From September 28 – October 4, Calvary’s Renew Crew will be returning to Floyd County, Kentucky, to lend a hand in rebuilding lives affected by devastating floods. For five days, we’ll focus on home repairs for two families who have been hit hard by the natural disasters that have repeatedly struck this region.
Our team this year includes:
Kentucky 2025 Team
- Bill Baillod
- Jeff Barton
- Andy DeGraaf
- Kim Hildebrand
- Julie Klynstra
- Karl Klynstra
- Breese Stam
- Joe Van Holstyn
- Rachel Van Schooneveld
- Jeff Werkema
- Rick Willinger
As we embark on this mission, we are reminded of the tremendous need in Eastern Kentucky—a region still recovering from the heartbreaking toll of natural disasters.
In July 2022, torrential rains led to catastrophic flooding in Eastern Kentucky, taking 45 lives, displacing thousands, and leaving 14 counties severely damaged. Nearly three years later, communities like Floyd County are still grappling with the aftermath, with many families waiting for full restoration of their homes and lives.
New Challenges in 2025
In the early months of the year, Floyd County had been hit by a series of devastating storms that have further strained recovery efforts:
- February 2025 Floods (Feb 15-16): A severe storm system submerged homes, flooded roads, and led to fatalities across Kentucky, including in Floyd County. Over 39,000 homes lost power, and many families were displaced once again.
- April 2025 Storms (April 2-7): Historic flash flooding affected Floyd County, with 6+ inches of rainfall triggering widespread emergency declarations. The storm left more homes damaged and created fresh challenges for recovery.
- Late March Windstorm: On March 31, powerful straight-line winds tore through Floyd County, causing widespread destruction. Trees fell, homes were damaged, and the Floyd County Schools gym roof was ripped off—though FEMA recovery services remained operational despite the damage.
By September 2025, Floyd County will have endured not only the ongoing recovery from the 2022 flood but also three major severe weather events this year alone—each bringing new setbacks for families already in need of hope and restoration.
How You Can Help: Prayer Requests
As we embark on this mission, we humbly ask for your prayers. Your support makes all the difference for those who are still on the long road to recovery. Specifically, we ask for prayer in the following areas:
- Safe travel and cooperative weather throughout our trip.
- The well-being and stamina of the team, as we face long days on challenging rebuild sites.
- Unity and enduring health for the team, as we work together toward a common goal.
- For God’s presence to minister powerfully, build relationships, and offer comfort to those we serve.
- Spiritual protection for the team, to resist discouragement or negative circumstances.
- A divine impact in the hearts of the families we serve, and in the community as a whole.
We also ask for prayer for Floyd County and the countless others in Eastern Kentucky still struggling to rebuild after years of setbacks. Your prayers help to keep their spirits strong, reminding them that they are not forgotten.
Thank you for standing with us. Your prayers and support are what keep this mission alive and moving forward. It’s only by the grace of God and through the collective efforts of people like you that we can help restore hope to a community that has endured so much.
In the words of Psalm 90:17:
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.”
Thank you for being part of this journey with us.