California churches are publicly reacting to some of the deadliest wildfires to burn through the state since 1991.
Four fires are simultaneously burning through the state which are the Nurse and Camp fires in Northern California along with the Woolsey and Hill fires in the state’s southern region.
The Camp Fire is the third deadliest in the state and has killed 25 people in three days, according to reports on Sunday. Hundreds of people have gone missing while two people have been declared dead in Southern California where countless people have been evacuated, according to Los Angeles Times.
Churches in the area are spreading encouragement, prayers and information for those impacted by the natural disasters.
Zoe Church in Los Angeles called for prayer and donations while providing people with organizations that would welcome their help.
“Please continue to pray with us for the hundreds of thousands of people affected and evacuated by the ongoing #Californiafires and our incredible firefighters and first responders,” the church’s Instagram states. “To donate to displaced and affected families visit zoechurch.org/firerelief. @convoyofhope – Local Emergency Relief @baby2baby – Essential basics for babies and kids. @lafdfoundation – Hydration Packs for Fire Fighters and First Responders @salvationarmyus – Local Emergency Relief.”
Oasis Church in Los Angeles asked people to send messages to the church if they need help.
“We are continuing to pray for our neighbors who have been affected by the ongoing fires, and if you or someone you know has been displaced, please message us and we will try to find a way we can help,” a message on the church’s Instagram page states. “Also, please pray for the first and emergency responders, firefighters, and other leaders who are working to ensure the safety of the residents in the area.”
Pastor Touré Roberts and Sarah Jakes Roberts, the leaders of The Potter’s House at One LA, had to evacuate their homes. The former shared an emotional message about the ordeal online.
“In times of devastation I’ve been guilty of feeling like I don’t want to post another thing about praying. It feels so helpless. Now that the community in which I live my life from day to day is under siege, when I see that someone, somewhere is on the other side of the city, state, country, or world praying it brings strength and comfort to me,” she wrote. “There is power in adding your faith to someone else’s. Heaven touches earth when we are willing to be the tunnel in which God can manifest his glory. Your prayers, hands, thoughts, and concerns matter.”
The preacher and daughter of renowned Bishop T.D. Jakes shared her public prayer, asking people to join her.
“We’re fine whether our house makes it or not, but there are lives in danger and I am asking you to join me in praying for those battling the fire, escaping the fire, opening their homes, providing resources, and so much more,” she wrote. “May this fire not just be contained but completely extinguished – in JESUS name!”
Bethel Church in Redding, Calif. Has had to overcome the devastation of wildfires in recent months. Days after a tragic mass shooting in the Thousand Oaks area of California, the church shared its prayer for the recent tragedies that have been taking place.
“Today, we are praying for the communities affected by recent events in our nation. From the mass shooting in Pittsburgh, PA and Thousand Oaks, CA, to the fires in Southern CA and Paradise, CA, we are praying for healing, restoration, and safety for those still in danger,” an Instagram message from the church states. “God, may Your presence be a shield of protection and support for those in grief and in fear. May Your love fill homes and hearts, and be a shelter in these storms.”
The prayer continues on to say, “may Your peace reside in conversations and communities as they navigate loss. And may Your joy come with the morning.”