HGTV Star Clings to God’s Promises Amid Hurricane Aftermath
By Movieguide® Contributor
HGTV stars Erin and Ben Napier are looking to God amid national and international chaos.
Last weekend, Hurricane Helene ripped through the western side of Florida and made its way up through Georgia and the Carolinas. North Carolina received the brunt of the storm’s damage.
As more information about the damage and loss of life comes out each day, the Napiers revealed that they lost a close family friend.
“Our family is fine, but Ben lost a beloved family friend last week,” Erin posted on her Instagram story on Wednesday. “Dear friends are struggling. The hurricane devastation is horrific.”
She reflected on other tragedies and major world events as well.
“Iran bombed Israel, The union strikes may keep food off all our kids’ plates. The election feels too heavy,” she wrote.
But despite the uncertainty and tragedy, Erin clings to God and encourages her followers to look to Him for refuge.
“But even when we don’t see it, He’s working,” she wrote. “Even when we don’t feel it, He’s working. He never stops. He never stops working.”
Ben took to Instagram earlier this week to share his personal connection with the areas devastated by the hurricane.
“Growing up, the Smokies of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee were heaven for my brothers and me,” he wrote. “The first vacation I can remember was to this part of our great country. I went to church camp at Lake Junaluska every summer, and continued as a youth minister. This place is a part of mine and @erinapier’s love story. ”
He shared photos to encourage his followers to help in a time of need.
“If you’re looking for ways to give, I’ve setup several links in my stories,” Ben added. “These people are all helping with efforts in the area.”
As of Oct. 3, almost 1 million homes and businesses across Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina and Virginia are without power.
“The death toll related directly or indirectly to Helene grew to more than 184, and it was expected the number could rise as search and rescue efforts continued,” USA Today reported. “That includes 91 who died in North Carolina, 36 in South Carolina, 25 in Georgia, 19 in Florida, 11 in Tennessee and two in Virginia.”
Continue to keep all those impacted by Helene and its aftermath as well as those volunteering to help bring restoration to the communities affected in your prayers.