Beginning 7 January, a series of devastating wildfires scorched communities in the Los Angeles, California, area, causing the deaths of at least 25 people and forcing the evacuation of close to 180,000 people from their homes. 

Within the first 48 hours, thousands of structures burned. The impact of the fires was exacerbated by drought, dry vegetation, and intense "Santa Ana winds," challenging the first responders’ efforts to contain the blazes. The two largest fires have consumed more than 37,000 acres. First responders are preparing for possible increases in wind speeds again next week.  

Nazarene churches in the Los Angeles area have been directly impacted by the wildfires. Altadena Fountain of Life Church of the Nazarene was destroyed by the Eaton fire, and several Nazarene church members across the region also lost their homes. 

Despite the challenging circumstances, churches are responding with compassion. First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena is partnering this week with World Vision to distribute donated goods. Montrose Church of the Nazarene has handed out food and water and supports 10 church member families who lost their homes. 

Iglesia del Nazareno in Pasadena, part of the Western Latin American District of the Church of the Nazarene, has housed evacuees and distributes food, water, toiletries, and clothing. Nazarene leaders throughout the area are continuing to assess the needs of each congregation and community.

"What we are trying to do now is to project for long-term relief and recovery," said Mark Lehman, superintendent of the Los Angeles District Church of the Nazarene. "What we need are funds to help people transition and move forward out of this disaster into a time of relief and healing. We thank you for your compassion and care."

"The community needs us," says Pastor Jonathan Lewis of Fountain of Life Church. "People will be hurting, and we will be there to help. The church is more than four walls—it's the community. It's the people."

Lewis is grateful for the support his congregation has received over the last week and reiterated the church's commitment to continue to minister in the Altadena community.

"To actually see the building destroyed down to the ground [was] very heartbreaking,” he said. “We didn't know what we were going to do. Since then, we thank God for the outpouring of love and concern and the compassion that we've seen. This will be a testimony of how God shows up and shines brighter than the darkness ... We definitely will need help, but God has given us a sense that help is here—not on the way, but here."

How You Can Help

Pray

Pray for individuals, families, congregations—for all who are suffering due to these ongoing wildfires. Pray for those who have lost their homes or businesses and those who are mourning the loss of loved ones. Pray for first responders and all assisting with the monumental task of recovery. Pray for church leaders to have wisdom as they direct a compassionate response. 

Give

Churches and individuals worldwide can provide support through the Los Angeles Wildfire Response Fund at ncm.org/lafires. Donations will be used for immediate needs, long-term recovery, and rebuilding efforts.

To send donations by mail:

In the United States -

Make checks payable to "General Treasurer" and send them to:

Global Treasury Services

Church of the Nazarene

17001 Prairie Star Pkwy

Lenexa, KS 66220

Be sure to put 140061 in the memo area of your check.

In Canada -

Make checks payable to "Church of the Nazarene Canada" and send them to:

Church of the Nazarene Canada

3657 Ponytail Drive, Mississauga, ON | L4X 1W5

Be sure to put 140061 in the memo area of your check.

For any other country, give through your local church or district, designating your gift to Los Angeles Wildfire Response Fund