VILAS, N.C. — The Brushy Fork Baptist Church was beaten and battered by Hurricane Helene.
The church, located west of Boone in Vilas, was hit by two landslides that brought tons of mud and floodwaters and destroyed one of its buildings. But through the destruction, this congregation has become a supply hub for the community.
One room that was once a Sunday school classroom has been converted into a place for residents to pick up diapers, toilet paper, food and other essentials.
"I met a couple yesterday who had lost their home," said Lauren Collier, a member of Brushy Fork for the last eight years. "They're now separated — staying in two different houses — unsure of when they'll be together again.
"We're trying to have whatever they might need, thanks to all these donations. We want to be here for them, not just now, but in the days to come."
Brushy Fork pastor John Mark Brown said all this came together unexpectedly. A local restaurant reached out asking to use the church's parking lot for people without power, running water or even a home to come get a hot meal.
Brown said he's blessed that his congregation has come together to be a lifeline for the community and give hope to the many who come there in desperate need.
"We've got a team from Indiana working tirelessly, sunup to sundown. Even people from my hometown in Florida sent a truckload of supplies," Brown said. "When I saw that trick coming, I thought, 'This might be bigger than any of us expected.'"
A landslide behind the church badly damaged its foundation, flooding the classrooms and hallways and forcing members to gut the building.
However, in the midst of all this, a wooden cross still stands — untouched by the storm.
It serves as a symbol of resilience.
"To walk behind the church and see that cross still standing — it's a reminder," said church member J.M Trivette. "The trees that fell, they didn't touch the roof. The building is still here. It's like God spared it to give us hope and say, 'I'm still here.'"
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