PDC’s Ringhofer requests prayer for LA area churches

Wildfires threaten some of the 12 USMB churches in LA

0
324
Three wildfires in Los Angeles county have burned more than 38,000 acres since Jan. 7, 2025. Photo: fire.ca.gov

Deadly wildfires in the Los Angeles area have burned more than 38,000 acres since Jan. 7, 2025, and claimed the lives of at least 24 people. As of Jan. 11, none of USMB’s 12 churches in the Los Angeles area had reported loss of personal or church property, though some churches remain at risk.

In an email to Pacific District churches on Jan. 11, district minister Jordan Ringhofer provided an update and asked for prayer for the district’s churches in the area.

“Our churches are still vulnerable,” Ringhofer said. “In particular, the church in Pacoima, Iglesia de Restauración La Senda Antigua, is still not out of the woods. In addition, there are many friends of congregation members throughout LA that have suffered loss.”

The largest of the three fires, the Palisades Fire, has burned more than 23,000 acres, including along the coast in Malibu, and was just 14 percent contained as of Monday morning, Jan. 13. In northern LA, the Eaton Fire has burned more than 14,000 acres and was 33 percent contained, while the smaller Hurst Fire, covering 799 acres, was 89 percent contained by Monday.

To combat the fires, the state of California has deployed more than 14,000 personnel. On Jan. 8, President Biden approved a major disaster declaration, making federal aid available in affected areas. More than 12,000 structures have been destroyed.

While the cause of the fires is yet to be determined, the combination of drought and offshore gusts called the Santa Ana winds, which can reach speeds of 60-80 miles per hour and gust up to 100mph, has created prime conditions for wildfires.

USMB churches in the Los Angeles area:

  • El Rey Ya Viene Iglesia Cristiana, Arleta
  • Iglesia Cristo es la Respuesta, Arleta
  • Abundant Hope Christian Center, Downey
  • Oneness in Christ Church, Encino
  • Iglesia La Senda Antigua, Lancaster
  • Bethlehem Church, Los Angeles
  • Iglesia Comunidad Cristiana City Terrace, Los Angeles
  • Iglesia Familiar Bethania, Los Angeles
  • Iglesia de Restauración La Senda Antigua, Pacoima
  • Iglesia Sinai, Sun Valley
  • Grace Chinese MB Church, Upland
  • Mision Cristiana Fe Y Compasion, Van Nuys

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here