Friends, as folks in Oklahoma and Arkansas have been staying warm in the snow – and helping neighbors in need do so as well–we know that friends in California are in the grip of terrifying, relentless wildfires. Two churches have been burned, with many others evacuated; California-Pacific Conference Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank was evacuated from her home as well.
We know the power of the connection in these moments, with folks coming alongside those in trouble through prayer and giving. This crisis is still unfolding, as the fires have yet to be extinguished. Then as always, the road to recovery will begin its long and winding way.
The Arkansas Conference will be sending funds this week to the California-Pacific Annual Conference for disaster relief. There are links shared below that will allow you to give in three different ways:
- Give directly to the California-Pacific Annual Conference
- Give directly to UMCOR U.S. Disaster and Response
- Give to the Arkansas Annual Conference UMCOR Domestic Disaster Relief (that will be passed on to UMCOR)
Also, refer to these links to stay advised of the situation with our United Methodist family in the California-Pacific Conference. And pray. When we do not know what to think or do, this must be our first step. Pray for those in harm’s way, especially the first responders, and pray for wisdom and willingness to learn and act in healing ways.
I am grateful to be connected to you.
Grace and peace,
Bishop Laura Merrill