For months, we've watched the news clips of Syrian refugees fleeing from their war torn country.  Moved by their plight, many like EMUC have reached out to offer asylum by sponsoring a refugee family.  And yet, even as we've viewed photos and videos of bombed and burnt out cities; even as we've heard the stories of hardship, of leaving everything behind to flee by foot or by boat or by truck, we have been somewhat insulated because it has been happening to a people and a nation far away from us on the other side of the globe.  Until this week.   This week, people in our own nation; Canadians just like you and me; people some of us know as friends and family have been forced to flee their homes because of the devastating wildfires in Fort McMurray and the surrounding region. 

 

Our insulation has been shredded and we are heartbroken and shocked that almost 90,000 people from Fort McMurray and surrounding area have been evacuated; many of them leaving behind all their possessions; many of them now knowing that their homes, schools, churches and neighbourhoods have been consumed by the fire.  Now we are a nation that knows some measure of the refugee experience firsthand.  It is humbling.

 

Amid all the destruction, it has been uplifting to witness the outpouring of generosity and kindness of strangers and the courage and dedication of rescuers, firefighters, police, other first responders and volunteers. Churches and faith groups across the nation have posted prayers and have set up opportunities for people to financially contribute to support the evacuees. 

 

I was touched to read in a Calgary newspaper that when Rita Khanchet saw images of the wildfire destroying homes and uprooting tens of thousands of people in Fort McMurray, she immediately thought of Syria, the homeland she fled just five months ago with her husband and young son.  Knowing first-hand how frightening it is to leave your home behind, she was determined to help the people of Fort McMurray.

 

"We understand what they're feeling. When you lose everything, you have to start from zero. You lose your memories, your items. It's not easy. It's something very sad. We can understand them more than anyone in Canada. We were in the same situation. Me and my family wanted to do something for these people. Canadian society helped us when we came to Canada."

 

After Khanchet posted an appeal in Arabic on Facebook, and another Syrian refugee translated it for a wider audience, donations and offers of help came in from these new Canadians.

   

Posted on the website of Fort McMurray First United Church is a message of thanks and reassurance from their minister, Donalee Williams.  Her message reminds me of the letters that the apostle Paul wrote to the early church communities; letters of comfort and encouragement; letters reminding them that whatever might come, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.' (Philippians 4:13). 

 

Here's Donalee's letter:

Thanks to all who are holding us in prayer. Wildfires and evacuations are very real and so is God's love and care. We have left our homes for safety and refuge in so many scattered places and have been received so generously. Right now many of us do not know the state of our homes; some may know their home is gone; and we do not know the state of our church building. So many have offered help. In time to come, the ways that help can be offered and received will become clear.

 

But as Christ's scattered body we continue to be one in Spirit and deeply grateful for the grace being poured on us. May God strengthen all who are fighting the fires and for all coming to Fort McMurray to lend their help.

 

We do not know when we will return and when we will once again worship on Sunday morning or gather for our 'Messy Church' which was to be this week. But we know we will gather again in Jesus' name. Amen. 

 

Please continue with your support for the people of Fort McMurray and for all engaged in fighting fires, getting people to safety, providing accommodation and opening their hearts.  You can offer financial support through the United Church of Canada.  Here are the instructions or go to http://www.united-church.ca/fort-mcmurray

 

The United Church of Canada is accepting donations to support the response of our Alberta and Northwest Conference to this disaster.

Send a cheque to:

The United Church of Canada

Philanthropy Unit - Emergency Response

3250 Bloor Street West, Suite 300

Toronto, ON M8X 2Y4

Please be sure to note "Emergency Response-Fort McMurray" on the face of your cheques.

 

You are invited to pray this prayer for Fort McMurray.

 

God of our ancestors,

in a world where chaos and ruin are as close as the wind,

where fires rage out of control in Fort McMurray

destroying homes, businesses, and livelihoods;

Help us to find strength and courage

from the stories of those who took refuge in you

during their times of trial and despair.

 

And so with the psalmist who cried laments,

we pray for all who are in need of food, shelter, and healing...

 

With the exiled people,

we pray for the tens of thousands of people evacuated

and those who have lost their homes, churches, community centres, playgrounds and workplaces... [silent prayers]

 

With the disciples,

we pray and give thanks for the emergency responders and all those who provide moments of generosity, healing, and human kindness...

 

With our companions in Christ,

we pray for the ministry and people

of First United Church in Fort McMurray.

 

In a world where safety and security can be fleeting,

where people cry out in grief, seeking rest and comfort,

Bind us together in your love as we pray the prayer of Jesus...

[recite the Lord's Prayer in the language of your choice]

Amen. 

(posted on the UCC website)