Heeding the Call

Lauren Bryant’s experience with Samaritan’s Purse was deeply impactful. For years, she had wanted to serve with the organization but didn’t know how to get involved. After completing the Rooted Experience at LCC this fall, Lauren felt an even stronger call to serve. When she learned of an upcoming disaster relief trip, she knew this was the opportunity she had been waiting for.

With an open prayer—“God, I’m here; however You want to use me”—Lauren joined the team. Though she knew no other team-members, within just a couple of days, she had formed meaningful connections with her fellow volunteers and saw God moving in powerful ways. As they worked to clear debris from storm-damaged homes, Lauren realized the mission wasn’t just about physical recovery—it was about sharing the gospel and giving hope.

God’s love was made tangible as strangers from across the country came to serve, pray, and provide tangible support. Each family received a Bible, reminding them that they were not forgotten and that God was with them. For Lauren, the most moving part was seeing how God used the storm to touch hearts—both those of the people they served and the volunteers who came to help.

The trip strengthened Lauren’s faith and showed her how God can use a simple “yes” to transform lives. Grateful for the opportunity, she’s already planning her next trip, excited to continue sharing the hope and love of Christ with others.

Unexpected Blessings

Gary Joiner’s experience serving in Asheville, NC, is a powerful example of faith in action. After attending LCC for a little over a year, Gary began to feel a deep call to serve. In the wake of hurricanes Helene and Milton, he answered that call by joining a storm response team. For Gary, disaster relief is more than helping others—it’s about living out God’s command to love and reflect Jesus Christ.

Over two weeklong trips, Gary’s outreach team helped 13 families recover from hurricane damage. The work was hard but deeply rewarding, as they witnessed the joy on the faces of those they served. For Gary, it wasn’t just about rebuilding homes but about being part of the body of Christ, bringing hope and healing to a hurting community.

One encounter left a lasting impact. Assigned to share a room with a stranger, Gary watched as this man became a brother in Christ. Late one night, they talked about the man’s struggle with alcohol addiction. In the early morning hours, they prayed together, and Gary saw God working in a powerful way. Months later, he learned that this man had joined a church and was actively participating in Celebrate Recovery.

“You never know how God is going to use you,” Gary reflects. Through the unity of believers and simple acts of obedience, God transformed lives—both those they served and those who served.

“Wow, God is good,” he says. “I was truly blessed to be part of this ministry.”

Ready to serve? Learn more about how you can sign up for a Disaster Relief Team.