Bethel Church, Redding, canceled its Friday night service and closed its healing rooms Saturday as wildfires raged near the church in Northern California.
The congregation called on the Lord to intervene and prophesied rain to fall on the community.
The Carr Fire has burned through 48,312 acres, destroying at least 500 structures and threatening thousands more, according to figures released by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The blaze killed two firefighters, and more than 38,000 people have evacuated their homes.
Several people commented on Bethel’s Facebook post with their own prayers.
One person wrote: “Joining you in prayer from Australia! I saw a cloud of angel fire fighters roll in with plenty of water, declaring that right now.”
Another said: “In complete agreement. With the dunamis power given to us in Jesus I command the wind to cease, I command the rain to come NOW in the name of Jesus. In the name of Jesus I plead the blood of Jesus over every person fighting this fire and over houses and buildings. We give you glory, Father, for the miracle that has already happened in Shasta county. We call things that be not as though they were and we believe, we receive it done in the mighty name of Jesus!”
Someone else posted: “Where two or three are gathered… Father, we are gathered and are ASKING in the name of Your Son: send rain, relent and open the floodgates of heaven! Rain down, literally and spiritually!”
The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team also activated chaplains to respond to the fire.
“We will have four crisis-trained chaplains arrive on Sunday to share God’s hope with those in shelters who have evacuated their homes as this tragic wildfire continues to escalate,” Josh Holland, assistant director for Rapid Response Team, said.
Many churches and residents have said that prayer is the best way believers outside the area can assist.
Luke Geraty, the pastor of the Red Bluff Vineyard, says he will open his church as needed for refugees fleeing the fire. Red Bluff is about 30 minutes from Redding.
“As many of you have probably seen, there is a significant fire in the city of Redding here in Northern California. Many homes have been burned and many people evacuated. We could really use prayer as there are many growing needs,” Geraty says.
“We are beginning to have people come from Redding down here to Red Bluff to stay with folks in our church community and may end up opening up our building in the event that there is a need. We’re keeping our eyes and ears open.”
If you want to help those affected by the fires, you can give through Charisma’s non-profit partner Christian Life Missions. One hundred percent of your donation will go to those affected. We have already sent $5000 to Bill Johnson and Bethel Church since they know where the needs are. Send a check to Fire Disaster Fund, Christian Life Missions, 600 Rinehart Rd. Lake Mary, Florida 32746. Or give through PayPal at christianlifemissions.org. or call 407-333-0600 during business hours to give by phone.
