From the desk of Pastor Winston Parrish:

Operations continue in Western North Carolina at a massive scale. More victims of the storm that struck over 190 hours ago continue to be found; according to officials in our area, there are hundreds still missing.

Our church staff has been tirelessly working to ensure proof-of-life of all of our membership. We’re glad to report that two families who were unable to be contacted since the storm hit were located today by our staff in the Garren Creek area.

There are more of our church family that we are diligently working to contact. Pray that we’re successful in locating all of them in good health.

On campus, we continue to operate four major missions:

1. Location and wellbeing of church members, and beginning to meet their specific needs. A list of lost or damaged homes and businesses is being compiled. This is quite extensive.

2. Calls for supplies, support, and assistance from area fire departments, municipalities, and emergency services regionally. Dozens of loads have been delivered by van, truck, National Guard detachment humvees, and by helicopter to four different counties.

3. Supplying our neighbors and those who seek assistance at our campus with items they need. Two wells have been drilled on campus and one will be open for the entire community to utilize as soon as testing is back and deemed safe for drinking.

4. Providing housing for dozens of out-of-state USAR, Search and Rescue, Special Operation, and body recovery teams. This includes shower trailers, mobile laundry trailers, hot meals, daily supplies for field operations, and even a place for counseling and peer support.

Our hearts are heavy, our bodies are tired, but God is giving us supernatural, divine strength. He’s opening doors, leading our path, and helping Trinity make a real difference.

Please pray for my staff. Pray for my family. Pray for my friends. We’re trusting and believing the God of this valley with everything we’ve got.

Thank you to everyone who is supporting, giving, and encouraging in these days.

Photo of an American flag hanging over the ruins of Garren Creek, NC, taken today. Western North Carolina is still standing!