As you may be aware, hundreds of wildfires are burning in California, forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate and costing at least six people their lives.
Gov. Gavin Newsom reported today that firefighters are battling about two dozen large complex fires and in total, 560 fires are raging in the state. As major fires in Southern California are coming under control, resources are shifting to battle massive blazes in Northern California.
Thankfully, there are responses being put into place allowing us in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to come to the aid of those adversely affected. The Bishops of the five synods of Region 2 that serve the eight states of the Southwest and Hawaii are in communication with each other. We are talking with Lutheran Disaster Response. Early Monday morning a meeting will take place with those of us in the region and the people connected with various response teams of the ELCA.
We encourage those who are able, either individually or as a congregation, to support the work of the ELCA through Lutheran Disaster Response in providing aid and relief for those affected by these wildfires. Click here to go to their “US Wildfires” page to make a donation. Click the “Give Now” button to the right of the page and you may give immediately online or scroll down to the bottom of the page to find information on how to give by phone or mail.
We are grateful for whatever amount of support you are able to provide. Please keep those affected by the fires and all of the emergency personnel providing their assistance in your prayers.