January 10, 2025
Greetings,
Praying that this letter finds you in good health and steadfast faith. I am writing today to solicit your prayers and support for the members, churches, and communities impacted by the fires in California. It is with a sense of urgency I make this appeal regarding the Southern California fires, where devastation has invaded the Western Episcopal District, especially the Los Angeles District of the Southwest Rocky Mountain Conference. As people of faith and stewards of God's creation, it is our duty to respond with compassion and preparedness to the needs of those around us.
My staff and I are constantly monitoring the status of our members, churches, and the communities surrounding them. According to national news outlets, “Dry conditions and powerful winds fed at least five blazes, causing unprecedented damage in highly populated areas not known for fires — and strong winds are set to last through today, [Friday, January 10] further complicating firefighting efforts. Red flag warnings will remain in place through 6 p.m. today.”
To date, two of our churches, First Pasadena and Shiloh Monrovia, have been greatly affected by the Pasadena area Eaton fire. So far, three AME Zion families have lost their homes, and several members and a pastor have been evacuated to safety. Reports state that there have been 10 fatalities and 180,000 people evacuated. The death toll is expected to rise as the fire has destroyed full neighborhoods, and thousands of structures cannot be reached yet. Over 150,000 people remain under evacuation orders.
Here are a few steps we can take together:
Be Encouraged and in Prayer - In times of fear and uncertainty, people look to the church for comfort and hope. Please join us in prayer and the ability to encourage those in need. We ask you to join us on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at 4:00 PM PST/6:00 PM CST/7:00 PM EST for a Prayer Call for Los Angeles.
Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82064335622
Meeting ID: 820 6433 5622
Passcode: 362958
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WEDAMEZion
Be Connected and Informed - We must actively reach out and be connected to our congregations, neighborhoods, and local communities and keep as many as possible informed on what is happening and the impact of this disaster.
Be Supportive – If you desire to assist any of our members, churches or the community, you may send your support to the Western Episcopal District for distribution using the following means:
1) Mail check or money order made payable to WED to 2940 42nd Street, Sacramento, CA 95827
2) Zelle: 626-639-9687, First Name: Western, Last Name: District
3) Givelify: Western Episcopal District A.M.E. Zion Church
4) CashApp: $westernamez
Should you have any questions or concerns, please email me at bishopmelaniemiller110@amezion.org.
May the Lord bless you for your compassion and willingness to help during these challenging times. Your contribution of any kind will not only provide essential aid to those affected by these fires but will also be a testament to God's love and grace at work in our world.
In His Service,
Melanie Miller
Bishop of the A. M. E. Zion Church
Presiding Prelate of the Western Episcopal District
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here