When hurricanes roar through coastal communities and wildfires threaten vast landscapes, the destruction they leave behind goes far beyond torn homes and scattered debris. These disasters carve deep wounds into the lives of individuals, leaving broken spirits and long, grueling paths to recovery.
In the immediate aftermath, the world is stirred to action. Headlines, news broadcasts, and social light up with images of devastation and calls to help. Relief efforts pour in, volunteers mobilize, and supplies are distributed. However, as days turn into weeks and weeks into months, the coverage fades. Unfortunately, the needs of those affected do not.
Take last year’s hurricanes, Milton and Helene, as an example. These storms ravaged communities across the Southeast, leaving countless families grappling with loss and uncertainty. While the initial outpouring of support was heartening, many families are still struggling to piece their lives back together.
Now, the catastrophic wildfires in California have profoundly impacted numerous communities — devastating homes, businesses, and schools. The extensive damage has displaced tens of thousands of residents, exacerbating housing affordability issues. As these communities embark on the arduous journey of rebuilding, sustained support and compassion are essential to help them restore their lives and livelihoods.
Recovery — true recovery — is a marathon, not a sprint. As neighbors and as people of faith, we are called to stay the course and continue to offer support long after the winds have died down and the flames have been extinguished.
The parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10 serves as a timeless reminder of what it means to extend compassion. Jesus’ command, “Go, and do likewise,” is not a call to act only in moments of crisis but an invitation to step into the mess of others’ lives for as long as it takes. Compassion isn’t measured by the speed of our response but by the depth and duration of our care.
This past fall, employees from Medi-Share embodied this call by volunteering their time to assist homeowners along Florida’s west coast who had been devastated by hurricanes. They didn’t just clear debris or repair damaged homes; they listened to stories of heartbreak, offered prayers, and sat beside those overwhelmed by loss. These simple yet profound acts of kindness brought a healing that no power tool could ever provide.
But it’s not just about what happens in the weeks following a disaster — it’s about what happens in the years that follow. The physical tasks of recovery — removing debris, tearing out waterlogged walls, and hauling away destroyed belongings — are tangible and visible. But the emotional and spiritual burdens are often heavier and less apparent. The wounds of disaster run deep, and the emotional and spiritual recovery is just as critical as the physical rebuilding.
Many survivors experience anxiety, depression, or even post-traumatic stress as they navigate the uncertainty of their future. Faith-based organizations and local churches play a crucial role in providing not only material assistance but also emotional and spiritual care. Volunteers who take the time to connect with victims on a personal level remind us of the enduring power of presence.
As followers of Christ, we’re called to bear one another’s burdens, as Galatians 6:2 instructs us. This call doesn’t have an expiration date. While the initial rush of aid is crucial, the real test of our compassion comes in the months and years that follow. The truth is that disasters don’t just disrupt lives temporarily; they alter them permanently. Families face a long haul of rebuilding homes, replacing belongings, and restoring a sense of normalcy.
The needs remain immense. Some families are still living in temporary housing, while others have yet to start repairs due to financial constraints. Communities are slowly recovering, but many remain fractured and fragile. And yet, as one Medi-Share volunteer so aptly said, “We can’t do everything, but we can do something.” Whether it’s donating to relief funds, volunteering time and skills, or offering prayers, every action matters. Each of us has a role to play in the ongoing recovery efforts.
One of the most powerful ways to sustain long-term recovery is through consistent community engagement. Hosting prayer nights for affected families, organizing supply drives months after a disaster, or even checking in on those who have lost everything can make an immeasurable difference. Long-term recovery is about more than just rebuilding homes; it’s about rebuilding lives.
Disasters remind us of life’s fragility, but they also reveal the incredible resilience of the human spirit and the power of community. They show us what it means to persevere and to lean on each other during our darkest days. Those who volunteer in the weeks and months following a crisis are living examples of Christ’s command to “go and do likewise.” Their stories inspire us to do the same — to remain steadfast in our support and to remember that even when the news has transitioned to something else, recovery is still underway.
Most of all, it’s important to remind ourselves and others that in the midst of profound loss, God's love remains steadfast. His presence is not diminished by disaster but made even more evident in the comfort He provides. As Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
God is the “Father of mercies and God of all comfort,” who meets us in our affliction so that we, in turn, may extend His comfort to others. Though the pain of loss is real, so too is the assurance that we are never alone. In the hands that rebuild, the prayers that sustain, and the kindness of strangers, we see His love at work — an unshakable foundation when everything else seems to crumble. Even when the world shifts beneath our feet, His mercy remains, offering hope and healing for the road ahead.
As we reflect on the past year and look forward to the opportunities ahead, let us commit to being a light in the darkness. Let us reflect Christ’s love — not just in the immediate aftermath of tragedy but throughout the long journey of restoration. Let us not forget those still suffering, and let us do our part to help them rebuild. Together, as a community united by compassion, we can ensure that no one walks this road alone.
Whether you can offer time, resources, or prayers, your contribution matters deeply to those still in need. If you feel moved to help, consider supporting Medi-Share’s disaster relief fund, which is dedicated to assisting Medi-Share members impacted by both last year’s storms and the wildfires in California. Contributions don’t just aid in lessening burdens — they rebuild hope.
Photo Credit: ©Rainer Gelhot/Unsplash
Rebecca Barrack is a two-time graduate of Florida State University and is enjoying her second career in life, working at Christian Care Ministry / Medi-Share for more than 7 years, now as the Manager of Communications. When not working, Rebecca enjoys Bible study, catching up with friends over tea, and cheering on her two girls at the ballfield/in the gym.