California Fires Support Update

As an initial response to the wildfires in Southern California, Community of Christ has donated $10,000 from Oblation to several disaster relief organizations working in the area. The Pacific Southwest International Mission Center has also donated an additional $5,000. The initial $15,000 total includes:

• $7500 to World Central Kitchen, who offers meals to those who have been evacuated and;
• $7500 to the Wildfire Recovery Fund, whose disaster and recovery efforts support an array of critical recovery services, including housing, case management, mental health, and medical care for displaced residents.

International Headquarters remains in close communication with the Pacific Southwest International Mission Center leadership team to monitor the situation. Currently, the largest of the fires, the Palisades fire, has burned over 23,000 acres of property, homes and businesses.  Thousands of residents have been evacuated. 

Paul Harding, Mission Center Financial Officer reports:

"We continue to monitor the ongoing fire risk in Southern California. Some members have had to temporarily evacuate, but they have all returned home and as far as we know at this time everyone is safe. Wildfires in California are not unusual, but the scale of devastation and timing of these fires are not typical. We have been touched by numerous inquiries and offers of support from church members and friends around the country. We will continue to pray for those affected and for those who continue to fight the ongoing fires in the area." 

If you would like to contribute to relief efforts such as the Southern California fires, you can donate to the Climate Impact Fund at www.etithing.org. In addition, giving to Worldwide Mission Tithes supports oblation needs around the world.