Church of God Division of Care Responds to California Wildfires
This week the wildfires in California were whipped into a frenzy by hot temperatures and high Santa Anna winds. As a result, some of the worse conditions exist as 880,000 people have been evacuated and more than 1,500 homes and businesses have been destroyed. Tim Hill, second assistant overseer and Donnie W. Smith, DMin, executive director, division of care initiated a response to meet the multiple needs created by the wildfires.
Mark Williams, administrative bishop, California/Nevada Churches of God and David Ramirez, administrative bishop, Southwestern Hispanic Churches of God were contacted. They reported that no Churches of God had been lost and no members have suffered loss. However, some member’s relatives had been affected. Both administrative bishops have asked for more churches to open as evacuee centers to assist with the burgeoning evacuee population.
In recent days, the media has been concentrating their stories on the wealthy, Hollywood set. However, the true story lies in the fact that most of the evacuees are working class families with little, if any, resources for recovery. In fact, many of these families do not have any insurance and their loss is complete and total. Also, the main evacuee center at the stadium appears to have all the resources necessary to assist those in need. In contrast, the smaller centers and many individuals are lacking necessary goods and assistance. In addition, many workers are without jobs because they worked in the destroyed fire zone. The Division of Care is targeting these people.
In California, Pastor Chuck Keim, Temecula Church of God and president, Circle of Care, is in charge of the meals for evacuees. They have been averaging 950 per day. He is responsible for the procurement, cooking and serving of the meals at the center. Pastor Keim remarked, “The response from the community has been overwhelming as the number of volunteers continues to rise.”
Within the Division of Care, the Chaplain’s Commission is ministering to the spiritual needs of the evacuees. Throughout the years, they have completed extensive training seminars among local church pastors. As a result, there is a large group of trained chaplains responding across the disaster area.
Operation Compassion has also been mobilized to respond. Through their network of partners quality merchandise have been offered. This extensive network has assisted in delivering goods to the evacuee centers as well as individuals. New clothes, beverages, blankets, paper products, plastic wear, cleaning supplies and many other emergency supplies are being shipped. In fact, there are several semi trucks en route to resupply survivors and the evacuee centers.
As with any disaster, you can help! You can help by praying for those involved in responding to this disaster. You can help by sending a lead for necessary disaster relief products. You can help by sending a financial gift to help with the massive expenses associated with providing disaster relief. You can help today!
Send all donations to: Operation Compassion 114 Stuart Road, NE Suite 370 Cleveland, TN 37312
http://www.operationcompassion.org
