We have an opportunity to provide much needed hands-on mission help the weekend of November 19-22.

Can you join this effort?

Our Appalachia mission partners and friends in Hurley, VA experienced catastrophic flooding on August 30. Here is some news coverage from NBC12, WCYB and WJHL. One woman, Opal Rife, died in the flooding. Mrs. Rife was a family friend of our fellow parishioner Melanie Holloway. Another 20 families’ homes were destroyed along Guesses Fork holler. It has devastated an area already struggling with poverty.

St. James’s mission committee voted quickly to send two payments for a total of $5,000 to assist in the immediate recovery efforts being coordinated through Hurley Community Development, Inc. (HCD). The Red Cross and Virginia National Guard responded immediately to the area, but the operation has now shifted into long-term clean-up efforts primarily led by church groups and other non-profits. Our partners at HCD are now receiving (and eager to host) college and church volunteer groups to help with physical labor, clean up, and food distribution.   

St. James’s will be sending a mixed-aged mission team to Hurley the weekend of November 19-22.

If you’re interested and available in helping for any portion of this weekend (travel time/schedule/transportation is all flexible), please contact me directly by email by November 8. I’m happy to talk though specific schedule and transportation needs. Teenagers are welcome to come with parents or solo if we can arrange proper supervision. I’ll be the trip leader and my two boys will come with me. Cost to participate will be minimal.

We’ll be helping, Junior & Debbie Hunt, who were personally affected by the flooding. Junior gets around quite well on one leg, but it’s tricky to shovel while holding crutches. Junior and Debbie have humbly asked for help cleaning up their home and property. Photos of their home flood damage is attached. Your time, energy, and ministry of presence sure would mean a lot to the Hunt family. While we’re there, we’ll stay at the Hurley Community Development, Inc bunkhouse (photos attached)

Thank you for keeping the Hurley community in your prayers. If you’re able to help, please be in touch with me directly. My cell is 703-470-6832 if you want to chat. We know school and work schedules will prevent some from traveling. This recovery effort will be ongoing, and I trust we’ll have other opportunities as their need continues.