That’s what we heard from Hendersonville, NC city officials when we applied for a permit to continue to house volunteers at our partner church.  It really shocked us because the answer is an emphatic NO.

Earlier this month, we gathered with the full staff of ReachGlobal Crisis Response for PT Dev (Personal & Team Development), our annual all-staff retreat. About 90 adults and kids came together in Covington, Louisiana for a week of reconnecting, renewing, and refreshing.

As we reflect on 2025, one thing is abundantly clear: God has been at work and you said YES to join Him!

Whether you’ve already given or are still considering it, we wanted to share in pictures what the last year has looked like for some homeowners in Hendersonville, NC.  You need to see what we’ve seen.

As we celebrate Christmas this week, we’re reminded of the incredible truth at the heart of the season:

Changing pretty much everything about our life seems ridiculous.  Leaving secure careers, moving across the country, giving up life as we knew it to join a ministry where we raise our own support, aren’t sure how long we’ll be in one place, and never really know what the next day will look like makes us sound crazy.  We know that.  So why are we doing this?

When Hurricane Helene hit Hendersonville, NC last year, Michele was out of the country traveling with her dad.  It wasn’t until they flew back to the States that she heard from her daughter their house had been destroyed.  20 years of life lying in a jumbled, soggy, muddy mess.  Her kids’ childhood home would never be the same and it broke Michele’s heart.

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches this month, we are reflecting on our blessings.  This has been a year of change and uncertainty for us, but we have much for which to thank God!

Our volunteers immediately come to mind.  

Let me tell you story, a story about a single dad in Western North Carolina doing his best to care for his 2 young daughters.

Matt* is a hospice nurse in the Asheville-Hendersonville area, owns his home, has custody of his daughters, and went through Hurricane Helene in September 2024.  As a result of the winds, rain, and downed trees, his home suffered significant roof damage.

This is the inaugural newsletter of Josh and Sarah Coates, missionaries with ReachGlobal Crisis Response!