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As Hurricane Helene roared through Eastern Tennessee, its heavy rains and powerful winds left behind widespread flooding and destruction. The region was battered, with families displaced and communities devastated. In the aftermath, The Salvation Army quickly responded, setting up feeding locations and providing emotional and spiritual support to those affected.

On Saturday, Sept. 28, just a day after the storm had passed, our mobile kitchen unit set up at a Baptist Church on the north side of the river in Newport, Tenn. It was at this very first distribution point where a remarkable story of redemption unfolded – Randy’s story.

A packed car pulled up to the canteen, carrying three families seeking food and water. As volunteers approached the vehicle to offer assistance, a young man named Randy, slender and humble, spoke up from the back seat. “Just make sure they have some. I’m not really deserving of much help,” he quietly said, clearly feeling unworthy.

One of our dedicated volunteers, Stephanie, overheard Randy’s words and was moved to approach him. She spoke gently but firmly, reminding him that no matter what his past held, he was precious to God. Randy opened up, sharing that he had struggled with addiction and had been clean for a year and a half. He was trying to make a fresh start, but his past still weighed heavily on him.

With compassion and love, Stephanie shared the Gospel with Randy, explaining that Jesus had paid the price for all our sins and that His love was for everyone, no matter what we’ve done. Tears welled up in Randy’s eyes as he listened, and in that moment, something incredible happened – Randy accepted Jesus into his heart. Right there, amid the devastation and hardship, Randy received salvation.

The three of them – Randy, Stephanie, and Major Cam Henderson, who was also present – prayed together, thanking God for this new beginning. As the prayer ended, Randy’s face lit up with a beaming smile. His joy was contagious; the others in the car clapped and smiled, joining in the celebration of Randy’s decision. Stephanie, overcome with joy, shouted, “Hallelujah!” It was a powerful reminder that The Salvation Army’s mission goes beyond providing food and water – it’s also about bringing hope and spiritual restoration to those in need.

Reflecting on the moment, Major Henderson shared, “This work is about food, water, and safety, but it’s also about the God who sees His people in distress and comes to their aid. He sends people to help people.” Randy’s story is a testament to that, a beacon of light amidst the storm’s darkness.

In the three days following Hurricane Helene, The Salvation Army has provided critical relief in Eastern Tennessee, serving 683 meals, 343 drinks, 100 snacks, and offering emotional and spiritual care to 93 individuals. But the numbers tell only part of the story. Each meal, each contact, represents a chance to bring hope, and in Randy’s case, the chance to bring someone to Christ.

Earlier this week the Salvation Army continued its mission of service in East Tennessee with meal services in Mountain City and Newport.