Hosting Disaster Relief Teams
We are so blessed to see the Chalet being used as a home base for disaster relief teams! Over the past months, groups from many different states, denominations, and organizations have come to serve Eastern Tennessee in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
These teams have helped rebuild homes and yards in the local community, while also contributing their time and skills to restoring parts of the Chalet itself. At the same time, the Chalet has been a place of rest and renewal for them. Many left with strengthened faith, fresh callings, and new vision for ministry. A few weeks ago, one team member was even baptized in the creek that runs through the property!
Partners in Restoration
Each one has brought their own unique gifts, and together they’ve left a lasting mark on the Chalet and our surrounding community.
Here are some of the highlights:
- Carter County Long-Term Recovery Group
Connected us with mission teams who came to help rebuild after Hurricane Helene, and assisted with much-needed drainage work on the property. - International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC)
We had the privilege of hosting their team as they faithfully served throughout the region. - Trinity Lutheran Church, Vermilion OH (Pastor Henry Zorn)
Stayed with us while serving in the community and blessed the Chalet with a generous donation. - Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief
Helped restore our community center and connected us with God’s Warehouse for building materials. - New Bethlehem Baptist Church (Pastor John & Denise Coleman)
Joined in the restoration efforts at the community center. - Samaritan’s Purse
Provided new appliances, lighting, fans, and heaters—bringing both function and comfort back into our facilities. - Crestwood Baptist Church, Crestwood KY (Scott & Jonna Ellis)
Assisted in resetting and preparing the community center for future gatherings. - Ron Edwards (New Bethlehem Baptist Church)
Is handcrafting custom cabinets for the community center, a gift of both skill and beauty. - Pastor Michael Marcum & Meades Branch FreeWill Baptist Church, Louisa KY
We were honored to host Pastor Marcum and his team as they built homes for families who had lost everything in the hurricane. Their work stands as a powerful testimony of Christ’s love in action. - Tim & Jodie Gregory
Faithfully pitched in across many projects, from demolition and flooring to building new rails for our driving bridge. - Dallas 1, North Carolina (Scott & Laura Hoffman)
Brought a team that cleared fallen trees and repaired driveways, restoring access and safety. - Starfish Missions
Stayed at the Chalet and generously purchased and helped install new flooring for the community center.
Every one of these partners has been a reminder that the Body of Christ is alive and active. From clearing debris to installing cabinets, from donations to house-building, each act of service has helped carry the burden and move us closer to full restoration. We are humbled and grateful.
Praying Pelicans Teams
- Aug 3–9 (Fort Scott, Kansas)
Partnered with God’s Warehouse and the Washington County Long-Term Recovery Group, organizing supplies and planting flowers, while also helping with flooring, electrical, and yard work at the Chalet. “The Chalet became a gift to us; providing rest, beauty, and renewal after long days of service.” - Aug 30–Sep 5
Their second team closed out their stay with a beautiful baptism in the creek an unforgettable moment of new life and testimony.
Life at the Chalet
Our resident families continue to grow as two new babies arrived this summer! Daily rhythms of school, work, and family life are balanced with weekly Saturday night gatherings where we share meals, worship, and prayer. These evenings have become a lifeline of encouragement and unity.
For now, we meet in a converted apartment with tables and chairs. But we look forward to the day our community building is restored, making space for larger gatherings, disaster relief teams, and future retreats for pastors, marriages, and more. The next step is waterproofing and sealing the back wall to stop water from seeping through before full use can resume.
Rachel’s Reflection
As a mother of 3 boys, year 3 and under, I sometimes struggle with the thought that I am “not doing enough” or “I am not making an impact in this world”. There is always cleaning, cooking, and more mundane things to be done. I know that these thoughts are not true. I am ministering to my community, to the disaster relief teams and my family through the mundane tasks. All parts of the body of Christ are necessary. I am making an impact on their lives! And I am especially encouraged when I look at what is happening here at the Chalet. I feel our efforts are paying off when I see the Chalet neighborhood kids feeling free and safe to play together on the property and in the creek. I feel encouraged when I see the teams so thankful for our service and preparations for them to be hosted here and most of all the testimonies of how their lives have been impacted. These things lately have been an encouragement to me that makes the efforts feel worth it!
Closing Thoughts
Friends, as we walk together through this season of rebuilding, we are reminded that the Kingdom of God is built not only by grand gestures but by daily faithfulness. Each prayer, each meal shared, each nail hammered, each word of encouragement; it all matters.
Thank you for standing with us, for praying, for serving, and for believing that God is not finished with this place. The Chalet is more than buildings, it is a living testimony of His provision and presence. May we continue to press on together, to the glory of God our Father and in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
