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When Waters Rise

April 16, 2026 | David Jeremiah

There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
Matthew 24:7, NIV

Like many residents of western North Carolina, Benny and Keva Messer lost everything in the floods spawned by Hurricane Helene in 2024. Samaritan’s Purse sent more than fifty thousand volunteers to the area. One crew built a new house for the Messers in Waynesville and gave them the keys and a deed that was stamped, “Paid in Full.”

Recommended Reading:
Psalm 29

“I am so overwhelmed,” said Keva. “So blessed!”

Benny said, “They prayed with [us] when they came. They let their light shine. I appreciate every one of them.”¹ Samaritan’s Purse isn’t alone. Thousands of Christian organizations of all sizes go about their work every day around the world.

Natural disasters are horrific events, but it’s important to look past the tragedies to see what God is doing. During such times, many draw closer to each other and to the Lord. Volunteers band together, and Christians demonstrate God’s love and help others through troubled times.

What can you do to be an example and help to others in difficult times?

We need to focus not on what can be torn down by the storms of life but on what stands for eternity.
Franklin Graham