By Joshua Bell, Sr. Minister FCC Perry

In the aftermath of disaster, silence often settles over a landscape reduced to debris and devastation. Neighborhoods that once echoed with laughter and routine now stood quiet, shattered by the storm. But amid this chaos, the American Red Cross emerged — a steady force bringing hope, compassion, and relief. Volunteers came from every corner of the country, each with a common purpose: to restore dignity, connection, and a sense of peace for those who had lost nearly everything.

When I arrived in Florida as a volunteer with the Red Cross for Hurricane Helene, I was assigned to the reunification team, a critical part of the Red Cross mission that works to reconnect families and loved ones separated in the chaos. Witnessing the relief on people’s faces as they were reunited with loved ones was humbling. In a world turned upside down, these moments they reminded us all of the resilience of human connections.

As my 16-day deployment progressed, I transitioned into Disaster Spiritual Care, working with seasoned chaplains to focus on a ministry of presence (pictured above l-r: Chaplains Frank Rodriguez, Kevin Foster and Joshua Bell).

In the shelters, we were there not to solve every problem or answer every question but to simply be — to listen, to empathize, and to provide companionship in a time of profound need. This presence offered solace, and for many, it was a small but steady reminder that they were not alone.

Each day in the shelters, I witnessed the quiet courage of those who had lost so much. We supported not only the guests but also the Red Cross staff and volunteers who were working tirelessly to meet physical needs, deliver meals, and provide medical care. Sometimes, our ministry was as simple as sharing a cup of coffee and listening to someone’s story. Other times, it was sitting in silence, honoring grief too deep for words. In these moments, I learned that offering hope doesn’t always mean doing; sometimes it’s simply about being fully present.

For me, this experience was life-changing. It was a reminder that we are all connected and that showing up, even in small ways, can have an enormous impact. Seeing firsthand the dedication of volunteers, the resilience of survivors, and the power of community to lift up those in pain was profoundly moving.

If you ever feel the call to make a difference, I encourage you to volunteer with the Red Cross at least once in your life. There’s something transformative about standing beside others in their most challenging moments and witnessing the unbreakable spirit that emerges in times of crisis. Through the chaos and loss, the Red Cross brought hope to many—and for me, being a part of that was an experience I will carry forever.