Lesser Than Ministries leads efforts to provide aid to victims of Hurricane Helene

David and Dawn Smith founded Lesser Ministries on Jan. 1, 2023. However, their ministry began years before being recognized as a registered nonprofit organization.

The Smiths, natives of Duplin County, pastored at Sandy Plain Baptist Church in Pink Hill for 23 years. During this time, both have been a part of a variety of different mission trips both in the United States and abroad.

“Ministry through missions began long ago in our hearts by introducing people to short-term mission trips and being a part of a local prayer group of pastors in our area,” Dawn said.

“We attended our second mission trip to Africa, and when we came home, we knew without a doubt what God had called us to. We knew we needed to accept the call to full-time missions and step out on faith,” said Dawn.

At this time, Dawn and David made the hard decision to step away from their jobs and be fully committed to the mission God had in store for them.

What ministry looks like for the Smiths changes from day to day. In Africa, the Smiths may serve the poor, speak at local churches in the area, visit various villages, and educate the residents. In Brazil, the Smiths lead teams to see missions in multiple contexts. In the United States, Dawn said, “We just do whatever God calls us to do.”

It is in daily obedience to this calling that Lesser Ministries became a leading force of support for relief efforts provided to victims of Hurricane Helene.

“David and I were talking about how we could help when a local pastor called us with instructions concerning how we could help.”

The pastor shared with the Smiths what they needed, and Dawn describes things as “beginning to fall into place.” The Smiths connected with already established ministries in the affected areas and rallied with churches in Duplin County to collect items to send to the mountains.

“People just stepped up and started to work!” Dawn shared. “This is not a Lesser Ministries thing, it is a community thing.” So many organizations and churches from Duplin County are involved in the efforts to raise support that the count has not even been released.

Dawn’s experience working for Duplin County Social Services and Duplin County Board of Education and David’s pastoring experience have both seen the hopelessness that physical devastation can bring to an area.

“I can remember serving in shelters when I worked in previous jobs. People would come in after experiencing so much devastation, and just a simple smile or a hug would bring the light back to their eyes. People need to know that someone cares,” shared Dawn.

Dawn teared up as she said, “As far as this hurricane’s damage goes, it hurts my heart. You know we see a lot in our work. In Duplin County alone, we have seen the havoc flooding can cause, but I cannot imagine being stuck on a mountain without service, and no one knows I am even there.”

Despite the destruction this hurricane has caused, Dawn is filled with hope for the future. “The hope is that we can help people who are in need and cannot manage their needs independently. These people will see that people all over the country care. There is a hopelessness that comes from devastation. We get to step into that and hopefully show them the love of Jesus through it.”

For those who cannot physically visit the affected areas, the Smiths explain there is still a way to be a valuable part of the relief efforts.

“First of all, everyone can pray. I would also suggest financially supporting the organizations already stationed in the affected areas,” stated Dawn.

A great way to learn more about what organizations and mission groups are already on the move is to search county names online, seek out local organizations, and read about what they specifically need to serve their area. Dawn encourages us to see what churches and government organizations are already doing and support those specific efforts. She explained that people in the affected regions are experts on the needs of those in that area.

In a situation of death and destruction, there are a variety of ministries and organizations in Duplin County and beyond that work together to meet the needs of fellow North Carolinians. Despite the hopelessness on the surface, opportunity is brewing and Duplin County is rising to the occasion!