So many of you are likely wondering how you can best help the victims of these terrible fires. Our eagerness to serve and help those affected is part of loving our neighbor. It’s important, however, to give the “right” help at the right time as expressed by the victims, not what we may assume they need.
Emergency Network Los Angeles (enla.org) has recently reported to us that they are seeing donation centers being overwhelmed and people “self-deploying” to disaster areas. This is detrimental and hinders beneficial efforts. Thank you for your willingness to give and serve, but also for your patience as the needs will emerge and evolve over the coming days, weeks, months, and even years – and your help will be needed over the long-term.
The most effective ways to help right now are:
Pray – Continue to lift up the victims, first responders, communities and all of us in prayer as we experience this significant disaster. This includes praying that we recognize the opportunities we have to share the light and love of Jesus to so many in need. See below for a prayer you can offer.
Donate – Victims will have a significant immediate need for financial resources to purchase basic items, pay for hotel stays, pay for meals, etc. The PSD has a standing fund which you can donate funds to for this purpose. We have already distributed about $7000 in gift cards to area congregations (see reports below), and will continue to do so.We praise God and report that the $10,000 donation match has been met already! And, we are blessed to announce an area congregation has committed another $20,000 as a donation match challenge – thank you for your generosity!
Love – Be the hands and feet of Jesus as you care spiritually for those you may come in contact with that are affected by this disaster, and even those who may not be in the immediate area but are traumatized. This especially applies to active, caring listening as they share their trauma and needs. See below on how you can be trained to provide “spiritual first aid.”
