Across Kentucky, at least 38 people died due to the flooding that began on July 27 and lasted for about a week, damaging hundreds of homes and displacing thousands across several counties in the eastern portion of the state.
Pastor Brad Stevens of the Church of God Worship Center in Clay County said when he saw the devastation, he immediately felt deep within his heart a call from God — to be the “hands and feet of Jesus” — by helping his community.
Stevens took to social media, holding multiple live videos from his Facebook page to show his followers the devastation caused by the flooding. He informed viewers that he needed donated funds to further aid in disaster relief work.
Stevens said he then began receiving donations from “generous” donors across the nation, allowing him to provide aid to over 300 Kentucky residents directly impacted by the flooding.
He delivered food and water to those in need while helping rebuild infrastructure and bridges.
Stevens told The Christian Post, “I began seeing the devastation and finding people who were trapped and couldn’t get out. … I saw needs changing from day to day. There were a lot more people that needed help than we anticipated. But God has somehow made a way.”
In the two weeks since the flooding hit, Stevens is still working to save those trapped.
Many impacted by the flooding are struggling with grief from losing their personal items, sense of normalcy and livelihood, and in some cases, their loved ones.