"God Can Reveal His Strength Amid Darkness," Says Christian Entrepreneur
Mike Stewart, a local business owner from western North Carolina, recently prayed over former President Donald Trump during a press event held in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Stewart believes that the storm, which devastated parts of his community, is serving as a divine tool to bring healing and unity to a previously divided area.
Stewart’s construction company, Pine View Buildings, suffered significant damage when the Swannanoa River flooded, wiping out nearly 70 of his utility structures. Speaking with The Christian Post, Stewart reflected on how the natural disaster and Trump's visit offered him the chance to invoke God’s blessing and wisdom for the former president during a critical point in the campaign season.
“It was an incredible opportunity," Stewart shared. "I didn’t expect President Trump to come, let alone have the chance to pray over him. But I felt it was something God orchestrated. I got up early that morning, prayed, and trusted that I'd have a chance to speak. They allowed me to offer a prayer, which was a true honor.”
When Trump arrived at the storm-ravaged site, Stewart joined other local dignitaries as the former president addressed the community from a wooden podium. Trump, while criticizing the federal response to the hurricane, praised the resilience of the local residents. Afterward, he invited those standing with him to share their thoughts, giving Stewart the opportunity to express his belief in Trump's leadership as essential in these trying times.
"You’re a warrior with an indomitable spirit," Stewart told Trump, expressing his view that the former president’s tenacity in the face of opposition could inspire hope in a community struggling to recover. Stewart then prayed over Trump, asking God to guide him with "wisdom, understanding, and insight" as he continued his work.
In an interview after the event, Stewart expressed his perspective on the current political climate, framing the ongoing conflicts in terms of a spiritual battle between good and evil. While he acknowledged that Trump’s personality may not appeal to everyone, Stewart emphasized the need for a leader who is strong enough to stand up to opposition.
“I don’t want someone in that role who isn’t willing to fight,” Stewart said, defending his belief that Trump is the right leader for this moment. A former pastor, Stewart also shared his belief that, while hurricanes and natural disasters are the result of evil, God can still bring good from the devastation.
"I see the storm as a work of darkness, but God can reveal His strength even in the midst of it," he explained. Stewart went on to describe how local Christians, including church groups and business owners, were among the first to come together after the hurricane, providing aid and support to their neighbors.
"They were praying for each other and serving the community because of God’s love," he said. When a friend asked where Jesus was amid the destruction, Stewart replied, “I saw Jesus on the excavator and on the skid steer. It's the Body of Christ at work.”
He referenced John 14:12, where Jesus said His followers would do "greater things," noting that the storm had brought the community together in ways previously unimaginable. "This disaster has broken down the walls of division," Stewart said. "What the enemy intended for harm, God is using for good."
Stewart grew emotional as he recounted how the storm mended his own strained relationship with a neighbor who ran a competing business across the street. “We hadn’t spoken in years,” Stewart said. “But the day after the storm, he came over, hugged me, and we both cried. That’s the kind of healing this storm has brought.”