On May 16, 2025, a devastating EF4 tornado tore through London, Kentucky, in Laurel County, leaving a 55.6-mile path of destruction, claiming at least 19 lives, and injuring many others. The tornado, with wind speeds reaching up to 170 miles per hour, was one of the deadliest in the state since 2021, leveling homes, uprooting trees, and scattering debris across neighborhoods like Sunshine Hills.

Crisis Response International was featured on Kentucky Educational Television (KET), Kentucky’s PBS affiliate, for their rapid and compassionate response to this tragedy. The segment, aired on Kentucky Edition on May 20, 2025, starting at the 6:39-minute mark, highlighted CRI’s efforts to support the community in the aftermath of the storm. Responders from across the nation, including Texas and Minnesota, were housed at First Presbyterian Church in London, serving as a base for their relief operations.

CRI’s work included clearing debris, recovering personal belongings, and providing trauma care to affected residents. The broadcast showcased a poignant moment captured in a CRI video, where volunteers helped a tornado victim locate their grandmother’s wedding ring amidst the rubble—a powerful symbol of hope amid loss. As Ferrin, our deployment leader shared “Part of my job is to track storms across the United States… When we saw that it was London, KY, I was able to equip and mobilize within about 45 minutes.” Within hours of daybreak on Saturday, CRI teams were on the ground, offering trained chaplains and helpers to support survivors in their hardest moments.

The feature underscored the unity and resilience of the London community, with CRI’s efforts exemplifying the compassion of volunteers who answered the call to serve. Watch the full segment on KET’s website:

https://www.wkyt.com/2025/05/23/one-week-after-tornado-kentucky-communities-face-long-road-recovery/

Watch the Video Here

 

On May 16, 2025, an EF4 tornado devastated Laurel County, Kentucky, carving a 55.6-mile path through communities like Sunshine Hills, killing 19 people, and injuring many others. The storm, with winds up to 170 miles per hour, left homes reduced to rubble and lives forever changed. One week later, WKYT News aired a feature on May 23, 2025, titled “One week after tornado, Kentucky communities face long road to recovery,” highlighting the ongoing recovery efforts and the vital role of Crisis Response International (CRI) in supporting the affected residents.

The WKYT report captured the resilience of Laurel County, with the phrase “Laurel County Strong” echoing through the community. CRI was recognized for their hands-on assistance in helping survivors like Brandon Jones salvage belongings from the wreckage of their homes. As Jones noted, while grateful for CRI’s support, he urged more Kentuckians to join the effort, as the initial surge of volunteers had dwindled.

CRI’s responders, operating from their base at First Presbyterian Church in London, worked tirelessly to clear debris and provide emotional support, embodying the spirit of compassion that the community desperately needed. The WKYT segment emphasized that while recovery will take months, if not years, the presence of organizations like CRI offers hope amidst the devastation.

For the full story, read the article on WKYT’s website: One week after tornado, Kentucky communities face long road to recovery.

 

https://www.wkyt.com/2025/05/23/one-week-after-tornado-kentucky-communities-face-long-road-recovery/

Watch the Video Here

 

WYMT Hazard, KY.
Amelia Lee
February 24th, 2025

Michael Deaton was in her home when it flooded. She said she did not expect the flood waters to be so high and was not able to prepare.

“I think I was in shock, I just didn’t think it would get in the house this time,” Deaton said. “But I was wrong.”

She used her home for work, as a daycare for kids. She lost her job, her home, and her car from the flood.

“My heart is broken for the kids,” Deaton said. “They all call me nanny because that’s what my grandchildren call me.”

Volunteers from throughout the country are working to repair her home this week. Ferrin Cole is with Crisis Response International. He traveled from Asheville, North Carolina to volunteer.

“Hazard actually came to Asheville North Carolina where I live,” Cole said. “After Hurricane Helene, and they brought an incredible amount of help down, so this feels incredibly personal to just love back.”

Cole said just because some people move on, does not mean there is no longer any help.
“You are not forgotten Kentucky,” Cole said. “We are here. There are other agencies here. Look for the helpers. There’s people who love you guys who came up to help.”
Deaton said what is helping her get through this hard time, is neighbors coming to her side and helping her through it.

“Thank you is not a good enough word because I appreciate it,” Deaton said. “So much. Forever.”

Volunteers said they will stay at Deaton’s home until they are finished with their repairs.

 

https://www.wymt.com/2025/02/24/volunteers-work-muck-out-home/

Watch the Video Here

 

Western Global
February 12th, 2025

 

When Hurricane Helene struck Florida in September 2024 with 140 mph winds, Crisis Response International (CRI), was ready to assist. With a history rooted in disasters like 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, CRI specializes in mobilizing volunteers for debris removal, mobile kitchens, and medical aid. However, Helene revealed a critical need: fuel. Gas stations were dry, and power outages were widespread, a trend Sean has observed worsening over the past decade.

Enter the Western Global FuelCube Type-S, a game-changer for CRI’s relief efforts. These compact, spill-proof fuel tanks provided on-site, on-demand fuel for generators, recovery operations, and victims’ needs in remote areas. During Helene’s aftermath, extending to North Carolina, the FuelCubes enabled CRI to serve 1,000 meals daily, deliver 35 truckloads of resources, and support individuals relying on generators for warmth and food. Their mobility and efficiency transformed CRI’s operations, replacing cumbersome fuel cans with a streamlined solution.

Beyond logistics, the FuelCubes empowered CRI to touch lives—like helping a disabled woman recover from mold damage with remediation and new clothes, restoring her dignity. Sean credits the tanks for keeping essential equipment running, making such impactful stories possible. Curious how innovative equipment reshapes disaster relief? Dive into the full article!

 

https://western-global.com/us/support/insights/fuelcubes-an-absolute-game-changer-in-hurricane-relief-efforts/

‘I hope that we can sustain it’ | Fort Mill-based organization answering the call for humanitarian aid in Asheville

WCNC Charlotte
Jane Monreal
November 4, 2024

 

WATCH THE VIDEO FROM THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE

 

When Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina on September 27, 2024, killing dozens and leaving a lasting scar with destroyed roads and widespread power outages, Sean Malone and his nonprofit, Crisis Response International, sprang into action. Initially in Florida post-landfall, Malone quickly redirected his team to Asheville by October 1, where the need for essentials like hot meals persisted weeks later—unprecedented for a typical hurricane. A former first responder shaped by 9/11, Malone has led CRI to provide sustained relief, serving a region where people still emerge from isolated areas, some tasting their first hot meal in three weeks amid job losses and homes pierced by trees.

With nearly 50 volunteers, CRI is transitioning from chaotic response to recovery, tackling muck outs and debris removal for the long haul. Malone, who briefly returned home for cold-weather gear and family, highlights the overwhelming gratitude from Asheville’s residents—some even volunteering after being helped. As winter looms, CRI needs more volunteers and resources to keep hope alive. What makes this disaster unique, and how is CRI adapting? Read the full story to find out!

Contact Jane Monreal at [email protected] and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram

https://www.wcnc.com/article/weather/hurricane/helene/asheville-fort-mill-organization-humanitarian-aid/275-ff51a04e-98f5-49fb-89ae-f4588ec4bc10

 

WATCH THE VIDEO FROM THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE

In 1 John, we’re invited to walk in the light, practice the truth, and live in fellowship with one another. As CRI Responders, this invitation goes beyond personal growth—it’s a call to gather with others in your community, create strong bonds, invite God’s presence into your homes, and empower you to impact the world around you.

1 John 1:4-7 (ESV)
And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

1 John 2:2-6 (ESV)
He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. And by this, we know that we have come to know him if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

Let’s explore how these Scriptures can guide us in living missionally, forming “koinonia” (true Christian fellowship), and helping us to fulfill our call in times of crisis.

 

What Does It Mean for Our Joy to Be Full?

1 John 1:4 speaks of a joy that comes from fellowship with God and each other. This joy isn’t based on circumstances but on the deep satisfaction of living out God’s purposes. For CRI Responders, this joy comes from knowing we are united in Christ and that through community and our actions, we bring the love and hope of the gospel to our regions and to the world.

 

What Does It Mean to Walk in the Light?

Walking in the light means living in alignment with God’s truth and sharing that truth through our lives and into our communities. 1 John 1:7 reminds us that walking in the light opens the door to fellowship, where the presence of God dwells among us and empowers us to serve. Imagine opening your home to neighbors, friends, and fellow believers—gathering together as a family on mission, sharing life, worship, and prayer. This kind of fellowship strengthens us, giving us the courage and boldness to step into the hardest places and bring relief, hope, and the gospel to those in need.

 

What Does It Mean to Practice the Truth?

As CRI Responders, we’re called to practice the truth by living out the gospel in tangible ways—whether it’s providing disaster relief, bringing food and water to those in crisis, or simply being a listening ear. Practicing the truth is more than knowing Scripture; it’s about letting it transform our actions. As we gather in our homes and build community, we create spaces to hold each other accountable, encourage one another, and be strengthened to live out the truth in our daily lives not just on deployment.

 

The Power of “Koinonia” in Kingdom Family

“Koinonia”, or true fellowship, is essential to living missionally. It’s more than just getting together; it’s about sharing life deeply, with Christ at the center. In the early church, believers gathered in homes to break bread, worship, and serve together. Once you have truly experienced this, it’s hard to live any other way. When we gather in fellowship groups, we create a Kingdom Family, where God’s presence empowers us to bring His love to our communities.

As CRI Responders, God is inviting us to build these “koinonia” communities in our homes. By becoming a CRI Ambassador, you can open your home to others, creating a space where relationships are strengthened, God’s presence is felt, and mission flows naturally. At the upcoming Kingdom Family Summit, we’ll be offering special training and commissioning to equip you as a CRI Ambassador. This is an incredible opportunity to be part of something bigger, to join a family on mission, and to bring light to the darkest places.

 

Walking as Jesus Walked: Living Missionally Together

1 John 2:3-6 calls us to keep His commandments and walk as Jesus walked. For us, this means living in love, humility, and obedience—just as Jesus did. In the context of CRI, it means stepping into the chaos of crisis, whether it’s disaster response, serving the vulnerable, or sharing the gospel. But it also means being rooted in community. Together, as a Kingdom Family, we are stronger. We can pray for one another, hold each other up, and step out boldly to fulfill the Great Commission.

 

Gather and Go 

The heart of CRI is not just responding to crises but building a Kingdom Family that lives on mission every day. By gathering in your home with others from your community, you are creating a space where God’s presence dwells, where relationships grow strong, and where together, you can go out and serve the world.

As you apply to become a CRI Ambassador, think about the impact you can have by opening your home, gathering others, and stepping out in faith. The Kingdom Family Summit will be a powerful time of training and commissioning, where we will come together to be equipped and sent out to make a greater impact for the Kingdom.

Walking in the light, practicing the truth, and living in community are foundational to our mission as CRI Responders. As we embrace the power of “koinonia” and live as a Kingdom Family, we will see God’s presence propel us into deeper relationships and significantly impact our communities. Now is the time to gather, grow, and go together.

Apply to become a CRI Ambassador today, and join us at the Kingdom Family Summit for commissioning and equipping. Let’s live on mission, bringing the love of Christ to those in need, empowered by God’s presence and the strength of community.

 

Register for The Kingdom Family Summit

Apply to Become An Ambassador