I'll copy and paste emails from the minister of the church I attended growing up, which is on Mulholland very close to the Skirball fire.
This one was sent yesterday:
Dear Bel Air Family,
Like many in our church family, I awoke early to news of the Skirball fire and my mind and heart immediately went to our church families living in the area and our beautiful church campus.
As I write this email from our church office, I can see smoke from the Thomas Fire in Ventura County, the Creek Fire in Sylmar, and the Skirball Fire just a few miles away.
We are literally surrounded by devastation.
And yet we are surrounded by an even more powerful God that is present, loving, and faithful.
I am reminded of the truth of Romans 8:38–39 where Paul reminds Christians everywhere, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
It is this secure truth that gives us a peace that surpasses understanding, a boldness that motivates us to serve, and a security that no circumstances can take away.
Though our church campus is safe and upwind from the Skirball fire, there are a number of congregants nearby who have been evacuated this morning in addition to those that have been evacuated from the Creek Fire. The congregants that we have been able to reach are safe and appreciate all of our prayers.
Additionally, we have congregants such as Johnny Ignatczyk, an LAFD captain who are on the front lines seeking to save lives and structures. Would you join me in praying for them and their families?
We have been in touch with the local authorities all morning and have offered support and a staging area if needed.
As a church we long for the revival and renewal of every person, every neighborhood, and every city and I have been so deeply encouraged at our church's response of prayer, donations to Union Rescue Mission, the opening up of homes to evacuees, and so much more.
Thank you for your faithfulness as we together follow Jesus every day and everywhere with everyone.
Resting In God's Faithfulness,
Rev. Dr. Drew Sams
Senior Pastor and Head of Staff
This was from Tuesday afternoon:
Dear Bel Air Family,
As you are aware there are multiple fires that are affecting Los Angeles and surrounding counties. One of our local partners has been directly affected. Early today, Union Rescue Mission's (URM) Family Center for Women and Children, Hope Gardens, was evacuated due to fire surrounding their property in Sylmar. The families were successfully transported to URM (downtown LA) but had very little notice, some even leaving without shoes or more than one outfit. We do not yet know the extent of any damage to the Hope Gardens facility if any, but it is not safe for them to return at this time. This is where we can help and show the love of Jesus in a tangible way.
Firstly, please PRAY for these families and anyone else affected by these fires. Please also pray for the first responders including members of our church who are firefighters, fire captains, paramedics, and ER personnel.
Also, if you or anyone you know has been evacuated, please let us know. We want to help. Email Joanne Marcos.
Secondly, if you are able, please CONSIDER DONATING one or more of the items below that Hope Gardens is specifically requesting.
Bring or Ship directly to URM:
Clothing for Teen Boys, Girls, Boys, and Women
Diapers, Wipes, and Bottles
Towels, Body Wash, Linens, and Air Mattresses
Union Rescue Mission
Attn. Lucy Rivas
545 S. San Pedro Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
If you use Amazon to purchase/ship your donation, you can set Bel Air Presbyterian Church as your Amazon Smile recipient and Amazon will give a portion of your purchase to the church. It's a win-win! If you are interested in volunteering, visit URM's website and get involved.
On the journey with you,
Rev. Dr. Drew Sams
Senior Pastor and Head of Staff