Hospitality, Hope, and Homecoming: The Wenners’ Story

L-R: Russ and Donna Wenner, Pat and Rodney Young

Oftentimes, when tragedy strikes, God gives us abundant blessings. Sometimes it’s hard to see them in the moment, but with time and perspective, we are called to recognize the gifts – both big and small – that emerge from some of life’s darkest days.

Donna and Russ Wenner lived in Charlotte for 16 years and were active members of SMPC. The couple moved to Asheville, NC, in 2017, and thrived – they loved the time outdoors, the restaurants, and the community they built. Like so many, they never imagined a hurricane could reach the mountains of Western North Carolina.

But in September 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall and devastated the communities of Western North Carolina. Asheville was hit especially hard. The Wenners lost water, electricity, and cell service at their home, so they drove to Charlotte with their beagle, Baylor, and checked into a hotel in Ballantyne.

“We realized very quickly how much Helene devastated our community,” said Donna. “We knew we wouldn’t have water restored for months, and the businesses in our neighborhood would be closed indefinitely, so we started asking around about a rental house in Charlotte.”

Then, in only what could be considered a God-wink, an old SMPC friend came into the picture.

“I was at the Blakeney Target getting bottled water before we headed back to Asheville to check on the house, and I got a call from a longtime SMPC friend, Pat Young,” said Donna. “She and her husband, Rodney, offered for us to stay with them in their home in Waxhaw. I was speechless – the generosity!”

The history of the two couples runs deep at SMPC. Pat and Donna were part of an SMPC Circle group and served on the Hospitality Committee at SMPC for many years. Russ and Rodney were involved in the Friday Morning Men’s Group, and both couples had been in the same Sunday School class together back when it was called All Things Considered.

What came next was nothing short of one of God’s great blessings.

“We ended up staying about three weeks with the Youngs, and we had the best time,” said Donna. “We had coffee together in the morning, did our own thing during the day, and reunited at night for dinner. We took turns cooking and would sit around the table talking for hours!”

The Wenners also came back to SMPC during those weeks with the Youngs.

“Every Sunday, when we showed up at SMPC, we were greeted by hugs—and the tears fell,” she said. “We knew we were home and wanted to be back.”

About a month later, the Wenners bought a house in Waxhaw that is close to church, their son, daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren, and many old friends, including the Youngs.

“Many afternoons, Russ and I would come back to the Youngs’ house after taking care of details with the move to find Baylor happily napping on the floor between Rodney and Pat’s chairs,” laughed Donna. “She loved it when they tossed her popcorn! Baylor was certainly living her best life!”

Russ and Donna love being back with their faith family. Russ serves breakfast to Center of Hope guests, participates in the Friday Morning Men’s Group and was recently nominated for the office of the Deacon. Donna looks forward to getting more involved at church, as well, but for now, they both feel blessed by the love, hospitality and warmth of our faith community.

“It’s been a long year, but we are so grateful to all of our friends at SMPC — especially Pat and Rodney Young, who opened their home to us and welcomed us (with our crazy dog),” said Donna. “We were so fragile those first few weeks after Helene, and we truly believe that God worked miracles through our dear friends and SMPC. Russ and I are so happy to be back and thankful to Rodney and Pat for making this transition possible.”