Amidst the busy 2025 Georgia General Assembly session, our legislators paused to recognize and express their gratitude and appreciation to Pittman Park UMC and other faith-based groups who provided help following Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. Sen. Billy Hickman and Rep. Lehman Franklin led the joint resolution that recognizes the invaluable interfaith assistance provided in our community and statewide following the devastation of these storms.
"I'm immensely proud of the work being done by interfaith and religious groups, along with volunteers, to provide critical services, resources, and support to those impacted by Georgia's recent natural disasters," said Rep. Franklin. "With tens of thousands of volunteers from neighboring states contributing to the relief efforts following Hurricane Helene, it's essential that we recognize the invaluable contributions of these organizations.”
According to reports from local faith-based organizations, tens of thousands of volunteers from other parts of Georgia, Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee responded to the call for help and traveled to hard-hit areas in Georgia to assist with the cleanup. Over one million hours of service were rendered in the days and weeks following the storms, based on reports from local faith-based organizations.
Many of the volunteers came from local congregations and faith-based organizations. Mitch Brannen, a local area leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commented, “We are all children of a loving Father in Heaven who surely must be pleased as He sees us 'Love One Another.'"
Churches provided physical aid and emotional and spiritual support to countless individuals and families impacted by the devastating storms. Pittman Park United Methodist Church opened its doors as a shelter for the days and weeks following Helene, working closely with the Red Cross and local Bulloch County VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters).
Jonathan Smith, Pastor at Pittman Park UMC, noted, “In the wake of storms, hurricanes, and hardships, the Church has always been at the forefront of bringing hope, healing, and tangible help to those in need. As followers of Christ, we are called to be His hands and feet, meeting people in their moments of greatest need with love and compassion.”
The resolution underscores the importance of community and solidarity in times of crisis and acknowledges faith-based organizations' dedication to humanitarian service. The Georgia General Assembly proudly recognizes their contributions.
In addition to Pittman Parks UMC incredible commitment to our community, Bulloch County benefited tremendously by the impact of churches and religious organizations who partnered with Bulloch VOAD to assist citizens during these disasters including:
- Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief
- UMCOR
- Southbridge Community Church
- First Presbyterian Church of Statesboro
- Brooklet First Baptist Church
- Leefield Baptist Church
- Register Baptist Church
- Nevils Trinity Baptist Church
- First Baptist Church of Statesboro
- Statesboro First Methodist
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - Statesboro
- Old Fellowship Baptist Church
- Brooklet Community Church
- Compassion Christian Church
- New Covenant Church - Statesboro
- Believers Church of Statesboro
- Trinity Episcopal Church
- Statesboro Mission Outreach Church
- St. Matthews Catholic Church and Newman Center
- Crossroads Community Church
Additional sponsors of the resolution include Sen. Steve Gooch, Sen. John Kennedy, Sen. Russ Goodman, Sen. Sam Watson, Rep. Carmen Rice, Rep. William Werkheiser, Rep. John Corbett, Rep. Leesa Hagan, and Rep. Rob Clifton.