Wildfires continue to rage across Southern California, the devastation described as “apocalyptic,” leaving a trail of unimaginable destruction. Homes and businesses have been reduced to ash, lives disrupted and hope shaken. Yet, even amid the smoke and ruin, there is a profound opportunity for the church to rise and demonstrate the transformative power of God’s love.
Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel, Chino Hills, is urging believers to see beyond the destruction and recognize an opportunity for God to move powerfully.
“The devastation is absolutely apocalyptic in scope,” Hibbs said. “It’s as though an atomic bomb had gone off—the loss of animal life, the loss of property, the loss of business, the loss of homes and for some, maybe even the loss of their faith because they may have built their life as it were on the sand. We pray not.
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“Unless the Lord builds the house, they that labor do so in vain,” Hibbs reminded listeners. He encourages the church to pray for millions in the Los Angeles area, asking God to turn this ash heap into a foundation for spiritual awakening.
“This is a plea,” Hibbs continues. “Will you pray? Will you pray for California? Will you pray for the devastation in Southern California? We give it to You now, Lord, and we pray by leaving it at Your feet in Jesus’ name.”
In the Echo Park region of Los Angeles, the L.A. Dream Center is hard at work providing aid as a 24-hour shelter for those impacted by the wildfires.
“Hot meals ready all day. Water, diapers, food times, ready all day. Shelter open 24/7. 9am until sundown food line in full operation,” founder of the L.A. Dream Center Matthew Barnett posted to X.
Hot meals ready all day. Water, diapers, food items, ready all day. Shelter open 24/7. 9am until sundown food line in full operation.
— Matthew Barnett (@MatthewBarnett) January 9, 2025
Alongside outreaches like the Dream Center, celebrities such as Chef Andrew Gruel have raised funds and supplies for the ministries, delivering pallet after pallet of food to those in desperate need of help.
Now is the time for Christians to step into our calling as the hands and feet of Jesus, bringing hope and healing to those enduring their darkest moments. In the face of such devastation, the church is uniquely positioned to be the salt and light that Christ has called us to be—a beacon of His love, grace and mercy. This is not only a moment to pray from a distance but an opportunity to act with compassion and boldness, meeting practical needs, comforting the grieving and pointing the lost to the eternal hope found in Him. Let us rise together to serve, give and love sacrificially, showing the world that even in the ashes of despair, the light of Christ shines brighter than ever.
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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
