By Lavon Haden,
As we stand at the beginning of a new year, my heart swells with gratitude, my body bears the weariness of service, and my spirit is filled with awe at what God has accomplished through us in 2025. In every storm we’ve faced, God has demonstrated His unwavering faithfulness, utilizing your prayers, generous contributions, and tireless service to ensure that Just the Crumbs embodies His hands and feet across multiple states this year.
15 Months in North Carolina (a remarkable deployment)
Our journey began this year in the heart of western North Carolina, responding to the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. As I write this, weare still on the ground, and by the grace of Cod, we will soon conclude our commitment after 18 months of steadfast service. Historically, our average deployment lasted about three months, with our longest spanning six months. Yet Helene has undeniably carved out its own unique chapter in our ministry. While we didn’t prepare meals every single day of these 18 months, here is how God has moved and worked in North Carolina:
• Over 100,000 meals served to those in need
• Debris, mud, and fallen trees were cleared from countless properties
• Two homes lovingly demolished, because they were beyond repair
• 19 donated campers set up to provide immediate shelter
• 10 tiny homes purchased and provided to families in distress
• Campers and tiny homes were gifted to survivors who had lost everything — some were found sleeping in tents until we arrived
• Millions of dollars in essential supplies distributed
• Six homes meticulously gutted and restored, empowering families to reclaim their living spaces
• Multiple teams mobilized across western North Carolina, delivering service to various communities
Behind the scenes, our dedicated Brandy worked tirelessly to repair vehicles, generators, chainsaws, and more — everything needed to keep homeowners and volunteers moving forward despite the challenges.
From day one, our promise has remained steadfast: “We will stay as long as there is a need, we have the funds, and we have the help.” In North Carolina, God has graciously provided all three:
• An overwhelming need for our services
• A remarkable surge of volunteers eager to help
• Generous donors who contributed specifically to support our efforts in North Carolina
Many of you answered the call to support this mission, and we have made it our priority to utilize your contributions directly in North Carolina, serving the communities profoundly affected by the disaster.
While Still in North Carolina… the Storms Kept Coming
Even as we focused our efforts in North Carolina, other communities continued to face their own trials. As the Lord opened doors and resources became available, Just The Crumbs responded to disasters in:
• Des Arc, Missouri – Tornado response
• Covington County, Mississippi – Tornado response
• London, Kentucky – A powerful tornado wreaking widespread havoc
• San Angelo, Texas – Record-breaking flooding
In every one of these locations, we have fulfilled our Divine calling: to cook, serve, listen, pray, and extend love to those in need, all in the name of Jesus.
Nourishing the Rebuilders & Supporting Other Volunteer Teams
An essential part of our mission also involves feeding other volunteer teams working tirelessly to rebuild homes and clear storm damage. In 2025, we cherished the opportunity to:
• Provide meals for God’s Pit Crew as they constructed six houses this year
• Support Grindstone Ministries in clearing debris and removing fallen trees from homes across three separate events
• Collaborate with Team ACTS in their cleanup and recovery efforts
Sometimes our role is to be the “hidden kitchen,” ensuring that builders, chainsaw teams, and cleanup crews are well-fed so they can maintain their strength and dedication. While it may not always be visible, your contributions matter deeply to the Lord and to those they serve.
Two Years of Uninterrupted Service
For nearly two years, we have been immersed in service, with perhaps only a two-week break here and there. I do not claim that this journey has been easy; it has been long, exhausting, and grueling. Yet it has also been profoundly rewarding, humbling, and filled with eternal purpose. The lives we have touched, the hearts we have lifted, and particularly those who have found salvation amid their trials — these are why we go forth. By God’s grace, they are the reason we will persist in our efforts.
Prayer & Praise Corner
We Praise God For:
• His protection and strength throughout our lengthy deployments
• Each meal served and every home restored
• Souls saved and hearts uplifted in Jesus’ name
• Faithful partners who have prayed, given, and served alongside us
Please Pray For:
• Physical strength and health for our dedicated team
• Wisdom in planning and responding to new disasters as they arise
• Continued provision of volunteers and financial support
• Open doors to share the message of Christ with those who are hurting
• Safe and smooth completion of our remaining commitments in North Carolina
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we prepare to embrace 2026, our vision is clear: to continue reaching out wherever God leads us and to touch lives in the name of Jesus Christ.
From a human perspective, our limitations are apparent:
• We can only achieve as much as we have willing hearts to help
• We can only accomplish as much as the resources allow
There is so much more we could do if only we had additional equipment, more volunteers, and sustained support. However, that’s the human side of things. On God’s side, the possibilities are boundless. Let us step forward together, trusting in His infinite grace and provision for the journey ahead.
From all of us at Just the Crumbs, thank you for standing with us. May God richly bless you as we continue serving together in His name. If you have any questions or would like to serve in any way, please get in touch with me at (601) 522-6055. You can also visit our website at justthecrumbsministries.com.
