Wildfires Claim Church Property, Members’ Homes in Northern California
The Northern California mountain city of Paradise, Calif. was devastated by a wildfire late last week destroying 95% of the city’s structures, including the homes of at least 45 Church of God families and one of the state’s largest Church of God worship centers.
Paradise, a city of 27,000 residents located 85 miles northeast of Sacramento, was evacuated shortly after the fire began Thursday morning, November 8. The fire was only 5 percent contained as of Friday afternoon, burning 18,000 acres in less than 24 hours, so information remains limited in regards to loss of life.
However, the family of Jon and Candie Goats, the former Youth and Discipleship Directors of the Arizona Church of God, received word than a great uncle, T.J. Huff, perished in the flames.
“I want to ask you first of all to pray for, not just our brothers and sisters in California, but for all citizens that are going through these devastating fires,” General Overseer Tim Hill said Friday. “We hope you will help us all you can to stand with California and Bishop Sean O’Neal. “For those who have been affected by this terrible tragedy, please know we’re praying for you, we love you and we’re going to do everything we can to stand with the beautiful state of California.”
Jubilee on the Ridge pastors Steve and Sandy Grandy confirmed that their worship center was lost to the flames. Up to 30 families from the congregation are believed to have lost their homes to the fires, and that number could rise in the coming days as firefighters work to control the fire.
Rock of Life Fellowship church planters Alfredo and Debbie Romero have not received official word, but believe their house is likely lost to the fire, as do at least 15 families and relatives in their church.
“We are heartbroken over the great losses that many have experienced resulting from this epic tragedy and we are praying for healing, restoration and peace for everyone,” said Dr. Sean O’Neal, Administrative Bishop for the California-Nevada Church of God.
“This is a tragedy of great proportion and many people need help now and in the days ahead.”
Already, General Overseer Hill and the Church of God family have mobilized immediate relief effort, and are calling on all its churches who are able to help in this time of overwhelming need.
Operation Compassion director Dave Lorency is coordinating with Liberty Ministries pastor Shannon Fannin, who oversees a Sacramento-area benevolence ministry, to provide basic needs and supplies to affected families.
The California-Nevada Church of God state office is providing emergency funding for its affected churches – an initial $5,000 fund that has been matched by Bishop Hill and the Church of God International Offices. The local state is also receiving donations to provide assistance to local churches and families. Tax-deductible offerings may be made out to California-Nevada Church of God and mailed to P.O. Box 26058 in Fresno, CA, 93729. Donations can also be given online at www.canvcog.com or by visiting www.cogdisasterresponse.com.
Please join us in praying for the city of Paradise and the surrounding area, particularly for all those who have lost their homes or loved ones, and hold up our local churches and pastors as they provide help and care to others in their community during their own time of loss.
Online updates can be found on the California-Nevada Church of God Facebook page.
–Reported by David White, director, youth and discipleship, California-Nevada
(NOTE: General Overseer Tim Hill released a Facebook Live video update on the California fires on Monday morning, November 12. To view, visit Facebook.com/coghq. In addition, General Overseer Hill will be releasing an update video in time for pastors to use as an appeal in local churches this coming weekend.)
