2018 will go down in history as one of the most destructive fire seasons in California. Since late summer there have been a rapid succession of multiple fires each one seeming to be worse than the one before. Most recently the Camp and Woosely Fires have caused significant loss of life and property. The Rev. Greg Schafer, pastor of the Morongo Moravian Church in Banning, CA reports that none of this year's fires have affected them in any way, and we are thankful for that.
We have been in touch with our full communion partners in both the Lutheran and Presbyterian churches and these fires have caused significant of damage in areas where they do have congregations. As a result the Board of World Mission has released $1,500 to the Pacific Presbytery and $1,500 to Lutheran Social Services of Northern California. In both cases 100% this money will be going directly to purchasing grocery store gift cards for individuals who have suffered losses from the fires.
Long term we will be partnering with these organizations as they set up base camps for volunteers who wish to donate their time to help in the clean up and recovery phase of this operation. These have been devastating fires leaving entire towns in ruins and the people who have been most directly affected need our assistance. Please consider a gift of your time, energy, or financial support. Please check back with the BWM web site as well as your congregational worship bulletins and newsletters for more information as things get organized.
If you can volunteer time and energy, please go http://moravianmission.org where you can fill out the information form at the bottom of the main page. Be sure to add any of your skills or specific areas that you would like to serve in the text box that you will find there.
You can help to bring aid to these affected areas by making a secure online donation at http://moravianmission.org/give/ and click on the green “Donate Now” link at the top of the page. (Canadians please be aware that if use the online giving you may not be able to receive tax credit. To do that you need to follow the instructions below for mailing your gifts).
If you wish to mail in your donations, please send them to our Bethlehem office:
Board of World Mission
1021 Center Street
Bethlehem, PA 18018
Those living in Canada may send donations to the following address in order to receive full tax credit for your donation which will then be sent along to the BWM:
Moravian Church in Canada
600 Acadia Drive SE
Calgary, AB T2J 0B8
For more information: Please call the Board of World Mission at 610-868-1732 or email Chris Giesler at chris@moravianmission.org.
Even as we prepare to respond to this need, our commitment remains to the rebuilding efforts in the Wilmington and Lumberton, NC as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands.
We thank you for being part of the Body of Christ that continues to reach out to those who suffer so that they can find comfort and the love of God.