RUTHERFORDTON, N.C. (WNCN) — Chaplin Charles Scruggs still remembers the devastation he saw firsthand after Hurricane Helene. “I couldn’t believe what I saw,” he said.
It led to many people, organizations, and churches, such as Pilgrims’ Way Baptist in Rutherfordton, stepping up. “They were down there giving away all kinds of food, and I told him that god sent me to help you,” he said.
Under the leadership of Pastor Wayne Stafford, the church became a central hub for relief efforts. “We became instantly a hub, and before you know it, it got overwhelming,” said Stafford.
Our cameras were rolling a year ago, capturing video of donations piling up in their fellowship hall, Sunday school classrooms, and even behind the church.
“When god started sending in supplies, I told the church god wants to use our church to do something for his glory, and I said we can reject it, and I’ll stop right now,” said Stafford. “Our congregation said, let’s do it, preacher, we will be a hub,” he said.
Despite the severe damage to roads, Pilgrims’ Way Baptist Church stood resilient, becoming a central location for distributing much-needed supplies.
“We’re about 15 miles from I-40, about 15 miles from I-26. Two major thoroughfares, we were easy to get to, they said If we can get it to you, can you get it to those in need?” said Stafford.
But they were running out of space, and this small congregation of less than 50 people needed a building to house all of these supplies.
“We’ve got help from Florida, Texas, up north in Massachusetts, to Iowa, Ohio,” said Stafford.
Pastor Stafford said volunteers donated materials and supplies to build this new facility. It’s a place where their ministry can continue for years to come.
“Etched in that concrete by faith by faith we built this building by faith and so there’s nothing that god can’t do,” he said. “There’s a Bible in the foundation over there signifying this is God’s property. You walk through those doors, you step over the word of God; it’s God’s building, God’s property, and God has protected us, shielded us,” he said.
He said they have had small donations along with tractor-trailers and even helicopters landing on their church property to make deliveries.
“We have prayed with so many people, we have cried with so many people, it has been amazing what the lord has done for us. We have seen God’s hand at work and how He has blessed us beyond measure. God’s people helped us build this building. It wasn’t in our budget,” said Stafford.
Despite the challenges, the mission continues, with donations still pouring in a year later.
“Before I knew it, everything we just gave away was back again. God kept sending it in, and we just kept giving it out,” said Stafford.
And for volunteers like Charles Scruggs, it’s not just a task, but a life’s mission.
“It’s such a blessing to show up and watch God show out,” said Scruggs.
You can learn more about their mission and make a donation by visiting this link.
Greg Funderburg
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