Augusta, Ga. – La Croix Church in Cape Girardeau, MO traveled to Augusta, GA to provide chainsaw services in the community which was hit hard by high winds from Hurricane Helene. The team stayed in and served alongside the members of First Baptist Church, Augusta.

Upon arrival, the team saw a massive number of trees down. A lot of work had been done clearing the roads and public spaces in the community. Houses are the next step for tree work. “At our first jobsite, the home had 50 trees down, some of which damaged the home,” said Wayne Shockley, lead for La Croix’s chainsaw team. “These weren’t small trees. I’m talking pines that at one point reached 30 to 40 feet over the house.”

FBC Augusta started serving their community the day after the storm cleared. “The extent of the winds and damage was unexpected and almost no one was prepared,” Jeff Miller, church administrator, explained. “Our church and much of the neighborhood lost power and we knew our role as a church is to meet needs – so that’s what we started doing.”

FBC Augusta expanded their typical food pantry to meet the new demands and even provided warm meals their volunteers cooked for people who came through to pick up needed items. In addition to this, Mr. Miller joined with Terry Peters, DR Coordinator for the North Georgia Conference of The Global Methodist Church. Together they canvassed the neighborhood and created work orders for the incoming chainsaw teams.

“Having the work orders completed and the jobs ready to work enabled us to hit the ground running,” Shockley mentioned. “In addition to that, the church really spoiled us. I’m thankful for them and their ministry in their community. We are happy to have been part of that.” 

"We always enjoy being able to serve Christ after disasters," Ruth Ann Orr of La Croix Church said. "I dislike the circumstances and the pain in people's lives, but being here to spread hope is a passion of mine and our team's."