Help the Perrys Rebuild After Mudslide from Hurricane Helene

In 2020, we believe God opened the doors for us to purchase a home with a mountain view near West Jefferson, NC. We looked forward to retirement after 44 years of pastoral ministry, and living in a home where we could sit on the deck, drink coffee, and watch the sunrise. We didn’t stay retired long before we felt called to serve as pastors to an independent Christian church called New River Calvary Church. In September, we began our third year of ministry with this congregation.

On Friday, September 27, 2024, during Hurricane Helene, our property suffered a major landslide for which there is no insurance to cover the astronomical expense of stabilizing the mountainside and our home. We were at home when the landslide occurred, but were unaware of the happening. At this time, our home appears to be solid on its foundation, but the septic system has been compromised so cannot live there until it has been fixed. The engineers estimated it will take an estimated $350,000 to $500,000 to repair the damage that has been done and none of it will be covered by insurance.

The landslide also damaged a home at the bottom of the mountain as the mud, boulders, railroad ties, and rock eventually landed in their driveway and garage. We are praising God, that no one was hurt, and that our homes are both still in place. In the future, we have no guarantees that more of the mountain won’t come down if heavy rains should again come to our area. God has blessed us with people in our area who are connecting with engineers and contractors who have the expertise and equipment to tackle our compromised property.

Our church was also a victim of the New River flooding caused by Hurricane Helene and we, with the congregation, have been hauling out all contents and removing walls and flooring this past week.

God has been faithful in so many ways already, and we know God is not done yet! We have been encouraged by neighbors and friends to set up this GoFundMe page. We know God can do far more than we could ever ask or imagine as Ephesians 3: 20-21 states. Whatever is God’s will, we know He has the best plan for us and we wait to see what miracles will occur in the months ahead.