Read Time: 4 min 28 sec | Reading Level: 7th Grade

WEATHER

Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene hit America's Southeast last week. It was one of the most destructive storms in U.S. history.

Late last Thursday, the Category 4 hurricane (rated on a scale of 1-5) made landfall in Florida. Then, it barreled through Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee (see Helene’s path). The storm was about 350 miles wide and moved at almost 30 miles per hour. At one point, winds blew up to 140 miles per hour. Rainfall reached almost 30 inches (a total usually expected over three months, not three days).

At least 166 people have died, and hundreds more are missing. Millions of people lost power and cell service. Hundreds of roads are blocked, and communication is still down in parts of  North Carolina, which was hit especially hard. Helene collided with other wet weather over Asheville, NC, creating catastrophic flooding.

Rescue and recovery efforts are in full swing. Responders have been sending relief supplies, but there are major challenges. Many Southeasterners need water, food, and medical care. But it's tough to get to them with roads blocked, gas limited, and communications spotty.

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BE DOERS
You can help. As we wait for creation to be made new, Christians can share our hope through generosity and service.

Join others in the TPO community who have already donated over $30,000 to Operation Blessing—a faith-based organization that is sending help to people whose lives have just been devastated by Helene.

“For the creation was subjected to futility — ​not willingly, but because of him who subjected it ​— ​in the hope that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children.” 
Romans 8:20-21 (CSB) (read full passage)

What do I want to make sure my kids practice in light of this story?
Gratefulness.

It is easy to take basic gifts like running water, electricity, cell service, and a safe trip to school for granted because they’re always there. But Helene shows that human life is fragile, and those basics are not a guarantee.

Make a habit of giving thanks for what you have, because everything is a gift from God (James 1:17). The apostle Paul says gratefulness is a spiritual discipline: “Be filled by the Spirit: speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for everything to God”
(Ephesians 5:18-20 CSB).

What gospel lesson can be taught through this story?
When Jesus returns, the whole world will be made completely new. 

The promise of heaven doesn’t remove the pains of this world. But looking forward to the new creation—which will last much longer than this broken earth will—does give us hope, strength, and peace in the middle of life’s most challenging times.

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4 CSB).

• Make gratefulness a family habit. List things you’re thankful for before you ask for things in prayer, add to a gratitude list daily in a journal, take the time to write a “thank you” note, or share what you love about your friends and family… get creative.

• Memorize 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

• Pray for Southeasterners and first responders to have hope, strength, and peace as they face difficult circumstances and work to rebuild.

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