FURTHER UPDATE ON OUR TRIP TO EAST TN & WESTERN NC ~
We made our 2nd supply run to East TN, and then on over into Western NC. I have felt for some time to get blankets, sleeping bags, and other essential things. Thank you for giving so generously, which allowed us to do this. The trip was eventful in so many ways!
There's so many things to share from this weekend, and we'll be sharing more as we go along this week - pictures, posts and videos, as well as the strategies and plans going forward that we have to help. We have been contacted by many, including other ministries, asking how they can help. Such a blessing!
The devastation is beyond what most could imagine! Whole neighborhoods & towns taken out, entire roadways and bridges washed away...and the breadth and expanse of it is beyond anything I've ever seen or even heard of tbh! 😔💔
We are still processing it all, and coming up with the best ongoing plans to help in the most fruitful and long-term ways. We also have others we are in discussions with, who have much insight into disaster relief, and are giving great insight and help in planning for what we all can do. A new website is in the forming, and will be ready in it's basic form this week! #RestoreAppalachia #AppalachianStrong
For all of you who have given...THANK YOU!! We are giving supplies where we feel the need is the most great, but much we will be utilizing over the days, weeks, and even months to come, when the need will be even greater in some ways. You enable us to do this! 🙏💞
Here's just one amazing connection we made in the Little Creek area north of Mars Hill, on our way up to Burnsville - they have a cafe (donations only, so anyone can eat...we gave a sizable donation to help pay it forward for those who can't pay right now), and they have a small "supply" depo there, with an actual Doctor on sight to help with medical. She even does oxygen tank fill up for those who can't get into their regular doctor. They also have what we call "runners" taking supplies into the more rural areas up in the mountains, and for those who can't get in to stock up on supplies.
These are only some of the places folks...just the people helping the people. We gave them some blankets, sleeping bags and other things we had with us, as it will be getting colder and many don't have electricity yet in these more rural parts. They were very grateful, as they said that was some of the things no one had brought yet.
The man we met inside (pink shirt in pic) said he still didn't have his power on, but finally was able to take a shower at his neighbors for the first time in a week, so he came into town to meet his buddy for breakfast. One of the gentlemen we met said we could stay with him if we needed to when we come back through, as soon as his power and water was back on. He was just glad to still have his home. 😭❤️🩹🙏💞 Y'all...these people are salt of the earth!
A major key is to talk to many of these locals, as they have the real scoop on things.
We have all of their contact info at this location, and they even gave us some valuable info re: a radio station that Darin was able to call into and get on the air, letting folks know what we're looking to do to help, and getting connections with some folks in the region. We've had several amazing calls and intel from that, which will help going forward in a big way!
For us, it isn't just about taking supplies or helping some folks right now (although that is great, and yes we did that), but it is also about getting the right connections to move forward in helping in the future. We've connected with several ministries in the areas we went to also, and will be collaborating with several in our efforts going forward. It is all about #KingdomCollaboration right now! 👑🤝
We found that a number of places closer in to Asheville are almost over run with supplies, but don't have enough volunteers to run it all, nor ability to get it out to the people who need it most.
We plan on helping long term, as it will be greatly needed...especially once many leave and get back to their lives (which of course they must), and these folks are left to get through the long winter months ahead. I've said it before - we're here for the long haul, and will be back and forth for months, even years if need be. I feel this will be a significant part of the "Goshen mandate" of our ministry from this point forward.
There's so much more, and we will share as we are able to process it all. Thank you again for praying with and for us, and for the many who trusted us with your donations to help these people! You are helping us be the hands and feet of Jesus! 🙏🤲🏼👣💞👑
All for Him,
Amanda & Darin Shiflett
Kingdom Life Ministries
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