Support the Wildfire Response with Your Prayers and Gifts

Support the wildfire response with your prayers and gifts

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

The prophet Isaiah writes: “But now thus says the Lord, He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior’” (Isaiah 43:1–3a).

Even in the midst of disaster, the Lord remains with His people.

The wildfires in Los Angeles County, California, continue to inflict widespread damage and suffering throughout the Los Angeles area. The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) is in close communication with the LCMS Pacific Southwest District (PSD) regarding our Synod’s response. I am in regular contact with PSD President Rev. Mike Gibson. LCMS Disaster Response Director Rev. Dr. Ross Johnson has been on the ground in Los Angeles, and the PSD and the congregations there are providing aid for critical needs. Many LCMS people have lost their homes, including long-time elderly residents.

As long as it takes, LCMS Disaster Response will walk alongside the PSD and its congregations in this response. Our shared response includes the entire Synod’s prayers, along with spiritual resources to assist church workers as they care for their congregations. In addition, we are here to offer practical support in the form of ongoing counsel and advice and material support in the form of supplies, recovery grants and volunteer coordination.

If you are able financially to support the church’s response to wildfires in California, please prayerfully consider a contribution to:

• The LCMS Disaster Response—Strategic Use fund. Visit lcms.org/give/disaster or mail a check to The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, or LCMS, at P.O. Box 66861, St. Louis, MO 63166-6861. On the memo line, write “Disaster Response—Strategic Use (TR9206).” This fund allows our Synod to continue its care and support, as the demands warrant, of those still suffering in North Carolina and other parts of the Southeast as well as those affected by the wildfires in California.

• The LCMS Wildfire Relief (only) fund. Your gift will only be utilized to help those impacted by wildfires. Visit lcms.org/disaster and select the “Disaster Response — Wildfires” option in the “Giving opportunities” or mail a check to The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, or LCMS, at P.O. Box 66861, St. Louis, MO 63166-6861. On the memo line, write “Wildfire Relief Only.”

For answers to questions or help with other donation options, please contact LCMS Mission Advancement by calling 800-930-4438 or emailing mission.advancement@lcms.org.

Special note: The LCMS encourages individuals, groups and congregations located within California, including the Pacific Southwest District and the California-Nevada-Hawaii District, to donate through the PSD website or district office to help your closest neighbors.

In Christ,
Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison
President, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

P.S. In this fallen world, as the whole creation groans for the day of our Lord’s return (Rom. 8:22), disasters are inevitable. But the Holy One of Israel, our Savior, is with us in the fire and the flood. As I’m sure you have been, continue to pray for all who suffer in the ashes and all who endeavor to help.