Southern California fire update
Breaking News
It appears the property of all WELS churches and schools has been spared damage in the fires raging across Southern California this week, but the full impact upon members’ homes is still unknown. No loss of life or serious injuries among WELS members have been reported, although numerous families were forced to evacuate.
Aaron Glaeske, pastor at Ascension, Escondido, Calif., reports at least two members there have lost their homes and possibly a third. He says, “We’re still trying to figure out if everybody is okay.” In speaking of the fires this week he says, “There’s no English word to describe it. Surreal comes close, but it doesn’t quite cut it.”
Further north in Fallbrook, Rich Kogler, pastor at St. Stephen, says he’s concerned about the home of one family in particular which was in the path of the fires. Authorities have blocked off many neighborhoods and so it’s still too early to tell the extent of the damage.
Kogler himself evacuated to nearby Murrieta to stay with his daughter. He’s hoping to get back to the church by noon Thursday. Flames came as close as a quarter of a mile from the property. “We’re thankful. The Lord is so good,” he says.
Fire crews used the church as a staging ground throughout the week. Kogler says the congregation is planning to set up a soup kitchen for the firefighters once members are given access to the building.
Rev. Paul Janke, president of the Arizona-California District, reports that WELS elementary schools in Carlsbad, Fallbrook, Escondido, and San Diego have all called off classes for the rest of the week because of the poor air quality. But a joint Reformation service this Sunday will be held as scheduled at Reformation in San Diego.
Rev. Phil Schupmann, chairman of WELS Committee on Relief, says he will await word from the congregations whose members have been impacted before deciding what aid the committee will offer. In the meantime, those wishing to make a donation to WELS Committee on Relief can do so at www.welsrelief.net.
Pastor Kogler says he appreciates all the prayers that have been offered synodwide on behalf of the congregations in Southern California. “It has been amazing how people in our fellowship have shown their concern. We can’t thank people enough.”
Filed Under: California, COR, Relief
