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PRAYERS! Faith-based leaders respond as powerful winds continue to fuel massive fire and devastation in Southern California


Photo: (top) Image of firefighters and LA wildfire (bottom) Bishop J Drew Sheard, Bishop Noel Jones, Dr Boise Kimber, Pastor Charles Blake II, Bishop TD Jakes


Last week, widespread fires broke out in the Los Angeles area, fueled by a mixture of strong winds and dry conditions.


Communities in and around Pacific Palisades, Altadena, Pasadena, Sylmar and Hollywood in Southern California are still grappling with the unprecedented devastation of the recent wildfires, which have scorched more than 28,000 acres and destroyed more than 2,000 homes, businesses and other buildings, leaving thousands homeless and in despair.


The death toll from the wildfires has risen to 24. Even as fires continue to rage, tens of thousands of residents are trying to find shelter, exacerbating a housing crisis in one of the least affordable places in the country.


State and local organizations are actively collecting funds and recruiting volunteers to help those affected.


While much of the media of the attention has focused on celebrities that occupy the Pacific Palisades, included in the devastation is the historic neighborhood of Altadena, which became a place of opportunity for Black Americans during the Civil Rights movement.


Residents of Altadena now worry that the fires will make their land a place of interest for investors looking to prey on vulnerable communities.


Despite the magnitude of destruction that the fires have already elicited, danger has not passed as firefighters continue to try to contain fires scorching the land in Southern California.


Faith-based Support

Church leaders have been swift in their acknowledgement and support for the victims of the fires. Below is a list of national church leaders and those in the LA area and their respective reaction to the devastation in LA. While it is not an exhaustive list, it does show the concern and efforts of those in the faith-based community.



In an official statement, Bishop J. Sheard, Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ, wrote:



We are heartbroken as we watch from afar and receive reports of the wildfires’ devastation and impact on the Southern California region.

Please know that my wife, Karen, and I are praying for and thinking of you during this tragic moment. I am in touch with our Church of God in Christ regional and jurisdictional bishops in the Southern California area, and we will work with and through them to assist where needed. Our churches and members impacted by the wildfires will receive aid from COGIC Charities. Please consider making a donation to COGIC Charities.

God bless you, and we love you!



Bishop Noel Jones, Senior Pastor of the City of Refuge in Gardena, California shared that their church will be leading a "Disaster Preparedness Resource Giveaway" on Wednesday January 15, 2025.











West Angeles Church of God in Christ with Senior Pastor Charles Blake II and First Lady DeAndra Blake will be hosting a prayer vigil and providing essential supplies to those who need them. In addition, they wrote on their website: "We pray for peace and protection during this difficult situation. Please guide and protect those affected, especially those who have lost homes and loved ones. Watch over the first responders and officials who are working tirelessly to help. Grant us wisdom and strength in this time of crisis. In Jesus' name, Amen."





Dr. Boise Kimber, newly-elected President of the National Baptist Convention wrote: "


In this difficult moment, our hearts and prayers are with all those impacted by the wildfires in California. The devastation has been heartbreaking, and we stand in solidarity with those who have lost homes, possessions, and loved ones. The National Baptist Convention USA believes in the power of community and faith to heal even the most painful wounds. In the coming days, we will be sending 10 truckloads of supplies t aid in the recovery efforts, a small but meaningful step to bring comfort and support to those in need. Let us come together in prayer and action, knowing that with God's grace, hope will rise from the ashes, and we will rebuild stronger, united in faith and love."




Bishop TD Jakes and The Potter’s House of Dallas are bringing hope and relief to families impacted by the devastating LA fires by mobilizing its community. They are sending an 18-wheeler filled with essential supplies to directly support those in need. Those looking to help can send donations via Instacart to the Potter's House warehouse: 3635 Dan Morton Dr, Dallas, TX 75236 (Mon-Wed, 9 AM – 5 PM CST) or make an online donation by giving at ThePottersHouse.org/LA.





The American Red Cross is working alongside its partners to provide shelter, food, emotional support and health services. The Los Angeles regional division is still identifying what resources will be needed in the coming days to support evacuees.


If you would like to support the Red Cross, you can make a donation online, by calling (800) 733-2767 or texting REDCROSS to 90999.


Please continue to pray for those impacted by the fires. Moreover, please pray for firefighters and leaders as they actively respond to the unprecedented devastation.



 



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