Hope in the California fires
Over the last two weeks, fires ravaged entire neighborhoods and communities in southern California. The two main blazes, the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire, destroyed or damaged more than 15,000 structures and displaced nearly 200,000 people, according to a report on nbcnews.com.Ā
We thank God for sparing Hope Lutheran Church, in Los Angeles, which was within 10 miles of the fires. Additionally, there have been no reports of significant loss or damage from members.Ā
But the surrounding devastation left Hopeās neighbors and community in need.Ā By Sat., Jan. 11, Hope partnered with Pali Fire Support to operate a donation and distribution center on the congregationās campus, which they were able to open that Saturday and Sun., Jan. 12. While providing material aid, such as clothes, toiletries, diapers, and gift cards, the congregationās members were also providing spiritual and emotional support to those in need. Ā
The congregation and Pali Fire Support opened the center again on Sat., Jan. 18. Rev. Steven Gabb, pastor at Hope, says, āAt the same time, āpop upā efforts like ours are naturally giving way to well-established organizations with the infrastructure, manpower, storage space, and experience in providing humanitarian aid on such a large scale. As such, by the end of the day on Saturday (January 18), we had made plans to cease our operation and move our inventory to one of those larger community organizations.āĀ
āOur role, along with countless others throughout Los Angeles,ā explains Gabb, āhas been to help bridge the gap between the event and the time when insurance and government aid is able to provide more comprehensive support. It has been a humbling privilege to do our part as Godās instruments and voices in our community.āĀ
WELS Christian Aid and Relief provided a $6,000 grant to Hope to help with local efforts and to provide gift cards for people who lost their homes or were displaced. In addition, Christian Aid and Relief gave $5,000 to Direct Relief, an organization that specializes in medical assistance in disaster situations.Ā
Gabb concludes, āMany thanks to WELS members throughout the synod for their prayers and financial donations to support the effort, to WELS Christian Aid and Relief, and to the Lord for the opportunity to show Christian love and to let our Christian light shine in our community.āĀ
As of Sun., Jan. 19, NBC reported that the Palisades Fire was 56 percent contained, and the Eaton Fire was 81 percent contained. We pray that the fires continue to die out and all who have been affected find hope in the Lordās promises to care for his people.Ā
For future updates, follow WELS Christian Aid and Relief on Facebook at fb.com/WELSChristianAidAndRelief.Ā
Did you know . . .Ā
WELS Christian Aid and Relief has prepared an online library of resources to assist congregations in preparing for a variety of natural disasters.Ā Ā