CALIFORNIA — The recent California wildfires have wreaked havoc across the state, leaving communities in ruins and forcing thousands from their homes. NRB members in the state, with a firsthand view of the situation, provided updates.
“The strength of the winds, which drives the fires and complicates fighting them, was astonishing last week,” shared Jay Flowers, COO at Grace To You, the Bible teaching ministry of John MacArthur. “From our offices we could see various aircraft shuttling to and from a nearby airport to reload with retardant.”
Flowers further explained, “The Hurst fire, nearest our facilities in Valencia, was about twelve miles away. As of yesterday, it was nearly completely contained. The winds have generally been working in our favor in the Santa Clarita Valley, but a new fire upwind could certainly change things.”
Kristen Halverson, director of operations at Lighthouse Arab World, shared the devastating impact on her own family and community.
“My son, [his] wife, baby, and dogs are living with us,” Halverson said. “Several in our church have lost their homes, saw the fire start in Eaton Canyon, or are still evacuated. Our community is severely impacted on so many levels.”
The ramifications on local communities have been profound. “Sadly, multiple members of Grace Community Church, where Grace to You Bible teacher John MacArthur serves as pastor, with its campus located closer to the fires, lost their homes,” Flowers said. “Our congregation has been activated to help meet immediate needs related to the fires.”
Amidst the devastation, stories of resilience and compassion are emerging. Organizations like Operation Blessing (OB), Samaritan’s Purse, and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) are providing critical assistance.
“Right now, Operation Blessing disaster relief teams are on the ground in affected areas, working to meet urgent needs,” said Drew Freidrich, chief operating officer at OB. “We’re distributing essential supplies like bottled water, hygiene kits, and non-perishable food to families who have lost everything. Our teams are also coming alongside survivors to provide spiritual care and encouragement, reminding them that they are not alone in this crisis.”
Lance Emma, general manager of K-Wave Radio Network, has a community outreach team providing food, water, men’s clothes, women’s clothes, and children’s clothes to three locations.
“There is no lack of churches who are collecting resources and looking for opportunities,” Emma said.
NRB member organizations are not just providing for physical needs but also are responding to the spiritual needs of the disaster victims.
“Our Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains are ministering in communities affected by the fires in LA County that continue to rage,” said Franklin Graham. “Pray for the many firefighters, law enforcement, and first responders serving heroically in this crisis—and for everyone whose life has been turned upside down by the devastation.”
Earlier this week, Joni Eareckson Tada, CEO and founder of Joni and Friends, released two special episodes of her radio broadcast, Joni Eareckson Tada: Sharing Hope, to address the devasting fires in Los Angeles. She shared about her own experience evacuating, as well as the unique challenges of people with disabilities in emergency situations. Tada and her husband Ken are safely back home, but so many have lost everything. Tada encouraged listeners to continue praying:
“Thank you, friends, for praying for God’s will to be done here in Los Angeles,” she said. “And His will, His Word, tells us to weep with those who weep. And then? Pray without ceasing. And may our actions of practical care and compassion prove that Jesus Christ is our hope. He is the only hope for us in Los Angeles; Jesus is the only hope in your community; He is the only hope for all the world.”
Religious leaders are also playing a crucial role in the recovery efforts.
“We need to pray for salvation and the church’s opportunity to love on Los Angeles like never before,” urged Pastor Jack Hibbs in a press conference on Real Life Network.
Many of the personal stories of those directly impacted by the fires, while tragic, are a testament to the merciful hand of God.
“Miracles happen,” shared Dr. Ted Baehr, founder, chairman, publisher, and co-CEO of Movieguide®. “Our home was in the middle of the fires two months ago. Over 180 homes burned to the ground. The fire went around our property. The sheriff said it was a miracle.” The fire took over one hundred of the houses in their neighborhood, leaving only bits and pieces of structures.
“We are able to see God’s hand in protection and we are all learning from Him,” said Halverson.
Though they had lost power and experienced difficulties without internet, Mary Bawden, founder of DA:NCE, said “We praise God for our safety at home when so many others have been displaced.”
The recovery process will be long and challenging. As these communities rebuild, the support and compassion of individuals, organizations, and the broader community will be vital.
“To those affected by the fires, our message is this: you are not alone, you are not forgotten, and you are loved,” said Freidrich. “In the face of unimaginable loss, we are praying for you and honored to be walking alongside you during this time of unimaginable difficulty. Together, with God’s help and the support of our incredible outreach partners and local churches on the ground, we will see hope rise again!”
The NRB Community offers prayers for all those affected by these devastating fires. We pray for strength, comfort, and hope for those who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods, and for the courageous firefighters and first responders who are working tirelessly to contain the blazes and assist those in need. And we pray for the ongoing resilience and compassion of the NRB community as we come together to support those impacted by this tragedy.
Along with prayer, consider giving toward on the ground disaster relief efforts at the following links:
Read more news on Non Profit / Faith Based Organizations, Disaster Relief and Christian Broadcast Ministry on Missions Box.
Source: National Religious Broadcasters, California Wildfires: Stories of Devastation and Resilience Among NRB Members
