NIOTA, Tenn. (WATE) — Couples like Sarah and Dennis Rutland provide emotional and spiritual support to those recovering from disasters. The retired couple from Niota, near Athens, has volunteered their services to Samaritan’s Purse since 2018. Four or five times a year they’re on the road at the site of a disaster.
The Rutlands volunteered to serve Samaritan’s Purse in Valdosta, Georgia where Hurricane Helene caused significant damage to homes and property Sept. 27, hours before the storm made its way to Tennessee.
In October, they packed their bags again and headed to the hard-hit areas of Appalachia.
“It was devastating. It just broke my heart to see what they were living in. A lot of the roads were still washed out. When you walk up to a home and you see all this devastation and this look in their face like, ‘where do I start, what do I do?'” said Sarah. “We come in and do what we can to help them. Then by the end of the day, they’re like, ‘Wow. I never expected this much work done in just a day or half a day.'”
Sarah and Dennis are from Niota, both are retired. Together they have volunteered for over 40 Samaritan Purse Disaster Relief missions in half a dozen states and the islands.
“I have really enjoyed volunteering with them because I feel like this is where God wants me to be,” she said.
“It’s not unusual the day after a disaster hits that Samaritan’s Purse is evaluating whether we can help, whether they need our help,” said Dennis.
Aaron Ashoff oversees Hurricane Helene’s Incident Management Team which works out of Samaritan’s Purse headquarters in Boone, North Carolina. This is where the needs are assessed, where supplies for the field are coordinated, and where volunteers are assigned.
“We go out as team leaders. I drive the truck and as soon as I get out, if she’ll let me, I get a chainsaw. I love chainsaws. I love working and she does all the paperwork. When we first get there we will circle up and pray with the homeowner,” said Dennis.
“And so it makes me feel like, okay, I’m doing what God wants me to do; giving hope,” said Sarah.
Luther Harrison is the North American Ministries Vice President for Samaritan’s Purse. He said volunteers like the Rutlands through their faith bring hope to those they served in Helene’s path.
“Usually, we help those who have fallen through the cracks. The heartbreaking thing about this one, no one had flood insurance on this because they didn’t live in a flood zone,” said Harrison.
“And they’re surprised that we don’t charge and that we are willing to do it. We always have a smile on our faces. We are always happy to help them,” said Sarah.
Sarah and Dennis are in their seventh year as volunteers. They supervise several teams while assisting those affected by Hurricane Helene and they’re ready to respond when the next emergency comes up.
“In a heartbeat. Whenever God says to go, that’s when Dennis and I go out,” said Sarah.
When the Rutlands are away at a disaster site, they’re taken care of by local churches. Samaritan’s Purse always needs new volunteers to provide emergency relief to victims of natural disasters. The Rutlands said there are many ways to partner with the relief organization no matter your profession. The one pre-requisite is you need “a heart to help.”
If you’re looking to help with recovery in the aftermath of Helene, visit SamaritansPurse.org/WATE.