As wildfires blazed across Southern California in early January, devastatingly razing homes, schools and churches to the ground, local churches have been pulling together to lament, pray and provide relief – seeing God at work amid the tragedy.
The first and largest wildfire in California broke out on 7 January in the Pacific Palisades and was quickly followed by four more that same week – in Eaton, Hurst, Lidia and Kenneth. With 100 mph winds whipping up the fires, churches across the region reported extensive damage.
At least a dozen church buildings in the Los Angeles (LA) area were destroyed or badly impacted – including the Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church, which was almost entirely gutted. The Revd Dr Grace Park commented on social media: ‘God will see us through this’ and quoted Isaiah 41.10: ‘Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God…’
