by Delaney Reynolds

In Him all things are made new!

During spring break the MTSU Wesley Foundation spent a week in Johnson City working in relief for Hurricane Helene, one of our groups had the privilege of working on a wheelchair ramp for a man who had been severely impacted by the storm.

As we worked, he shared stories of his home and his life, the devastation that he experienced, and the hope for his next steps. Our conversations seemed to cover every topic possible, from bands to ham sandwiches and everything in between, however, our conversations always seemed to find their way to his garden. Before the devastation, the garden had been abundant in size, produce, and beauty, now it was reduced to a single flower breaking through the dirt.

Our communities in North Carolina and East Tennessee have experienced devastation and loss to a degree that most of us will never be able to imagine. But amid the devastation, hope has a way of taking root in the most unexpected places. The road to recovery is long. The storm may have passed, but the need for restoration remains. While it is easy to move on from the headlines in the comfort of our homes, those living in the aftermath cannot escape the reality of devastation.

Our response to these communities is not just a responsibility—it is a calling. To step in, to serve, to rebuild, and to bring hope is to be the hands and feet of Christ. As we continue our effort in hurricane relief, we see not just physical transformation but the renewal and resilience of a community. Every trip, every prayer, every gift is a seed planted in the hope of a greater garden and the reminder that hope is never truly lost—it simply waits for the chance to bloom again.