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OPC Disaster Response

Thanks to a steady stream of dedicated volunteers—many of whom have returned more than once—along with the faithful prayers of the saints, generous donations from across the OPC, and the tireless leadership of Landis OPC (Marion, NC) and a committed volunteer coordinator from Reformation OPC (Gastonia, NC), we’re nearing the finish line for two of the Landis OPC Chalmers Homes—one for Clyde, and the other for Jae and her daughter. At this point, it’s shaping up to be a race to see which one finishes first!

This project has been nearly nine months in the making—not a sprint, but a steady, faithful jog. And for good reason. These homes are being built with care and attention to detail by skilled saints who know their craft and have chosen to use their free time to serve others. The Lord has graciously brought together just the right team to turn this vision into reality.

As the first two homes—one for Mike “Clyde” Huffman and the other for Jae Edwards—reach completion, it will undoubtedly be an emotional milestone for those who first saw the potential to build Chalmers Homes in the wake of Hurricane Helene back in September 2024. Still, those at the heart of this ministry are quick to give all glory and praise to the Lord.

A celebration is in the works to mark the completion of the first home. We’ll share the date as soon as it’s set—and we’d love to see a strong OPC presence on that special day!

These homes are being built for real people facing real hardships, with nowhere else to turn. And they are witnessing, firsthand, the love of Christ expressed through the care and kindness of His people.

Please continue to pray for them—by name—that they would see the Lord’s love clearly through every act of service and compassion and that He would focus their hearts on Himself.

Construction and Volunteer Details

Nearly completed:

• Clyde Huffman’s home is nearly complete. Final touches like HVAC installation and painting are wrapping up, with a Certificate of Occupancy expected soon.
• Jae Edwards’ home is following closely behind, with inspections scheduled and a new mini-split system approved for installation.

In the queue:

• Clifton and Nan Hollifield’s home requires foundation repairs, which are currently being evaluated.
• Melissa Chapman’s home is in the early stages. Site prep and footings are expected to begin soon, pending tree removal and well installation—a crucial step before the build can proceed.
• Winston Solomon’s home is also in the queue and may move forward if other projects face delays.

Volunteer & Hospitality Updates

The Lord continues to provide volunteers. Over the past two weeks, Art Allen—a deacon from Shiloh OPC in Raleigh, NC—was sent by his fellow deacons to lend his expertise to porch construction and interior finishing. This week, a group of men from Westminster PCA in Kingsport, Tennessee has returned to North Carolina to pick up where they left off in March, when they helped frame Clyde’s home. What a blessing this team has been! Clyde has been working right alongside them, watching his new home take shape with each passing day. At the moment, the need for volunteers has slowed as we await inspections before moving ahead with the next stages.

Ministry Update

Rev. Joe Troutman, pastor of Mid-Cities OPC, Bedford, TX and OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries member recently visited the region for the second time in two months, visiting and praying with Jae and Clyde to encourage this ministry as Rev. Johnny Serafini and Elder Mike Cloy oversee their spiritual care, along with their host families.

Please continue to pray for everyone involved in this vital work—for strength, provision, and the Spirit’s leading—as families prepare to settle into their new homes. And if you’re considering lending a hand this summer, please reach out to Travis.

To read about this ministry from the beginning, go to our website: opcdisasterresponse.org.