2+ week, 3+ day ago (345+ words) DANVILLE, Va. (WDBJ) - After hearing about the destruction in Jamaica caused by category 5 Hurricane Melissa, God's Pit Crew got to work. Volunteers with the Danville nonprofit loaded Blessing Buckets filled with essential supplies into tractor trailers and planes to send to the island. God's Pit Crew Deployment Leader Shepherd Weiskopf landed in Jamaica Tuesday night. The driver who picked him up saw the devastation firsthand. "He was telling us that he watched his neighbor's roof got completely ripped off," said Shepherd Weiskopf, God's Pit Crew Deployment Leader. "They were okay, but as he was saying it, he got goosebumps just saying it. It's terrifying to happen right next door." He and one other team member are there to assess the damage to determine how much more help is needed and where. "There's definitely been a lot of trees blown over,…...

3+ week, 2+ day ago (214+ words) ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - The holiday season is approaching, and the Salvation Army Roanoke Corps is urging the community to donate and volunteer for its annual Red Kettle Campaign. It kicked off Friday, November 7, at the 4812 Hollins Road Food Lion in Roanoke. "Every cent helps, every minute counts," said Salvation Army Roanoke Corps Lt. Antonio Hodges. The familiar sound of bells ringing next to the Salvation Army's famous red kettle is a staple during the holiday season, which brings in donations to support over 750 families in the Roanoke Valley. "We have huge programs in Roanoke Corps, where we assist in social services, we have food boxes, we have so many things with youth, and all those programs. The funds we gather help support that all year-round and help those in need," said Lt. Hodges. This year, the Salvation Army is aiming…...

2+ week, 4+ day ago (171+ words) ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - Blending faith, psychology, and personal growth through the lens of biblical characters who overcame trauma. That's the goal of a new book from local author and counselor Dr. Mikenley Lundy. He joins us on Here @ Home to discuss his book, "From Pain to Purpose: Biblical Stories of Healing and Renewal." He tells us how as we walk through a difficult season - we may wonder if things will ever change? In From Pain to Purpose, Dr. Mikenley Lundy reminds us that our hardest moments don't have to be the end of the story. Whether it's rejection, grief, or betrayal, God can take even those broken places and turn them into something meaningful. This book offers encouragement for anyone who feels stuck in the weight of unanswered prayers or quiet pain. Listen to our conversation and hear the one…...