The main issues were downed trees and power outages. I personally stopped at two houses to offer supplies, even a generator, but everyone politely declined. This was thanks to the generous donation of generators from Stewart Equipment, and yet there seemed to be no one who needed them in that part of town.
After a few hours of feeling useless, we headed back to camp, discouraged. Along the way, we saw a large parking lot filled with ATVs, dirt bikes, and a convoy of vehicles. We were curious about where they were headed, but it was getting dark, and we couldn’t stop to ask. It wasn’t until we got back to camp and regained a GPS signal that we realized the road behind us led to a dam that had broken, wreaking havoc on homes down the side of the mountain. Unfortunately, with no GPS earlier, we had been driving blind and missed the very place where we could have been most useful.
That night, we gathered for dinner, prepared by Abby Culley, and took some time to pray and regroup. We made the decision to shift our focus to Burnsville in the morning, as it became increasingly clear that’s where we would be needed most. We packed up the next day and didn’t hit the road until around 11 a.m. after delays and a final supply drop in Swannanoa.
We also planned to stop in Mars Hill along our route to drop off supplies to childhood friends, Jessica Cole and Chad Cole They weren’t in need of supplies for themselves but were planning to distribute them to other families in the area. Their selflessness and desire to help their community reinforced our mission.
When we finally arrived in Burnsville, it became immediately clear we had made the right decision to come. We had intended to stop at the Save More grocery store, but the parking lot was packed, so we parked next door at a Mexican restaurant. As soon as we pulled in, I spotted a man walking by. I jumped out of the vehicle and asked, “Hey man, do you need some supplies?” He looked at me with a weary expression and said, “I could use some things, but I just walked eight miles to get here and can’t carry much.” I explained that we had care packages designed to be easily carried, but then he added, “Actually, I’m trying to find a generator for my dad. He’s on oxygen and can’t leave the house because the driveway is washed out.”
At that moment, we all knew we were meant to be there. Without hesitation, we loaded the generator into one of the trucks and took the man with us. Two of our trucks headed out, while the rest of the convoy stayed behind to organize supplies. As we made our way to his house, we encountered a roadblock by the military and had to take a detour, which added an extra 10 to 15 miles to our route.
When we finally reached the man’s house, which sat along Jack’s Creek, we could see the destruction. What had once been a small creek had turned into a 50-foot-wide, raging river during the storm. After crossing the creek and delivering the generator, the man told us he had been down to his last bit of oxygen and hadn’t slept in a week, afraid he wouldn’t wake up. He was profoundly grateful because now his electric oxygen supply would keep him safe.
It was moments like this that reminded us why we were there—to be the hands and feet of Jesus and help those in dire need.
As we headed back to meet the rest of the team, we stopped at a small fire department where locals told us that the most impacted area was on the other side of the mountain. They advised us to use our ATVs to get there since the roads were impassable for trucks. They also warned us about the dangers of descending the mountain in trucks, as another supply truck had lost its brakes and crashed the day before. We heeded their advice and unloaded the ATVs at the top of the mountain.
As soon as we descended into the valley, the first thing we saw was a helicopter sitting in the middle of the cross street and a river that was now 2000 feet wide. In the center of the river was the supply truck that had lost its brakes, launched nearly 1000 feet into the ravine. The floodwaters had transformed the Kaine River, which was normally 15 to 20 feet wide, into this massive expanse. Fortunately, the family in the truck—a man, his wife, and their two children—had been rescued by a military helicopter with no injuries. It wasn't until we were on our way home that we learned that Cameron Lawrence's old unit from his military days was in the helicopter platoon that saved the truck that plunged into the ravine. Had he still been serving, he would have been in that very helicopter. It felt like divine timing that he was instead there with us, helping on the ground.
There was a small church nearby, which had started receiving supplies two days before our arrival. Military personnel were on site to help unload helicopters delivering aid. After speaking with them, we headed further east to an area completely devastated by the storm. The road had been washed away, leaving a 20-50-foot drop where there used to be a double-lane highway. We couldn’t comprehend the magnitude of the damage until we later reviewed GPS satellite images of what the area used to look like.
We reached a bridge that was mostly gone, with just about a quarter of it remaining. Standing there, we noticed people digging under the remains of the bridge. when we spoke to them they informed us that they had found an arm and a finger just before we arrived and were searching for more bodies. they also informed us that the day before, a mother and her two twin children had been found dead not far from that spot. The holes and shovels used to dig them out were still remaining. It was heart-wrenching to think that the mother had done everything in her power to save her children. The flood had carried them at least 5 miles ( based on the only no longer existing houses up stream via Google maps of the location) from their home and through all that they were still found together, a testament to a mother's fight and to the ferocity of the storm.
As we looked around, it became apparent that the partial “dirt road” we were standing on wasn’t a dirt road at all. It had once been a paved, double-yellow-lined street, completely wiped away by the floodwaters. Unless you were familiar with the area, you would never know there had been a road there which we didn't until afterward looking at arials. in a couple aerial pics that I posted you can see what is completely gone via the highlighted areas. That road would have been Hunting Dale Rd.
We spoke with a search and rescue team who asked if we would join them in trying to reach some families on the other side of the mountain just around the bend from that location but we would have to go over the Mtn. Fallen trees had blocked their SUVs, but our ATVs could get through. We rode the ATVs while others hiked, and some of their team were on horseback, but when we reached the river, we realized it was impossible to cross. The search and rescue team would have to find another way to reach those homes and we had no choice but to depart their group, unfortunately.
The 2000-foot-wide river, during the storm had washed away everything in its path. It was hard to imagine how anyone in those homes could have prepared for such a disaster. In some places, the road had been level with the water, but now there were sheer 50-foot drops into the ravine and rivers and streams had formed new streams and creeks in completely different areas.
After hours of navigating through the destroyed roads, we realized there was little else we could do. We returned to the small church, donated the rest of our ATV supplies, and helped unload a helicopter full of goods that came in for a landing while we were standing there. As we prepared to leave, the drive belt on one of our ATVs broke, stranding us. Fortunately, one of our other ATV was able to go to the truck and bring back the truck and a trailer to tow us back up the mountain.
On our way back to the convoy, two Dodge Durango’s all blacked out with government plates were in front of us and turned into that parking lot of save more as we were heading to the Mexican restaurant and had driven recklessly around the parking lot and then left. It struck us as strange, leading one of our team members to speculate that they might be associated with FEMA. When we finally made it back to the convoy, all the supplies had been distributed to families in need. We were also informed that the remaining items had been given to a small group to store and continue distributing.
While standing there recapping, something odd happened. A Blackhawk helicopter flew low overhead, and circled the parking lot of the save more on the hill above us several times as though they were looking to land, and then dipped down as if to land for a few seconds, only to rise again and circle some more and then fly away. We could see the chopper but not the stuff in the parking lot. We didn’t realize until later that it wasn’t trying to land—it was intentionally rotor-washing the supplies that had been donated in the parking lot, destroying them and scattering them across the parking lot. I have attached a video. It is not the one we took but it’s the same event. The local authorities are investigating, as there were no flight logs for that flight.
We've also learned that human trafficking in the area has surged to an all-time high since the storm. If you plan to travel there with children, please be extra vigilant. After returning home, we discovered something in one of our vehicles that may be connected to this issue, and we are currently working with authorities on the matter. Additionally, I came across a report from Spruce Pine, the neighboring town, where the school has confirmed that 163 children are still unaccounted for. Considering the size of the community and the school system, this is an astronomical number, raising deep concerns about the ongoing situation.
We were mentally and physically exhausted from the day’s events but knew that we had made a difference in the lives of those we had helped.
A Special Thank You:
There are so many people to thank who made this mission possible. First and foremost, to my amazing team—Abby Culley, John Cully, Cameron Lawrence, Guy Drake, Kathy Nicodemus, Maggie Haddock, Kevin Griffin, Doug Sutton, and Jenn Jump for all your effort—you all handled every challenge with incredible resolve. Abby Culley, your leadership at camp was nothing short of brilliant with organizing everything and cooking us a needed fresh hot meal.
A huge thank you to Chad Cole & Jessica Cole for organizing distribution in Mars Hill and ensuring the families in their area received the supplies they needed.
To our donors, including Stewart Equipment Co. Inc. for the generous donation of the generators, your contributions were life-saving, and we saw firsthand the impact you made.
To Shea Soliz-Argento, for stepping up and allowing me to delegate a huge amount of the workload, and to Joani Boileau Hrabe and my wife Serena Michelle Norton for being there with me at Cstone Church, packaging and organizing supplies the entire time. Your tireless effort made such a difference.
Thank you to Judy Westbrook Newsome, Heather English, Landria Villegas, and John Velazquez, who also came in to help, and to many others not directly connected with my social circle. Your support and willingness to pitch in were invaluable.
To the nearly 100 cars that dropped off probably close to $50,000 worth of donations and everyone who contributed to the monetary fund, which we didn’t think we’d need but ended up being a lifeline—thank you. Your generosity gave us the flexibility to continue supporting the mission in unexpected ways.
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Nathan with Blue Oak Affordable Tree Solutions LLC, located in Marion, NC. Nathan generously opened his home to a group of complete strangers, providing us with a safe place to stay during our mission. He offered power, water, and allowed us full access to his kitchen, laundry, and showers—comforts that were essential after long days in the field. Your kindness and hospitality made a world of difference, Nathan. You not only gave us a place to rest and recharge, but you welcomed us as if we were family. For that, we are incredibly grateful. Thank you for being such an integral part of this mission and for your generosity in a time when it was needed most.
In Burnsville, we were fortunate to meet up with Dillon Laws & Amanda Laws, a local friend and his wife who stepped in at the perfect time. Dillon’s knowledge of the area was invaluable, and he guided us to the other side of the mountain from Jack’s Creek, where we had previously delivered the generator. His familiarity with the terrain and conditions helped us navigate roads that would have otherwise been difficult, ensuring that we could reach even more families in need. It was moments like this that reminded us how crucial local connections are in times of crisis.
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to my childhood friends Dana Burton Alexander, John Dantone, Danielle Dantone, and Justin Metcalf for their continued efforts in helping the communities throughout Western North Carolina (WNC). They have been actively distributing supplies to the small towns across the region, working tirelessly to meet the needs of families in the most affected areas. This storm is unlike anything mountain folks have faced before, and their dedication to supporting those impacted has been nothing short of incredible. If anyone is looking for places to send supplies, please reach out to them, as they are boots on the ground and making a real difference where it’s needed most.
And lastly, to Cstone Church and their incredible staff—thank you for not only allowing us to use your facility, but for reaching out and asking us to use it, despite having never met me. Pastor Jake Korkian, you are in a class of your own, and I consider you a friend for life. Your heart for the people and the way you care for the community is truly inspiring. Thank you also for renting us the U-Haul when our supply drop got too large to handle—a good problem, but one that added unforeseen challenges. Your willingness to step up and ease that burden made all the difference.
This mission was only possible because of each and every one of you. I am only a small part of it, and I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish anything without the dedication, compassion, and selflessness of those around me.
Thank you, everyone, from the bottom of my heart. Without your support, none of this would have been possible. Ill be adding more pics and vids as I am able to.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DA03NHPuhVY/?igsh=MWw1c3hmbG93Ymh4eA==
https://photos.app.goo.gl/5sXWq8may4dqpcVN8
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/7x5DLHs3VdQsFjQg/?mibextid=UalRPS
