
Greetings in the Powerful Name of Jesus!
As we reflect on the many blessings of living in Southern California during our first six months here, we are also facing some of the tougher realities that come with life in this region. Currently, our two daughters and their families are staying with us after needing to escape the Pasadena/Montrose area to the north. While it has been a blessing to have them here, there are, of course, challenges that come with living in close quarters.
I want to express how proud and grateful I am for the incredible response from our SoCal Nazarene District in support of our friends and fellow Nazarenes to the north, who have been devastated by the fires. In fact, the Los Angeles District is no longer able to accept additional physical supplies at this time. The most helpful contribution right now would be financial support through NCM (https://give.ncm.org/donate/140061?source=C25W0061). A heartfelt thank you to Jen Williams and the SoCal NMI disaster response teams. So many individuals and churches have stepped up, and I am deeply thankful for each church and pastor who has demonstrated Christās love and compassion in such tangible and meaningful ways. I have seen firsthand, and heard from others, what I already knewāSoCal District has a big, compassionate heart! Thank you!
As we, as a region and a church, navigate the chaos of fires and winds, let us remember that people are more open than ever to the message of Jesus. Weāve already received reports of lives being transformedāone report shared that five people gave their lives to Christ in the LA area in response to these efforts. Jesus is at work in the midst of all that is happening. Even the secular world is calling for prayer! Let us be reminded that the Church is at its best in times of heartache and tragedy. One of my favorite Scriptures is Psalm 34:18: āThe Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.āĀ Let us be His hands and feet, especially in the days ahead.
If any of our churches have specific needs or require resources during this time, please do not hesitate to reach out to us here at the District Office, or directly to me or Assistant District Superintendent, Wink Davis at wdavis@socalnaz.org.
In His Protection,
Shawn Siegfreid
District Superintendent
Southern California District Church of the Nazarene
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