Ron Crow, the director of Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief, expressed amazement at the rapid response to a request for 100 generators for hurricane relief in North Carolina.
“I often think, why are we surprised when God does something like this?” Crow said. “I do stand in awe.”
The initiative began less than a month ago after Hurricane Helene struck. Crow reached out to the North Carolina Baptist Disaster Relief director to assess the needs in the wake of the storm. A woman had contacted him, mentioning North Carolina’s request for generators. Upon confirming the need, he was told, “I could use a hundred if I could get them.”
A woman contributed the funds for the first 10 generators, and more donations followed. The total has now exceeded 100, including six used generators.
To secure a bulk discount, Crow purchased 100 generators, with contributions covering the cost of 88. In addition, they ordered 100 electric space heaters and are collecting gift cards worth $2,000 each. These will be distributed to associational mission strategists who can assist pastors in affected communities.
“We’re loading everything up on Friday and will spend Tuesday delivering them,” Crow said.
Currently, Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers are only deployed in Georgia, but they have previously spent weeks assisting in North Carolina and are expected to return. They also provided meals in Georgia and Florida during hurricane season.
Crow noted the positive response to the generators, which cost about $550 each, as an example of how “God uses people to accomplish His purposes.” He believes that the generosity shown is a reflection of divine influence on the community.
One couple donated 20 generators, and the Kentucky Woman’s Missionary Union contributed another 20. Additionally, two Kentucky Baptist associations funded more generators, and individual donations helped purchase them.
As of last week, Crow reported 106 generators were ready, with a request for 104 from various regions. By late Friday (Nov. 1), that number had grown to 113, along with 120 containers of oil and $50,000 in gift cards.
Crow feels blessed to witness how God inspires generosity in challenging times. He has seen similar situations in the past and believes they will continue.
“He could speak it into existence but has chosen to work through His people,” Crow said. “We need to stop being surprised and stand in awe. If we believe in a miracle-working God, why are we surprised when He works a miracle?”
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