A couple of appropriate links to set the scene:
Date: 24 October 2007
From: Our sister church in San Diego
It has been a long two and a half days in the San Diego area. Fires have surrounded San Diego burning to the north, east and south of the city. At one point every major freeway leading out of San Diego has been closed or gridlocked. The fires have burned over 263,000 acres and destroyed over 1,750 homes and businesses. Over one million people have been evacuated from their homes and more than 75,000 people have been placed in temporary shelters across the county. Many of these are at the Qualcomm stadium, home of the Chargers football team. This is the greatest displacement of citizens in the history of the United States since the civil war in the 1800's! Dozens of disciples and their families have been forced to evacuate. The members of the San Diego church of Christ have done a fantastic job of housing the dozens of evacuees within our church family. Nobody from the church has had to go to a shelter. It is like the west side of the city is hosting the east side in mass family sleepovers. Likewise, many disciples have gone to the evacuation centers and asked families to come find refuge in their homes.
The staff and many members of the congregation have been working to keep everyone in our fellowship connected and taken care of. Many have gone to shelters to serve in any way needed, provided blankets, pillows, sleeping bags, children's clothing and many other items for the victims evacuated. Today a group from the teen ministry will be serving at the Qualcomm stadium where thousands are in tents and need encouragement. The church has also been able to provide laundry service to the south San Diego shelter with 400 evacuees so that towels and blankets can be provided to those in need as well. In the North and East, disciples have served evacuation centers and an Acadamy for foster kids. We are still praying that the winds die down, and even for rain. As of today, two families in our congregation have lost their homes to the fires. Although they managed to take a few of their belongings with them prior to their evacuation, all rest of their possessions are gone. Pray that as family, we may meet all their needs and comfort them. As a church we recognize this is a catastrophic event where God is moving powerfully. Pray that we may serve our neighbors and love them as they need. Pray that Jesus will be glorified through our lives. At a prayer devotional last night many shared how this has been a powerful reminder of what is really important in life. Millions in our city have been forced to realize this in their own lives. Many have called out to God over these last few days. Pray that we may help them. Thank you for your continued prayers, we will keep you updated as much as we can. It is not over. Fires are still spreading north and east. While some are now able to return to their homes, others are being evacuated even as I write this. Until the Santa Ana's completely stop we are in continued danger.Please continue to pray!
In Him,
The San Diego Church of Christ October 24, 2007