For days now, wildfires have been out of control in northern California, killing at least 40 people and burning tens of thousands of acres in their path. Hundreds of locals have lost homes and, in some cases, all their possessions. Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (RRT) chaplains are in Santa Rosa to comfort those grieving and minister to first responders.
The merciless fires have taken a lot out of first responders who have been trying to help their neighbors while also dealing with their own emotions and losses. This is one of the most destructive wildfires in California's history.
A burnt weight bench that used to be inside a home in the Coffey Park area of Santa Rosa.
The first RRT chaplains on the scene live in Santa Rosa and were able to quickly offer the hope of Christ to their own neighbors.
Sometimes it helps just to know someone cares.
A sign of life—bright yellow flowers that someone placed beside what used to be a driveway.
Chaplain Joseph Morrison shares the Gospel with a homeless man in front of the Christian Family Fellowship church in Santa Rosa.
A chaplain strikes up conversation as one team take a short break before heading back out to work.
In times of crisis, prayer can bring calm and comfort to those struggling with what to do next. Chaplains are available to pray with anyone who may want to.
Holding hands for a brief prayer with Emeryville police officers.
Initial ministry is taking place in shelters, in the community and in support of churches who had members lose their homes.
Chaplain Steve Ballinger prays with a man on the side of the road.
While the fires have brought widespread devastation, chaplains like Joseph Morrison pray they are able to bring the hope of Jesus Christ
to the communities impacted.
There's a long road ahead for the Santa Rosa community as it recovers from the wildfires. Please keep northern California in your prayers. Pray for God to strengthen first responders, especially the firefighters, and to bring rain to the area.
