Our Prayers for Southern California Firestorm Victims
I am helpless today, glued to the television watching the terrible news unfold of the devastation of Southern California by wildfires. I personally know so many people who are affected, some are evacuated, others waiting and hosting evacuees, and some have already been burned out. I’m grieving for the terrible losses.
Bob and I grew up down there, it is hard to imagine that our favorite places are now littered with charred tree stumps and ashes. One of the reasons we moved from our beautiful home in Lakeside, California, 31 years ago, was the regular occurrance of the dreaded Santa Anna winds and the threat of wildfires. We lived on a hillside with an acre of land and were surrounded by wild lands of sagebrush. I haven’t heard, but it is hard to imagine that our old home is still standing.
I can only pray today, pray and hope and wait. My cousin sends regular updates via email, they have the motor home packed and pointed out the driveway, ready for a fast escape. They are in danger. Her husband supplies firetrucks with fuel, his crews are working around the clock. But, she already knows of many friends who have already lost their homes, and some of her own children’s homes are in danger. And, all I can do is pray.
Gail Niebrugge, Artist of Alaska
October 25th, 2007 at 5:53 pm
Gail, yes, prayer is the most effective thing we can do - and we are praying for you here in Australia too. We prayed in Church last Sunday/s and will do so on our Retreat this weekend. We are susceptible to bushfires (wildfires) in Australia too (particularly New South Wales), and our hearts go out to the people under threat and to their anxious relatives.
Pray - and keep our eyes on Jesus.
Noella
October 26th, 2007 at 7:38 am
Noella,
It looks like all the prayer helped our family, none lost their homes. I still continue to pray for all the others who did sustain losses. It is comforting to know that people in Australia and all over the world are joined together in the power of prayer.
Gail
October 28th, 2007 at 7:17 am
Gail, I am glad your family and their homes are safe.
Yes, it is a privilege to bond with others around the World in prayer, and a positive way of caring for one another.
Noella x
October 28th, 2007 at 11:27 am
Noella;
Isn’t the world-wide web amazing when used for the greater good?
Gail
October 29th, 2007 at 7:14 am
Gail, I love it! I’ve met some beautiful people in cyberspace, and actually met one of them when recently in the US, with friendship ensuing. One day I hope to make that “two”!
Noella
October 29th, 2007 at 8:52 am
I look forward to meeting you. Gail