Hope Stories From The Mill

Canton, North Carolina has been a hot spot for difficulties over the last few years. From COVID-19 affecting local health and economy, to devastating flooding and mudslides – and now the closing of the paper mill that supplied so many jobs for so long.

When you go to Canton, you can feel the heaviness and you’ll quickly realize how much that mill means to the town.

But God. Even in the middle of the unknown, He is showing up and showing His people that He will make a way for them.

You can feel the hope rising in the mountains of Haywood County.

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19

Light on Canton

Amber told us that she and her husband, Mark, have raised their children in Canton and have extended family there. Mark works at the mill, but even after finding out that he would lose his job, Amber said “Our faith in God is not determined by our circumstances and our children are watching…He knew this was going to happen and I’m going to rest in Him. Everything is going to be okay.” Mark has now found another job and God used that to show His goodness to their family. “God keeps His promises and He’s going to provide,” said Amber.

Jeremy works at the mill and coaches at Pisgah. Despite losing his job, Jeremy said “We’ve seen some adverse times…and every time the Lord was faithful.”

His outlook is inspiring – knowing that life is changing soon, he’s still praising God for what He has done and will continue to do. “I thank God for what He’s done and for how amazing He’s been to my family. God’s hand is still mighty and merciful,” he said.

The fear of the unknown is real. It’s not going to be easy for Canton or for Haywood County, but it will stretch the faith of God’s people and bring them closer to Him.

Mark, another employee of the mill said it best: “We’re not going to glorify the problem, we’re going to glorify the Problem Solver.”

Do you have a hope story to shine a light on Canton?

Email us at info@thelightfm.org and let us know what God’s been doing!