How can we help?’ in wake of fires, pastor asked
By Bob Davis, The Layman Online, October 30, 2003
The fires are still raging throughout San Diego County. Entire communities have been destroyed, others are being threatened. Escondido has been spared the flame, but the smoke and ash have become an issue. Yesterday’s news indicated that we had the worst air in the county because all the fires’ deposits were lingering in our area.
Many people have asked, “How can we help?” Certainly, the biggest thing we need is the prayers of God’s people.
First for the firefighters: The fires are still raging in the county. Firefighters are taking 48-hour shifts and fatigue is beginning to show. Yesterday, some firefighters from Northern California got caught near Julian. One was killed, three others injured. Some of the firefighters on the Camp Pendleton Fire – which has been put out – moved on to help with others knowing that their own homes had been destroyed. “No one has greater love than this, to lay down his life for his friends.” We have seen amazing love and tremendous sacrifice.
Second for the families impacted: In my congregation, we have a family who lost a 16-year-old daughter to the fire. That’s Ashleigh Roach, for those who might have seen her name in the national press. Her 20-year-old sister, Allyson, is in the University of California-San Diego Burn Center with second- and third-degree burns over 85 percent of her body. Even after 72 hours, doctors have her listed in grave condition with only a 25 percent chance of surviving.
Today, we have the memorial service for Ashleigh Roach. It’s going to be a hard, but good, day. Her family is remarkable; their faith and witness is amazing. They know that she is home with Jesus because Alsheigh knew Him who is her hope, her promise, her Lord and Savior.
Other things that people can do:
a. If they want to contribute money for the Roach family, donations (tax deductible – yes, that’s crass, but it is important for people to know) can be made through “Westminster Presbyterian Church” with “Attention Roach family” on the memo line. Our address is 1500 South Juniper, Escondido, CA 92025.
b. The denomination has set up a special account for those who wish to contribute to relief efforts in Southern California. To contribute (“California Fires” account #PDA 9-2000165), use local church channels, call PresbyTel at 800-872-3283; give online, or log onto the PDA website. Checks also can be sent to Central Receiving Service, Box 300, Louisville, KY 40289. These kinds of donations would be helpful because, for example, Rancho Bernardo Presbyterian, which is just three or four miles south of Escondido, has 26 families who lost their homes. Many were in the Scripps Ranch area.
c. Giving blood. That’s what we are hearing on the news.
d. Food, clothes and other items can go to the Red Cross for San Diego Fire Victims. At this point, that is not so much a concern for our congregation, but others around the county are going to have a great need.
e. Longer term: Continued prayers for San Diego as a community. I don’t think we’ve realized the full impact of what has happened and what is happening. There seems to be a communal sense of shock. The news reports sound like radio reports during a blizzard: “Please don’t be out on the road unless absolutely necessary. Highways 8 and 79 are shut down. Local roads are shut down. Schools are closed….”
The response from around the county and around the country has been wonderful. I am so grateful for San Diego Presbytery. In a note to our Executive Presbyter Andy Smith, I wrote:
“I am more convinced than ever that God has called me to be Presbyterian. Pastors called from around the presbytery, asking for Jim (Rauch, senior pastor) and me by name. These are people with whom we have broken bread, prayed, wrestled on important issues, and laughed together. When they said, ‘We are praying for you,’ we take comfort in knowing that those are not just words.”
Likewise, support has come from around the country. We are deeply grateful – more than words can express.
Bob Davis is a pastor in San Marcos, Calif., and executive director of the Presbyterian Forum, a renewal ministry.