Brethren Disaster Ministries volunteers support Helene recovery in Tennessee

By Jenn Dorsch-Messler

From Sept. 21 to Nov. 15, 2025, more than 95 Brethren Disaster Ministries Rebuilding volunteers traveled to Johnson County, Tenn., to support 11 households impacted by Hurricane Helene.

John and Mary Mueller returned to long-term leadership roles serving the whole two months with Steve Keim—whom many may remember as a team in the Hurricane Katrina recovery work.

The work was possible due to partnerships with International Orthodox Christian Charities and the Johnson County Long Term Recovery Group (JCLTRG), who identified the families needing volunteer support to recover. Volunteers were welcomed with open arms at the First Christian Church in Mountain City, Tenn., which has been hosting volunteer groups since Helene hit the area.

Recently the recovery group posted photos of Brethren Disaster Ministries volunteers on their Facebook page with the caption, “Progress is being made! Thank you to each volunteer that has taking the time to help! What a big difference!”

— Jenn Dorsch-Messler is director of Brethren Disaster Ministries. Find out more about this ministry and how to volunteer at www.brethren.org/bdm

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