Below are updates, prayer requests, and places you can offer spiritual and financial support to others in the UKirk Network who are recovering from the recent storms. We heard from Eckerd College chaplain Doug McMahon and his family that they are safe after heeding the evacuation order for Hurricane Milton, and are awaiting an update from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL about particular needs in their community.
We want to pass on this beautiful Blessing for Picking Up the Pieces written by Chaplain Eliza Smith DeBevoise posted on the Converse University Facebook page.
Montreat Conference Center
We got word from Montreat Conference Center staff that 2025 events are definitely still happening, and they will be opening registration for College Conference 2025 on Tuesday, October 15. Registrations for Montreat Youth Conferences, Montreat Middle School Conference, and the Manna Retreat will open in the following weeks. Tomorrow, more information about CCM25 will be announced on their website and social media pages, and Susie Burns has shared she is happy to serve as a resource person about housing options if you need it. Stay tuned!
Black Mountain Presbyterian Church has been a hub of support for the area. Visit their webpage to find out more about relief efforts or support BMPC as they serve their community.
Valdosta State University
Melissa Coleman, the campus minister at The Center at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, GA, shared that their building sustained pretty significant damage during Helene when a large tree fell through their roof. They are waiting for the insurance adjustor and structural engineer to assess the depth of the damage. The Center just received a new roof in May after Hurricane Idalia damage from 13 months ago, so being hit by a second hurricane in that time period has been a lot. Students return to campus on October 16th.
Please pray for The Center as well as Melissa and her husband as their own home also received pretty significant damage, and all those effected in Flint River Presbytery.
Financial support can be mailed to The Center, 1510 North Oak Street, Valdosta, GA 31602.
App State in Boone, NC
Campus minister Stephanie Coble Hankins shared that clean-up is happening in the Boone area, and is grateful for your prayers and support. All of her students are ok, but many folks in the area, including one of her board members, are navigating significant losses. App State students return to campus next week.
Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church is supporting recovery efforts and 100% of donations go to support local families. Visit their webpage to donate or learn more.
Furman University, Presbyterian College, and Converse University
Campus minister Erin Ferry (UKirk Furman), chaplain British Hyrams (PC), and chaplain Eliza Smith DeBevoise (Converse University) share that clean-up is happening on their campuses and in their communities.
Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa Valley
Warren Wilson is sharing frequent updates on their website, and are starting a series this week called “Helene in Swannanoa: What does a hurricane ask of us?” The first event, “Meaning-Making and Mindfulness: Nurturing Community Post-Helene at WWC” led by Provost Jay Roberts and Vice President and Dean of Student Engagement Gilbert Hinga and will feature a presentation by Annie Jonas, Dean of The Center for Experiential Learning, and Chaplain Rev. Dr. Shannon Spencer.
Student from UKirk ETSU (East Tennessee State University)
Campus Minister John Golden asks prayers for one of the UKirk ETSU students whose family lost their home and business in the flooding. John shares, “I saw them for the first time today since the hurricane struck. They are “doing well” in that the student community has really helped support them. They’re also very obviously still grieving and struck by the trauma of losing their home.”