Many of you have seen the news of the wildfires in California. In the city of Santa Rosa and surrounding areas, the damage is catastrophic. Almost 3500 structures, mostly family homes, have been destroyed and the fires are still 0% contained as of the writing of this article.
Thousands of students have lost their schools, parishioners have lost church buildings, two major hospitals are closed, gas, power, and numerous businesses are destroyed as are those jobs. To date more than 21 people have lost their lives and the Fire Chief believes this is just the beginning because the fire swept in so quickly to some areas.
First Presbyterian Church of Santa Rosa, a Fellowship Church and their sister church which they planted, The Cove, has had over 50 families lose their homes and many more are still in danger. A number of people also no longer have a place to go to work now. They are a church in the center of their city with the ability to care for those around them who will be in desperate need for the next season.
ECO is encouraging churches to send direct giving to:
FPC Santa Rosa,
ATTN: Fire Relief
Churches in the area should contact the church directly (707) 542-0205 or [email protected] if they would like to bring work teams to help with the massive cleanup in the coming weeks. Many phones, internet, and cell phones are no longer working due to infrastructure failure, so please be patient as they respond.
We pray for the first responders and firefighters fighting such a horrendous fire.
We pray for the wind to stop and moisture to come through fog and rain. We pray for the church to rise in this very unchurched part of our country to show and share Christ's love.
