01/15/2025 UPDATE on wildfires from Pacific Southwest District:
Click here to read the full statement and for a link to donate.
Current weather conditions turning more favorable
Most of our region is nearing the end of a “red flag warning” wind event without the fires spreading or new fires erupting. We thank the Lord for this and for your prayers – and we ask for your continued prayers that the wind and weather continue to abate and be favorable for our firefighters to make continued progress in containment.
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 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.”
The District contact for disaster response coordination is PSD COO Jon Niederbrach. Email disaster.response@psd-lcms.org or call 949-854-3232 x222. Thank you for reaching out – we are endeavoring to respond to the many calls and emails we receive within 24 hours.
01/12/2025 UPDATE on wildfires in Southern California from Pacific Southwest District:
Thank you for continuing to pray and for contributing funds to assist the Southern California fire victims – your prayers and gifts are so important as the scale of this disaster grows. The following includes information and updates we have received as of this point. Read the complete statement here.
How to help
So many of you are likely wondering how you can best help the victims of these terrible fires. At this early point, based on guidance we have received from expert disaster responders from the LCMS Synod office and Lutheran Church Charities, 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. Especially be in prayer as another significant wind event is expected through Wednesday 1/15.
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 $4000 in gift cards to area congregations, and will continue to do so – thank you to so many who have contributed.
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. Look for information soon on how you can receive rapid training to effectively provide “spiritual first aid.”
1/9/2025 UPDATE from PSD President Mike Gibson
We lift up prayers for our brothers and sisters impacted by the wildfires in Southern California. The following is a January 9 update from PSD President Rev. Dr. Mike Gibson. Click here for more info and to donate.
We continue to pray together:
“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and will not be afraid, for the Lord is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2
Gracious and merciful Father,
We come to you by the leading of your Holy Spirit and in the Name of Jesus Christ our Savior to ask Your help in our time of need. You, Lord God, are our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. Today, we cry out to You for all who are impacted by the wildfires in Los Angeles and beyond.
We pray for those who have lost homes, livelihoods, or loved ones. Comfort them with the peace that surpasses all understanding. Assure them of Your presence and provide for their every need through the kindness of neighbors, the compassion of strangers, and the generosity of Your people.
We lift before You the firefighters, first responders, and all who work tirelessly to protect life and property. Grant them courage, wisdom, and strength as they face the flames. Shield them with Your mighty hand and guide them in their efforts.
For your Church, Lord, empower us to be agents of Your love and care, bearing witness to the Gospel in our service to those affected. As a people saved from disaster through the gracious gift of the cross of your Son, help us to take the forgiveness and life we have received into the lives of those in harm’s way.
Finally, Lord, we ask for favorable weather conditions—calming winds, and rain without destruction—to aid in quelling the fires. May all your provisions in this time of disaster be a reminder us of Your promise to bring beauty from ashes and hope from despair.
Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
We entrust this prayer to You by your Spirit and in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
In Christ,
Rev. Dr. Mike Gibson
PSD President
The LCMS Disaster Response also has a fund set up to support the efforts. Click here to donate.
