Trump sends support to hurricane-hit North Carolina town


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President Trump extended his support to the storm-stricken community of Chimney Rock, North Carolina, through a heartfelt message delivered during recent holiday celebrations.

The resilient residents of this mountain town, which was severely impacted by Hurricane Helene, came together on Friday to light a Christmas tree and share in seasonal songs and prayers.

The following day, the community spirit continued as locals assembled in Lake Lure, where they received an uplifting message from the former president, conveyed by Pastor Paula White, who served as his faith-based initiatives adviser during his presidency.

“I bring greetings,” White told the crowd. “I let President Trump know that I was going to be here today, and he saw the pictures from the first time I came.

“He said, ‘Please send my love to the people of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, to the people of the great state of North Carolina, and let them know that we’re here for them.’ … He sends his love along with first lady Melania.”

The festivities showcased the collaborative efforts of various nonprofit organizations, including CityServe, World Vision, and Medic Corps, supported by corporate sponsors like Earth Breeze and Jockey.

The September disaster claimed over 100 lives and left 880,000 households without power. Devastating floods wreaked havoc on this tourism-dependent region, leaving many residents displaced and living in temporary accommodations.

The Christmas gathering marked the first time many community members could reconnect since the catastrophe, given the ongoing communication challenges in the area. Journey band member Jonathan Cain enhanced the celebration with a performance, featuring his specially composed tribute “Amen to the Rescuers.”

Chimney Rock’s Mayor Peter O’Leary, whose own Main Street store fell victim to the floods, emphasized the significance of these relief initiatives.

“All of these events last night and today, even just seeing a volunteer shoveling the streets or hammering wood into buildings, it’s all given us strength. That’s what gives us the courage, ability, and just the spirit to move forward and rebuild.”

“Those efforts individually may seem small,” the mayor said, “but each one of them is just so important to us.”

White concluded with words of encouragement: “We believe you’ll come out of this even stronger. In the Bible, I love Romans 8:28. It says what the enemy meant for bad, God will turn around for good for those that love him and are called to his purpose.”

“God has you,” she assured the crowd. “And I believe you’re in the palm of his hand.”

 

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