Pray For My Friends in California
One of the greatest blessings of my life has been to be in bi-vocational (some would say co-vocational) ministry for the last 15+ years. For those who may not be familiar with those terms; it simply means that I have a full time job in addition to a “job” at a local church. To be honest, I really would not have it any other way.
For the last 27 years, I have worked full time for the same company. Just over 2 years ago, that company closed its campus here in South Carolina where I live. It was a shock, to say the least, to many of us… some who had been working there longer than I had.
Thankfully, the company offered me a different kind of position, a remote one. It was actually the same general job area that I had been in all that time, but the campus that I would be serving would now be in California, just southeast of Los Angeles.
At first, I definitely thought this was a bit of a stretch. I mean, I have lived in SC all my life… not Southern California, but South Carolina. And these two places, literally, could not be further apart from one another. Yet, after a while, I came to realize that we are actually closer than one might think…. that we have more in common than we have differences…. that the people that live there have become a HUGE part of my life over the last 2+ years.
And that is, in part, why my heart is breaking tonight. There are literally “hurricanes of fire” ravaging the neighborhoods and communities in SC, Southern California. As of the writing of this blog, I do not personally know of any coworkers who are in immediate danger, yet there is certainly plenty of danger to be had in SC right now.
According to CNN.com : Several major wildfires are burning, mostly still uncontained, in Los Angeles County. Officials have confirmed at least seven deaths, but warn the actual toll will remain unclear until it’s safe for investigators to access neighborhoods. Tens of thousands of people have been impacted by evacuation orders since Tuesday
So now I would like to ask a personal favor…. pray for my friends in Southern California…even the ones I have not met yet. The danger there is unimaginable, the threat to life and property is imminent. They need our prayers, and the bible calls us to do so….
2 Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. - Galatians 6:2
16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect - James 5:16
19 Again, truly I tell you, if two of you on earth agree about any matter that you pray for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there among them.” - Matthew 18:19-20
There will certainly be things we can do in addition to prayer, but prayer is the most important thing we can ever do for those in need
Even as I am writing this blog, the Disaster Relief arm of our denomination is readying itself to help. Many from our churches are trained and will be ready to go as soon as the call is given. See the link below if you want to read more about this and discover ways to help:
I would definitely consider it a personal favor if you would take a moment to pray…. Pray for the safety of those battling these wildfires, for the numerous homeowners who do not know if they will have a home to return to, for business owners whose means of supporting their families are in serious danger, and of course, for those – even right now – in harms way as many have not been able to evacuate and will have to fight to survive this disaster.
Pray for my friends in California, even the ones I have not met yet.
Heavenly Father,
Amen
We come before You with heavy hearts for all those in danger from the wildfires in California. We pray for Your protection over the lives of the firefighters, first responders, and all who are working tirelessly to save others. Strengthen them and shield them from harm.
Lord, bring comfort to those who are frightened and unsure of their safety. Wrap them in Your peace, which surpasses all understanding. For those who have lost homes, possessions, or loved ones, grant them solace and the courage to move forward when the ability to do so reveals itself.
We ask for Your mercy upon the land. Stop the winds that have fueled the flames and bring relief to the scorched earth. Guide those in leadership to make wise decisions for the safety and recovery of the communities affected.
May Your love shine through the darkness and bring hope to all who are suffering. In Your name, we pray.
Thank you for praying for my friends,
Pastor John
PastorJohn96 