As the world faces natural disasters, the church must be willing to be a light in times of confusion and despair. As of this writing, wildfires are still burning What happened Fires have been burning in various areas of Los Angeles since last week, including new ones. broke out Monday in Ventura County.
As reported, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), about 40 fires burned, More than 12,300 structures were destroyed in an area of 644 acres, and at least 23 people were killed. The Hearst Fire has a containment rate of 97, while the Eaton Fire has a containment rate of 35%. meanwhile The largest fire, the Palisades Fire, is only 17% contained.
According to a report from AccuWeather's Global Weather Center, the fire is being considered Become The total damage amounted to at least $52 billion and $57 billion, making it the “most expensive” disaster in history.
“This is already one of the worst wildfires in California history,” AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter said in a statement. “If more structures burn in the coming days, this could become the deadliest wildfire in modern California history, considering the number of structures destroyed and the economic loss.”
this This is sad news because we can see the extent of the destruction these fires have inflicted on the Golden State: economic and structural losses, displacement of residents from their homes, and livelihoods of those affected. lost in span of One week of the first month of the new year.
A fire follows a series of fires abnormal weather phenomenon Last year saw a variety of disasters around the world, including a heat wave in Asia, floods in Brazil, wildfires in Canada, and severe hurricanes in the United States.
Most recently, experts have warned that the Pacific Northwest is at risk of a major earthquake that could trigger a tsunami, with one expert saying, “The earthquake could spread over 1,300 miles from Canada to California. I guess,” he pointed out.”
Such a disaster would have an immense impact on the North West, as many people are unaware of it and unprepared to deal with it.
it's not surprising As long as we live in this world, we will face natural disasters. Jesus warned that they were expected to occur as “birth pangs.”” As an indicator of the end times. But at the same time, these events do not absolutely mean that the end times have come.
In the meantime, Christians are waiting for that day, but are willing to help those in need. These disasters are heartbreaking as people lose their homes and loved ones. As the body of Christ, believers are the “light of the world.”” (Matthew 5:14,among them They are to let their light “shine before others, so that others may see their good works and glorify God” (v16).
Natural disasters are inevitable, so Christians must be ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. This can be achieved through fundraising and relief efforts. There are now online platforms like GoFundMe where people can make digital financial donations. For example, more than $3 million was paid raised For relief and recovery efforts during the Los Angeles wildfires.
There are also several Christian-based organizations to which Christians can donate. An example is shown below.
In addition to donating, Christians can: Also Participate in relief efforts as a volunteer. As the saying goes, “the more the merrier”' Therefore, becoming a volunteer to help people affected by natural disasters or in general is a great way to shine your light in front of others. As Jesus Himself said, to serve others is to serve God (Matthew 25:35-40).
As a church, we also need to be spiritually involved. this means we are Reach out to others, pray for them, encourage them, and be present in their time of need. Most importantly, believers preach the gospel and Bringing Christ's message of salvation to everyone The person who hears it and receives it. How much effort do people need in times of turmoil? listen The good news? In Christ, we have a blessed eternal hope heand must share it. The Gospel is not a message kept secret or kept within the confines of a church. that It means shared all over the world Just as Christ commanded his disciples the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). this That's the hope the world needs today.
Finally, consider these words: Psalm 46:1-2,” God is our refuge and strength, and He is our immediate help in trouble. So even if the earth crumbles, we won't be afraidbut mountain be moved To the center of the sea. ”
My friends, no matter what natural disasters occur in this world, let alone disasters, remember that God is in control. Our reaction may be one of fear and sadness at first, but it should eventually turn to hope, because the Lord is our refuge and strength. Moreover, it means that he is ready to help you when you are in trouble. he It is always there even in difficult times. Therefore we should not fear Look at what happens around us when we have the Lord as our hope and support.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Justin Sullivan/Staff
First publication date is January 15, 2025.
