Grant Awarded for Southern California Fire Response
LCMS World Relief and Human Care awarded a $50,000 emergency grant to the Pacific Southwest District in Oct. 2007 to distribute to LCMS congregations responding to needs following days of wildfires in Southern California. No LCMS churches were damaged, but several LCMS families lost their homes.
Rev. Carlos Hernandez, director of districts and congregations and Rev. Glenn Merritt, director of disaster response, both with LCMS World Relief and Human Care, did on-site assessment, working with Pacific Southwest District leaders and local pastors.
Numerous wildfires burned 500,000 acres in southern California fueled by dry conditions and strong Santa Ana winds. At least five deaths and more than 45 injuries were reported. Losses were estimated at $1 billion in San Diego alone.
“There is much smoke, ash, and a very eerie feeling,” wrote Sue Neff, parish nurse representative for the Pacific Southwest District. “It is terrible for anyone but especially those with respiratory problems.”
More than half a million residents in seven southern California counties evacuated their homes, as thousands of homes were destroyed. President George Bush declared all seven southern California counties disaster areas, making residents eligible for FEMA and other federal assistance.
Despite their own situations, LCMS members joined the relief efforts. Three LCMS congregations opened as evacuation centers. One church distributed goods to thousands of evacuees at Qualcomm Stadium, home of the San Diego Chargers, and Del Mar Fairgrounds. At least one pastor provided spiritual support at Qualcomm Stadium.
“The churches in the Pacific Southwest District have responded very well to the dangers in their communities. We appreciate all the prayers and support from our brothers and sisters across the Synod,” wrote Pacific Southwest District President Rev. Dr. Larry Stoterau.
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