California WildFire

Disaster Relief

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Ps 34:18

Our hearts are burdened for those impacted by the fires in our community. Members of our congregation have lost their homes. Friends have lost their lives. Half of our congregation has been displaced and dispersed. Yet we have not lost hope.

The fires rage. our Lord reigns.

Your donations to our Benevolence Fund will be used to offer relief to our church members and our neighbors. We have immediate needs and anticipate the opportunity to extend mercy to those suffering all around us.

Updates

Mon Jan 13

Initially, 24 households were evacuated. We have been able to meet short-term financial needs for evacuated families from existing benevolence fund balance.

Currently, 13 households are still impacted by mandatory evacuation, extensive smoke damage, and contaminated water making it either impossible to move back into their homes, or difficult to do so. Of those families, 2 lost their homes entirely. If we include a previous pastor’s home that makes 3.

Here is what we are doing today:

    • We are working to purchase & deliver drinking water to these households

    • We have coordinated professional cleaning for one home, with a few others on the list

    • We are evaluating possibly paying the insurance deductible for 3-4 families that may need that assistance.

    • We have worked to provide a place to stay for 1-2 weeks for a couple of families to bridge the gap until insurance claims can kick in.

    • One household impacted by significant smoke damage & contaminated water evacuated to northern CA, where the husband suffered a heart attack and passed away yesterday. The deacons will likely offer financial & practical assistance to get her back into her home as soon as possible.

    • Families that lost their homes: Deacons have approved an initial $2,000 per family for immediate needs.

Sat, Jan 11

Our church is partnering with two other churches (Grace Pasadena & The Chapel Pasadena) to gather donations for those in our community who have been displaced by the fire and are desperately in need of basic necessities. Please see the graphic for more info & a list of items you can donate. Items can be dropped off at The Chapel any time between 9am-5pm January 12-17.

Fri, Jan 10

Our hearts go out the many families affected by the fires throughout our community. We are praying for all of those who have lost their homes, been displaced by evacuation, and for our first responders.

Our service at Cleveland Elementary is canceled. The Owens’ family have opened their home for an improvised church fellowship which includes lunch for all who are able to attend from 11am-2pm.