Ginger Bentley
Ginger Bentley
Carolina Disaster Response Team “Bring the Heat”
As the Carolina Conference disaster response team worked with local western North Carolina pastors to assess community needs after Hurricane Helene, one urgent request emerged. Josias Flores, pastor of the Boone and Banner Elk churches, highlighted that while food and water were being provided, with power outages and dropping temperatures, the community’s most pressing need was staying warm.
This realization led to the launch of “Bring the Heat,” a campaign focused on collecting blankets and gas-powered heaters — primarily kerosene heaters for indoor use. The drive was planned by Darryl Bentley, Carolina associate ministerial director, for the week of October 17, 2024, as a way to address the immediate needs of the community.
The outpouring of support has been overwhelming. Generous donations have come from far and wide, including a contribution of more than $3,000 from a member of the Michigan Conference. Another donor, who had experienced the devastation of the Paradise, Calif., fires in 2018, sent a heartfelt note along with her donation, expressing empathy for families who lost everything. She reminded of the spiritual warfare all face, but affirmed that even in the midst of it, God still cares. These donations have enabled the purchase of 30-35 heaters and refillable gas cans, which have been distributed throughout western North Carolina to both church members and the wider community.
As word of the initiative spread through social media, it caught the attention of Strong Tower Radio in Michigan. Having worked with Bentley in the past, the station reached out for an interview to discuss the situation in western North Carolina, and the progress of the Bring the Heat campaign. Bentley provided updates on how people could support the efforts through general donations and the ongoing need for the campaign.
“If the need is still there, we are still accepting donations,” said Bentley. “We also need kerosene gas cans to go with the heaters. These are color-coded to prevent accidental misuse of fuel.”
Donations can be made directly through the Carolina Conference website. Donors are encouraged to email Bentley with their donation details to ensure it goes toward the Bring the Heat initiative. Checks are also accepted with Bring the Heat noted in the memo line. Additionally, those who wish to purchase kerosene heaters can order from Lowes, Home Depot, or Amazon, and have them delivered to the Conference at the following address: “Bring the Heat,” c/o Carolina Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, 2701 East W.T. Harris Blvd., Charlotte, N.C. 28213.
Carolina | December 2024
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