THE "CAMP FIRE" NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
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On January 10th, I traveled up to Paradise CA to meet with three Calvary Chapel Pastor's who have been directly impacted by the "Camp Fire." Pastor Bob Scott from Calvary Oroville was my guide around the City of Paradise and Magalia. It is difficult to put into words the devastation from the fire. At times as we drove through these communities it seemed that the fire was so random, ten homes burned to the ground and one home literally untouched.
As we pulled up to Pastor Bob's property and I saw the utter destruction of a lifetime of planning, saving and preparing for their future, there was nothing left. To listen to Pastor Bob describe what I was seeing brought tears to my eyes. Yet in the midst of all that has been lost there was a simple faith in God's provision that brought an optimism for Bob that was nothing less than inspirational. We made our way up to Calvary Chapel Paradise to meet with Pastor Dave Sweet and Pastor Doug McMaster from Calvary Chapel Concow. As each of them shared their story I was struck by one important thing, their deep concern for their church family with little talk about themselves and their loss. Pastor Doug at one point was housing 20-30 people in his home who had been displaced by the fire. Pastor Dave saw every home around him burned, yet him and his neighbors home was untouched by the fire. Also Calvary Chapel Paradise was undamaged by the fire and Pastor Dave is committed to minister to their community. We continue to pray for the relief work in these communities and to support these Pastor's and their ministries going forward as they rebuild. Pastor John Snoderly |
