California wildfires: ‘God is at work in disaster’

As wildfires continue to blaze across Southern California, 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…’