Giving Thanks for God’s Care

In late September, my wife and I traveled to North Carolina for my sister-in-law’s wedding. What began as a joyful occasion quickly turned into a harrowing experience as Hurricane Helene swept through.

We spent hours in airports, delayed by stormy weather, finally arriving in Greensboro after a full day of travel. From my in-laws’ house, we watched the storm worsen, with news of storm damage, fallen trees, rockslides, and washed-out roads and highways. Then, something previously unimaginable happened—the storm turned directly toward Asheville, where my sister-in-law and her partner were staying in a cabin they had built for respite and retreat.

For twenty-four agonizing hours, we lost contact with them. As we prayed and tracked the storm, we imagined the worst. When we finally heard from them, they had survived, though their home was severely flooded, their vehicles destroyed, and their belongings reduced to a single bag each. Rescue teams brought them to safety.

The next day, we drove through damaged highways and closed roads, finally reaching them. Hiking through mud and over fallen trees, we saw firsthand the devastation—cars piled on debris, roads washed away, and a home barely standing, saved by a lucky break in the hillside.

In the weeks that followed, relief teams worked tirelessly to rebuild: clearing debris, testing water, and restoring access roads. These acts of kindness reminded me of the strength of community, the resilience of the human spirit, and the presence of God in the care we show one another.

This Thanksgiving, I am struck by how we are called to compassion—standing with others in their suffering. Just as God meets us in our moments of both joy and hardship, we are invited to seek God in all things and to respond to God with gratitude, compassion, and service. While we gather with loved ones, let us remember those who are grieving, rebuilding, or searching for hope.

May this season inspire us to live our faith deeply—offering our presence and support to others, sharing our blessings generously, and giving thanks for God’s care, which sustains us through all seasons.

God bless you and your loved ones this Thanksgiving.

Warmly,
Tom Fregoso, Youth and Family Outreach