Dear Pacific Mountain Region,
It is in the spirit of care, comfort and concern that I write to you. I can’t imagine the deep fear and distress the hundreds of wildfires now burning in your region must cause, for congregations and communities nearby. The emotional and physical distress, property damage and loss of habitat, homes and wildlife is incalculable.
I have been praying for your region, especially for the families who are under threat of evacuation, or who have left their homes and possessions behind to flee the destruction. I think especially of communities near Bradley Creek and Quilpituk Creek, and the Okanagan Indian Band reserve near Vernon, and other First Nations communities who have lost their homes to fire. I also think of the most recent evacuations in Summerland, where the whole community, including one of our own churches, is under threat of destruction by fire.
And now as wildfires threaten Metro Vancouver, the sheer density of people could take this climate disaster to another level. I pray for the firefighters who are stretched to their limit, and that no harm comes to them or to residents living in proximity to these fires.
I have also been praying for those who care for physical, emotional and spiritual needs through this, including clergy and regional staff. May you and the congregations in your care have the strength to accompany them as they recover, heal and rebuild.
I also pray for a future free of these kinds of climate-crisis-induced disasters. While fires consume our homes and other things that are important to us, they cannot burn away God’s promise of new and renewed life.
I pray for peace of mind to return in its time. And for you and the congregations in your care to walk together to lighten the load. If there are fundraising opportunities for the wider church to engage in, please know you have our support.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. –Psalms 34:18
In the hope of resurrection,
The Right Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath
Moderator
