• Donald Felice

Faith in the Face of the Storm: The Salvation Army in Savannah

Savannah, GA - Hope is an amazing thing. It can take a family by the hand and lead them out of the depths of despair. It can raise up a community out of unthinkable disaster. And it can bless us with immeasurable spiritual riches in the midst of desperate times.

But when disaster hits, who are the messengers of hope? Who are those who stand firm in the face of the storms in life with a willing heart to serve selflessly and to share an encouraging word when it is needed most?

They are people like John Korp from Savannah, GA, who endured the wrath of Hurricane Matthew with determined resilience to help his community through the storm, and to help repair and rebuild when it passed.

An unassuming, humble single dad with two pre-teen boys, John serves as the Mission Specialist for The Salvation Army of Savannah, where he shares the Good News of Jesus and the good work of the Salvation Army.

“Before the mandatory evacuation was announced by local and state officials, my priority was to get my two boys, John Jr. (12) and Gavin (10), to a safe place out of town with their grandparents.” Korp said. “After I made sure they were safe, I knew my place was here with my community, serving our people here.”

In the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, John found his home on Wilmington Island severely damaged. Fierce hurricane winds had toppled a towering 100-year-old oak tree onto his house, piercing and crushing the roof.

“A house can be rebuilt, but lives are what matter.” Korp said in a soft undertone, “I’m here to help people rebuild their homes and their lives."

John is a man who puts his faith into action. “I was reminded of a scripture verse where God says He will work all things for the good of those that love Him.” Korp said, “For me, it reminded me I was doing what He wanted me to do in serving His people, so I knew He was going to take care of me.” 

John recently discovered his passion to serve others may be a legacy inherited from his grandparents and great-grandparents. “I was not close to my dad’s side of the family,” Korp said, “So I did some genealogical research on my family and found this long line of history. I found that my grandparents on my father’s side served as majors in The Salvation Army in the eastern U.S., and that my great-grand parents were colonels.”

A contractor will cut and remove the tree from John’s home in the next few days, so repairs can start. John estimates roof repairs will be done sometime next week, at which time John Jr. and Gavin will reunite with their dad in their newly repaired home.

“All the things in my life have made me realize I can trust Him and wherever He leads, I will follow.” Korp said.

This world needs more people like John Korp.

The good news is that John is not alone. There are many people like John serving and volunteering in The Salvation Army each and every day, ready to face the storms of life with determined faith and a commitment to serve others in their time of need.

You Can Help

The best way to help after a disaster is to make a financial donation. Monetary donations allow disaster responders to immediately meet the specific needs of disaster survivors as the situation continues to be assessed. 

• Donate Online: http://give.salvationarmyusa.org/hurricane_matthew
• Donate By Mail: The Salvation Army PO BOX 1959 Atlanta, GA 30301
  Please designate ‘Hurricane Matthew’ on all checks
• Donate By Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
• Donate By Text: Text STORM to 51555 to receive a donation link for easy mobile giving