A Wednesday check of Grace Brethren pastors throughout California has brought a few interesting reports.
From Julie Schumacher, Director of Missions and Communications at the Grace Brethren Church in Long Beach
Here in Long Beach, we are not directly in danger from the fires, but are certainly affected in other ways. Many in our church have family and friends who are displaced, and one of our staff members sister’s house burned to the ground yesterday. Of course, the sky is dark and it’s raining ash as well.
We are trying to set up some systems for assistance with two other churches we have relationships with in the Escondido (San Diego County) area, in order to channel supplies and resources to those who need help. Even getting down there today is nearly impossible as they’ve closed THE major freeway from LA to San Diego due to a fire that jumped the freeway. It’s pretty crazy out here right now.
Thursday update from Julie: The good news is that the weather is finally changing and the winds are dying down. That will give the firefighters and standing chance to deal with these raging fires.
If you would like to help, we (Grace Brethren Church, Long Beach) are working with Northcoast Church in Vista, Calif. to provide $20 gift cards to Walmart or Target in order for those displaced or now homeless to be able to purchase basic need items. Notes of prayer or encouragement can be attached to the card. Funds can be sent to Grace Long Beach, 3590 Elm Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90807, ATTN: Pastor Eric Marsh. Checks should be made to Grace Long Beach and the memo line should state “fire assistance.”
Other Wednesday reports:
From Pastor Chris Suitt, New Hope Community Church , Canyon Lake
New Hope Community Church is unaffected – at this point – by the fires. Some of our people are helping get food to those who are affected. People in our home school group have been forced to evacuate and one has had damage. Our family and home school group are providing meals and clothing.
From Pastor Terry Daniels, Grace Brethren Church of South Pasadena
We have had no direct impact from the fires. In fact, we hardly even smell smoke here in South Pasadena. Thanks for your concern.
From Pastor Mike Sciarra, Grace Church of Orange
We are pretty unaffected by the fires. The closest it got to any of our people was a few miles from my home in Irvine. We all have relatives/friends who have been evacuated in other areas but nothing near us.
From Pastor Glen Shirk, Ripon Grace Brethren Church
We are far enough away that we are not impacted other than hurting for those affected in the south of our state. I know that there are fire teams that have gone south to fight the fires from our area.
From Pastor Roy Halberg, Grace Fellowship of Alta Loma
Nothing near us this time . . . at least not yet!! Four years ago we were impacted but so far we are in the clear.
Photo above: Passing over Southern California at 3:10 p.m. on October 24, 2007, NASA’s Terra satellite captured this image of the massive wildfires that have devastated the area.