Mitchell stood on his front deck, watching the flood waters rise as Hurricane Helene devastated his North Carolina community. He heard calls for help from his neighbor’s home just a few hundred feet down the hillside. Mitchell wanted to help, but as he prepared to leave his deck, he sensed God clearly saying, “No!”

Then he tragically watched his neighbor’s home float away. Flood waters also rose several feet into his home, destroying the drywall and some of his belongings.

Six months later he still needed help rebuilding his front and back decks.

Over spring break, in partnership with Unto and Lifelines, 150 Cru campus students and staff members descended on Mitchell’s neighborhood to assist with cleanup and reconstruction efforts.

Mitchell wept as he told his story to the team. The loss weighed heavily upon him.

Although he was already a Christ follower, Mitchell’s faith was rekindled by the kindness of Jesus experienced so personally.

He told the team, “Why are people coming to help me? God spared my life and is coming to help me. What have I done for Him?”

Today Mitchell wants others to know the kindness and hope of Jesus.

Students from Marshall University helped another family and shared the gospel with them. That family has started attending a local church.

Students from Texas Tech, the University of Tennessee, and many others have also served the people of Asheville.

Lifelines staff in Asheville hosted a Hurricane Helene relief hub in their front yard. Watch their story.

Thank you for partnering with us as we enable evangelism and discipleship around the world. We are grateful to be a part of what God is doing.