A New Storm

As cleanup efforts continue in North Carolina, officials are facing a new challenge: misinformation storms. 

Over the weekend, FEMA paused door-to-door outreach in two counties following false reports of “a truck load of militia” targeting federal workers. One armed man who claimed to be “hunting FEMA” was arrested, and further investigation determined that he was acting alone. FEMA said it would be resuming normal operations stating the threat was “more limited than initially reported.” 

FEMA says online claims—like the government blocking aid, seizing land, and only giving victims $750—have run rampant in Helene’s wake, prompting them to create a “Myth or Fact” webpage.

NC Gov. Roy Cooper (D) has urged people to stop the spread of rumors, which he says is making people “wary of applying for aid” and “contributes to threats against response workers.” 

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Christians can be at the forefront of the effort to de-escalate political tensions and violence in the U.S. We know our time as citizens of Earth is just a blip on the timeline of eternity, which gives us hope and motivates holiness. 

“For the grace of God has appeared… instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age, while we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
Titus 2:11-13 (CSB) (read full passage)