Like many people around the nation, including southwest Missouri, Spencer and Alyssa Ambrosier were concerned as they watched the news of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, and prayed for the people involved. As reports continued to show the extent of the devastation, though, they began to feel they should do something more by adding action to their prayers.
Spencer is a contractor who works on custom builds and tile installations; Alyssa operates a cleaning business and is developing an online faith-based apparel business, New Life Creations. Being self-employed gives them some flexibility, and with family in the area to take care of their two children, a trip to take supplies and help seemed like the right thing to do.
The couple reached out to Anchor Ridge, an established and trusted nonprofit headquartered in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, near hard-hit Asheville, for guidance in what the needs were and how best to help. They then set up a Go Fund Me and a Facebook page asking for prayer and donations of supplies. Alyssa shared that it was amazing how God brought businesses and individuals together. They established a goal of $10,000 to purchase supplies and cover expenses for the truck, but she says God went above and beyond, as the donations reached not only $10,000, but an extra amount for the truck!
Country Mart Branson allowed them to host a donation drop-off, and their garage became a storage facility until the rental of the truck on October 18. Before heading out on October 20, they finished shopping for additional camping gear, heaters, warm clothing and generators. Alyssa said the employees at Branson Hills Walmart were wonderful, pitching in to help gather and load the items.
It was tough driving, as documented on Alyssa’s Facebook page, with some main routes re-routed to what is known as the “Snake Trail,” where speeds slowed to a crawl. At times it felt like the Penske truck might not negotiate the curves if not for the prayers of Alyssa’s dad and stepmom, Mike and Rhonda Mahoney, who were following in another vehicle. When they finally arrived at Anchor Ridge, they were greeted by other volunteers who helped sort and arrange for distribution of the supplies and equipment. They were also able to find motel lodging within a reasonable driving distance. In a remarkable timing coincidence, they arranged to work through a Baptist church in a smaller community that had been serving as a supply hub, and their visit was a double blessing because the church had lost the use of the truck they previously used for hauling.
Right now, the focus is on preparing people for temporary placement during cold weather, said Alyssa, with the supplies and shelter needed for keeping warm. Another huge need will be helping people pay bills until their jobs—and commuter routes to get there—are restored. Once spring arrives, however, the emphasis will shift to dirt moving and brush and tree removal, and then to actual rebuilding and construction.
The Ambrosiers summarize their trip by saying it was a challenge, but also an amazing opportunity to be a blessing and to see other volunteers in action. They are already considering the possibility of a return trip to put their construction skills to use in the spring or summer, possibly taking their children this time to let them experience the blessing of serving others when God leads us to do so.
They also encourage others to consider how they might volunteer, emphasizing the importance of connecting with a trusted nonprofit or ministry to make efficient use of volunteer time and skills. “Ask them how you can be helpful,” said Alyssa, “and how you should plan and what tools you might need to bring.” Several church denominations have a benevolence or disaster response department that can help with connections in various affected areas.
If you’re not able to volunteer in person, watch for updates from Spencer and Alyssa as well as other Branson area residents that have been helping. There will be ways to donate financially, and of course prayers are always appreciated by all the teams and individuals working to help.
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