California Wildfires: Local Pastors Identify 3 of the Best Ways Christians Can Help

Leah Marieann Klett : Oct 16, 2017
GospelHerald.com

"While the below may not seem like enough, it is what has been communicated by local teams until the fires are contained. At this stage, these pastors have identified 3 different critical needs." -Transforming the Bay with Christ (TBC)

(Northern California)— [GospelHerald.com] As wildfires continue to devastate large swaths of northern California, a group of 40 local pastors have identified the three ways Christians across the country can help those affected. (Photo: An aerial view of a neighborhood destroyed by a wildfire is seen in Santa Rosa, Calif., Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017/AP/via Stars and Stripes)

In an email sent to GH, Transforming the Bay with Christ (TBC) said that many churches are in "desperate need of help but "aren't quite ready for volunteers as the fires are still very active and volatile."

"40 local pastors met yesterday to discuss next steps, however they themselves are at risk of losing their homes and churches," TBC said. "These pastors have concluded an asset inventory and when the fires stop they will build a need assessment. At that point we will have a clearer picture of what is needed (i.e. physical products such as toothbrushes, blankets, clothing, etc) and will communicate."

It adds, "While the below may not seem like enough, it is what has been communicated by local teams until the fires are contained. At this stage, these pastors have identified 3 different critical needs."

First, pray: Continue to pray for all of the individuals affected by these devastating fires.

Second, give: Redwood Gospel Mission is in the final stages of setting up a fund to donate to, and GH has identified several other charities accepting donations.

Third, encourage: "This Sunday night, Sonoma County churches [united] for one large prayer service led by some of the pastors that have lost their churches to the fires..."

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