Media outlets report that since Friday, the Carr Fire in and around Redding, California, has grown from 44,000 acres to 95,000 with only 17 percent containment. Another four people have died, seven are missing, 39,000 have been evacuated, and nearly 900 homes or structures have been destroyed.
Ray Van Gilst, Central Pacific District superintendent, writes:
“Many of our pastors and families have been evacuated. Some of our families have lost homes, but we are not aware if any of our pastors have lost homes. Simpson University and our Redding churches are all being used as either evacuation centers or relief centers. We want to commend them for their part in serving their community.
“There are growing areas of the community without power and water, which adds to the problem since that means no AC when it’s 112 degrees. Our Sacramento area churches are coming together to provide housing for those needing to get out of the extreme smoke and heat.”
Chris Braun, former regional director for Africa who has relocated to Redding, California, writes:
“This evacuation is particularly trying because a number of evacuees don’t know whether or not their homes have been destroyed. Fire fighters are fighting the fast-growing fire and can’t verify what homes have been destroyed. The evacuees sit frustrated that they can’t learn what they desperately need to know.
“Furthermore, these fires are so unpredictable that everyone realizes that, except for a miracle from God, this situation won’t end soon. Reports and rumors compound the angst of everyone. News such as the deaths of a grandmother and two grandchildren who couldn’t escape the fire strike deep in the communal soul of the evacuees.
“Please pray for these evacuees, especially those who don’t have the support system of family or friends and have to stay in evacuation centers. Pray that these centers along with participating churches will show Christ’s love in creative and caring ways to all these hurting people.”
Dr. Norm Hall, Simpson University president, reports that a few faculty and staff members have lost their homes during the fire. However, Simpson University is doing all they can to serve their community. They loaned all their nursing school wheel chairs to the Red Cross, and their gym has become an evacuation site, serving 50 evacuees and 50 firefighters, with 60 more on their way. To hear Dr. Hall give an update on their involvement, watch this video.
President John Stumbo writes, “Our hearts and prayers reside with our Redding family in these trying days. Our Alliance pastors and Norm Hall, our new Simpson University president, are rising to the leadership challenge that such crises create. May God continue to grant them the grace to simultaneously handle well the personal trials of these circumstances while ministering to those around them.”