Flood Relief: Help Rebuild John & Susan's Life in Damascus

Team fundraiser

Amie Hedden and 2 others are organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Susan Coleman.

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On September 27, the little town of Damascus, Virginia suffered a devastating flood as a result of Hurricane Helene. This community, also known as Trail Town USA, has less than 800 residents, but thousands visit the trails and downtown all throughout the year. For the last 5 years, our parents, John and Susan Coleman, have made Damascus their home. They love meeting all the Appalachian Trail hikers, Creeper Trail bikers, and tourists and locals that stop in at their store, Discover Damascus, which is located downtown on Main Street. Our parents say they "move at the speed of relationship." They love the people God places in their path in practical ways. John pastors a local church in the nearby community of Taylor's Valley, which was also affected by flooding. Susan is on the city council and has helped the community in many ways, including projects with the town's beautification committee. She is currently running for mayor.

Our hearts break for the flooding they have experienced. The flash flood that afternoon happened so fast! The water flooded over their front porch and onto their first floor. Their downtown store also flooded. Homes near the river were being swept away and residents had to evacuate. Everyone in the town is safe, but they need lots of help and support in the upcoming days, weeks, and months as they work together to clean up and rebuild. The whole town is currently without power, water, or cell service. Our parents, along with the rest of their community, need water (drinking water and to aid in clean up) and food (non-perishable or access to food trucks), along with generators, gas, batteries, cleaning supplies, fans, and dehumidifiers. Thankfully, John and Susan have flood insurance on their home, but they will need financial support over the next few months to provide them with lodging, food, water, and supplies as needed, as well as to help them continue to pay bills while their store is closed. The funds donated will not only be used to help John and Susan, but also to allow them to help their community and neighbors with their needs.

The whole town is in shock and it's heartbreaking to see so much of it washed away. John and Susan, along with the town of Damascus and the surrounding communities, need our prayers and our help in the upcoming days and weeks. We know God has them and all the communities affected by Hurricane Helene in the palm of His hand. We also know He can turn all this for good and His glory and make everything beautiful again.

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:28