From a tiny church in the Wisconsin Northwoods, we prayed for the victims of the LA fires Saturday night.
Father Tony mentioned every named fire burning there and walked us through exactly what we were praying for.
There were only about 40 of us in the church, but I like to think the community of prayers sent some much-needed relief to our neighbors in California. The devastation there is overwhelming.
Those fires ripped through more than 12,000 structures and displaced more than 105,000 people as of Sunday afternoon. They cut such a wide and unrelenting swathe that they have affected nearly every resident in some way. Los Angeles owns a history dating back to 1781 and the fires have destroyed at least 30 historical sites.
Our family members live right on the edge of the Pasadena Fire, which has been swelling and shifting for six days. As I write this, it is 11% contained.
Among the terrible stories, though, there are so many others of kindness and generosity. Fire fighters from around the globe have made their way to California to stand alongside the heroic men and women who have been in the trenches since Tuesday.
A music shop has offered to replace instruments lost in the fires, chefs who lost their restaurants are stepping up to provide meals for for displaced residents using borrowed equipment, an infant formula company is offering free subscriptions to any parent whose home has been destroyed, a photo print company has offered to reprint lost photos and so many California residents are opening their home to friends and friends-of-friends.
What can we do from our little corner of the world?
We can recognize the universal devastation of this disaster and its long-term effect. We can offer emotional, spiritual and financial support to hard-working people who have lost their homes, livelihoods, memorabilia, schools, churches and neighborhoods.
We can donate to charities that provide immediate and sustainable support. If you aren’t sure which one to choose, the American Red Cross is always a reliable choice.
It’s going to be another rough couple of days for a group of people that has already been battling for six days.
We’re sending all of love to California and prayers for the City of Angels.
