Disaster Relief Update: California Wildfires

By Carl Stagner

The multiple wildfires raging in California are reported to be the deadliest in history. Entire communities have been wiped off the map, as the list of missing persons has climbed to well over a thousand. Even the East Coast has observed the effects of the fires as haze drifts across the country. Though rain is in the forecast, the much-needed moisture is also likely to cause dangerous mudslides and even more devastation. Since the wildfires began, Church of God Ministries has urged prayerful support over social media. Now your financial support is desperately needed, too.

One of the hardest-hit areas is the now-decimated city of Paradise, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada above the Sacramento Valley. The Church of God in Northern California is actively engaged in disaster relief efforts and is considering a staging area on a piece of property they own in Paradise. To contribute to their disaster relief efforts on the ground, simply visit www.jesusisthesubject.org/disaster-relief and when you make your donation, write “fire” in the “Note” box. You’ll find the “Note” box appear when you check the checkbox next to the question, “Would you like to include a note to Church of God Ministries or a missionary with your contribution?” Rest assured that 100 percent of your gift will go to the relief effort in California when you write “fire” in that text box.

Thankfully, no churches of the Movement or ministers have been directly affected by the massive Camp Fire. Still, the Church of God has embraced the call to be the hands and feet of Christ to a population stripped of all belongings and feeling hopeless. Paul Dreger, regional pastor for the Church of God Association of Northern California, Northern Nevada, and Hawaii, reports the following:

“We have no congregations in the wildfire area and will determine how we can be involved in relief efforts as the area opens once again. The fire is still not contained and residents are not allowed back in. I will share more as we move forward, but this devastation is unlike anything I have ever seen—and we haven’t even been to the Paradise area yet.”

Please keep praying. Please donate. Go to www.jesusisthesubject.org/disaster-relief or send a check to Church of God Ministries, PO Box 2420, Anderson, IN 46018—be sure to write “Fire” on the memo line to assign your gift accordingly. Rest assured that 100 percent of your gift will be utilized for California wildfire disaster relief.