[1]Baptists on Mission honored for WNC relief work as grand marshals of Canton Christmas parade
By Chad Austin/Biblical Recorder
CANTON, N.C. — Amid the glow of holiday lights and decorations, the Town of Canton’s annual Christmas parade opened by shining a spotlight on some of the people that many in the community consider heroes.
N.C. Baptists on Mission, the volunteer network that has become a backbone of western North Carolina’s recovery following two weather-related disasters in recent years, was honored as the grand marshals of this year’s Canton parade, leading the procession of floats down Main Street on the evening of Thursday, Dec. 4, and helping usher in the holiday season for the town.
Representatives from Baptists on Mission and several of the organization’s volunteers rode on the grand marshal float in their familiar yellow shirts, representing hundreds of others who have worked across western North Carolina as part of the ongoing disaster relief efforts following Tropical Storm Fred in 2021 and Hurricane Helene last year.
For Baptists on Mission Executive Director Richard Brunson, the honor was both unexpected and especially meaningful.
“We’ve been honored in lots of ways but never as the grand marshals of a parade,” Brunson said. “This is a great honor for our volunteers.”
In a heartfelt Facebook post [2] announcing Baptists on Mission’s selection as the parade’s grand marshals earlier in the week, Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers said the recognition was a way for the town to express gratitude to the organization in a way that words alone could not convey.
[3]“This parade has always been about tradition and community, but this year it carries a deeper appreciation,” Smathers wrote. “…From Tropical Storm Fred all the way through Hurricane Helene, this group has been a constant source of strength, light, and hope for Western North Carolina.”
The mayor also praised the volunteers for their consistent presence and for partnering with other groups in providing relief following the storms.
“They have rebuilt homes, lifted spirits, and helped heal our souls,” Smathers wrote. “…We can never thank them enough, but what we can do is bestow upon them one of Canton’s highest honors. In this Christmas season, it feels especially fitting to recognize a group whose actions remind us that better days are ahead and that if we keep going, and keep the faith, we will get there.”
In 2021, Tropical Storm Fred heavily impacted Canton and surrounding communities, causing catastrophic flooding that destroyed numerous homes and claimed six lives. Three years later, Canton was hit again when Hurricane Helene ravaged western North Carolina in 2024.
In the aftermath of those storms, volunteers with Baptists on Mission have rebuilt hundreds of homes across the region, and their work in western North Carolina is ongoing.
Baptists on Mission is operating five long-term rebuild centers across western North Carolina that can feed and house volunteers looking to serve in the region. Officials anticipate continuing home rebuild efforts over the next five years.
To learn more, volunteer or support Baptists on Mission’s ongoing rebuild efforts in western North Carolina, visit baptistsonmission.org/helene [4].
Florida Baptists among first responders in Jamaica’s long recovery
By Brooke Mannion/Florida Baptist Convention
JAMAICA – Florida Baptist Disaster Relief and Send Network remain committed to supporting recovery efforts in Jamaica following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa in October 2025. The Category 5 hurricane was among the most powerful storms ever to tear through the Atlantic.
Billy Ray, a retired international missionary and minister who attends First Baptist Church Wildwood, Fla., and JD James, a member of Central Baptist Church in Monticello, Fla., were among the first Florida Baptist Disaster Relief team members to set foot on the ground in Jamaica. Joining Send Network in partnership with the Jamaica Baptist Union, volunteers worked to repair roofs on local churches.
Local churches have become sources of hope and help for people who are displaced and without access to daily necessities such as clean water and food. Functioning as relief centers, churches are distributing food and supplies to community members.
As they work to repair damage at church facilities, Florida Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers also serve the people they encounter.
“Being there for our brothers and sisters in Christ, listening to the stories of survivors, offering an encouraging word and providing physical help in the form of needed supplies are all important aspects of ministry after a disaster,” James said. Ministers serving with the Send Network team have also been able to preach at local churches, sharing the gospel message of hope.
The team has faced challenges due to widespread infrastructure damage. With only one main road open, heavy traffic has hindered progress. Volunteers leave their hotel at 5:30 a.m. and make multiple trips to transport team members between the hotel and the church.
“Traveling in hurricane-affected areas is always challenging, but Jamaica brought it to a whole new level,” James said. “Our group had to turn around several times after hours of travel because roads were washed out or flooded.”
Supply chain disruptions have also made sourcing materials difficult, with many suppliers out of stock on construction items needed for repairs.
“Serving was a great reset for me,” James said. “It was amazing to see storm survivors praising God for their lives being spared. Instead of looking at all the material things they had lost, they were grateful for the gift of life.”
Florida Baptist Disaster Relief plans to maintain a presence in Jamaica through December and potentially into 2026. The primary goal is to help local churches reach a place of healing so they can continue serving those in need in their communities.
James encouraged others to pray, give and serve in the affected areas “even after the news stories end. This will be a long recovery in heavily impacted areas, with rebuilding continuing for years to come.”
To provide financial gifts to aid Hurricane Melissa response efforts, visit the FLDR giving page [5]. [6]
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