ASHEVILLE, North Carolina – As many know, Hurricane Helene dealt a severe blow to the Appalachian region, where challenging terrain has complicated recovery efforts. Many families continue to struggle as they work to rebuild their lives.
Last week, we began receiving concerning reports about certain Christian groups assisting in the recovery from Hurricane Helene evangelizing Pagans and other non-Christians in exchange for or in the context of providing services.
The same evening we heard the reports, The Wild Hunt contacted Byron Ballard of the Mother Grove Goddess Temple, which has shown exceptional dedication, running a food pantry, delivering essential supplies to the hardest-hit communities, and ensuring that no one is left behind. The temple remains open for those wishing to donate or pick up supplies, with each contribution making a meaningful impact.
Devastation in Asheville, NC, following Hurricane Helene. A lone figure walks along a flooded street beneath a billboard asking for higher pay for North Carolina teachers, like a relic of a vanished world. [Bill McMannis, Wikimedia Commons, CC 2.0
Ballard was not surprised by the reports but had not heard of specific incidents. She posted a request on social media for any information regarding certain Christian groups in the area.
At the same time, TWH began receiving a substantial number of requests to verify whether some groups were Pagan-friendly or LGBTQ2SI+-friendly, as well as concerns about safety in receiving aid from certain Christian organizations.
When we reached out to Pagans in the area, all expressed unease about disclosing their identities given the rural nature of the region and the ongoing challenges of recovery. There are still reports of looting, and Duke Energy lists power outages in the area, while DriveNC continues to report detours, road closures, and ongoing hazards. One reader said, “We live alone on a mountain road. Yes, it is getting better. But if we call for help, we’ll be dead before it arrives. That’s just the way things are right now.”
In our conversations, two groups frequently came up concerning aid services: Red Truck Men and Samaritan’s Purse.
The Red Truck Men (RTM) group is a Christian fellowship network focused on supporting men through faith-based discussions, service, and community involvement. Originating in Charlotte, North Carolina, the group was established to provide men with a structured environment for open discussions about life’s challenges, fostering meaningful friendships, and focusing on values like honor and integrity. The name “Red Truck Men” is inspired by the symbolism of a red fire truck, representing courage, service, and community commitment.
What we know at the moment about Red Truck Men: Two Pagans had direct dealings with the group. Both said RTM had been helpful in clearing roads and assisting with property cleanup. “They are reaching places by truck and ATV, delivering help where others can’t reach,” one person said.
However, several Pagans also mentioned rumors about RTM’s associations with a somewhat mysterious “Militia” and another group, “Veterans on Patrol.” TWH has not been able to verify if these references are to the same organization.
Veterans on Patrol (VoP) is a vigilante group based in Arizona, established in 2015. Initially, the group’s mission was to provide aid to homeless veterans, but its activities have since shifted toward anti-immigration and anti-human trafficking efforts along the U.S.-Mexico border. VoP claims to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly children, from trafficking but has been controversial for engaging in unauthorized surveillance, property trespassing, and confrontations with migrants. These activities, influenced by conspiracy theories, are reportedly active in Western Carolina’s recovery efforts.
Reports indicate that VoP has offered food, gasoline, and even generators to those in need. The Southern Poverty Law Center refers to VoP as an extremist group founded by “a Christian nationalist who rallies hard-right extremists and conspiracy theorists around immigration issues, encouraging vigilantism.”
A photo of a washed-out roadway in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene, taken October 3rd or 4th, 2024 [NCDOTcommunications
Among the Pagans and LGBTQ2SI+ individuals we spoke with, the primary concern was distinguishing safe from unsafe sources of aid.
Interactions with Samaritan’s Purse were different. Everyone we spoke to had experience with the group. Samaritan’s Purse (SP) is a Christian humanitarian organization providing aid and relief in crises worldwide. Founded in 1970 by Bob Pierce and later led by Franklin Graham (son of evangelist Billy Graham), SP is committed to offering physical and spiritual support to communities affected by war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and other hardships. Their work includes emergency medical assistance, food and shelter distribution, clean water initiatives, and community development projects.
The Pagans we spoke with were aware of Samaritan’s Purse’s motivations. Everyone reported some form of evangelizing effort. One Pagan we’ll call “Garett” shared that while SP volunteers were helping clear mud from his home, a preacher asked to discuss why natural disasters happen. When Garett declined, the preacher continued, “The reason natural disasters happen is because of sin.” Garett explained he didn’t believe that, leading the preacher to ask if he had “Jesus in his heart.” After Garett disclosed he wasn’t Christian, the preacher stated that the disaster was his punishment. The volunteers stopped assisting soon afterward.
In another case, “Sharon” (not her real name) experienced a similar interaction, where the SP foreman inquired about her relationship with Jesus. Upon learning she was Pagan, they left.
Others reported property damage after interactions with SP, but all were fearful of retaliation. One person cautioned, “If you are Pagan, LGBTQ2SI+, Jewish, liberal, or basically not a conservative non-denominational Christian or Southern Baptist, be wary. Be watchful. They have to earn your trust, not vice versa.”
The Wild Hunt contacted Reverend Jeff of the Correllian tradition, a local elder who has been helping with recovery efforts. He expressed hope that these reports spark a conversation within the Pagan community about establishing their resources during crises, saying, “I’ve been working with Mother Grove, which is doing a lot of food and clothing donations. A lot of things have come in.” He also added that it may be time to strengthen interfaith relationships and build a network that offers a trusted and safe environment in times of need.
It is time “we started a new conversation in the Pagan community.” Reverend Jeff said. “We need to start working together everywhere: locally, nationally, and beyond”.
The Wild Hunt is not responsible for links to external content.
To join a conversation on this post:
Visit our The Wild Hunt subreddit! Point your favorite browser to https://www.reddit.com/r/The_Wild_Hunt_News/, then click “JOIN”. Make sure to click the bell, too, to be notified of new articles posted to our subreddit.