McDowell County
I recently had the privilege of worshiping with the faithful people of Sunnyvale Baptist Church. Since Hurricane Helene, this small but devoted congregation has been meeting in the chapel of Westmoreland Funeral Home, which has graciously opened its doors to them free of charge.
For many, Hurricane Helene has faded into memory. But for the people of Sunnyvale Baptist Church, its effects remain painfully present.
The storm completely destroyed their church building, located off NC 80 on Buck Creek Road in Marion. The structure had to be totally demolished and hauled away at a cost of $35,000—an overwhelming burden for a small congregation. Only a few items from the sanctuary could be salvaged and are now in storage. Photos of the church before and after the storm can be found on Facebook by searching Sunnyvale Baptist Church Marion NC.
Sunnyvale Baptist Church is a small congregation pastored by Rev. Jimmy Buchanan, but they have a strong desire to rebuild and continue serving the Lord and their community. They have received a rebuilding grant from Samaritan’s Purse once construction begins. Unfortunately, FEMA has provided no meaningful help, instead entangling the church in a long and discouraging process of red tape.
I feel strongly led by the Lord to reach out to all churches in McDowell County and surrounding counties on behalf of Sunnyvale Baptist Church. I am asking churches to help spread the word and to participate in a one-time, special Sunday morning love offering on Sunday, February 15, 2026—the day after Valentine’s Day.
We are calling this effort “A Sunday for Sunnyvale.”
Jesus said in John 13:35 (KJV), “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” This is an opportunity for the Church to live out that love in a visible and powerful way.
I have also contacted every Baptist Association in North Carolina, encouraging them to do the same. In addition, we have already received calls from mission teams as far away as Texas who are willing to come and help rebuild. I do not know what total amount God may provide through His people on one designated Sunday—but I do know that “our God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20, KJV).
Jesus also reminded us that “ye have not, because ye ask not.” Feeling led by the Lord, I am asking our churches to rise up, stand together, and show our county what God can do in us and through us for Sunnyvale Baptist Church.
Once again, the day is Sunday, February 15, 2026, and the call is A Sunday for Sunnyvale.
If you need additional information or have questions, please feel free to contact me:
Dennis Love
Phone: 828-925-0735
Email: [email protected]
Let us show the good people of Sunnyvale Baptist Church that they are not forgotten—and that they are truly loved by all of God’s people.
Gifts may be sent to:
Blue Ridge Baptist Association
c/o Sunnyvale Baptist Church
77 Fleming Ave.
Marion, NC 28752
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Dr. Dennis Love is the Associational Missions Strategist for the Blue Ridge Baptist Association in McDowell County. Dr. Love has been in full-time ministry work for 31 years. He and his wife Vicki have been married for almost 42 years, and they have lived in Marion for almost 8 years. They have two sons, four grandchildren and two step-grandchildren. He can be reached via email at: [email protected]
Read more of his Christian news articles here
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