Wildfires are impacting much of the western United States with smoke causing poor air quality, and the situation is particularly difficult in Washington where devastating fires have burned hundreds of structures and forced the evacuation of more than 65,000 state residents — including some Free Methodists in The River and Pacific Northwest conferences. Donations to relief efforts may be made through the Bishops’ Crisis Response Fund.
Eastern Washington wildfires have especially impacted First Free Methodist Church in Spokane and Timberview Church in Mead, and The River Conference Superintendent James Leman and his family also are near the area of impact. Opportunity Christian Fellowship in Spokane Valley is also in the region but further from the evacuation zone.
“We are sad to report that two of our church members have lost their homes, and we’re trying to support them through that. We are going through our entire church directory, checking in on each person by phone and making sure that they’re accounted for, that they have their needs met,” said First FMC Lead Pastor Mia Shin in a video shared Wednesday, Aug. 5, on The River Conference Facebook page. Shin invited community members to join “Welcome Wednesdays” at the church to receive prayer or “a reprieve from your current situation. … I am here praying. The leaders are here praying, and we are also strategizing on ways that we can be the hands and feet during this very, very difficult time.”
The Sinlahekin Fire is burning in a northern part of the state near the U.S.-Canadian border and has caused lost homes for several families at Faith Life Church (known until recently as Tonasket Free Methodist Church) in Tonasket. Oroville Free Methodist Church is also on the edge of that fire.
The Pacific Northwest Conference shared the following report Aug. 4 from Faith Life Church: “The Sinlahekin Fire is up to 112,934 acres and growing. … Praise the Lord that the vast majority of homes have been saved, but the livelihood of many church and community members has been dramatically affected by the destruction of farmland and orchards. The fire is still almost completely uncontained. While we are praising God for His protection, we are also continuing to pray that He would protect community members and the 700 firefighters who are risking their lives. We are also asking for prayers for the displaced members of the church and community while it is unsafe for them to return home.
“But our God is amazing! Our church’s VBS is scheduled this week, and we had to push it back a day due to many volunteers still recovering from being displaced or fighting fire on their property. After delaying our VBS and checking in with our team of 49 volunteers, there was an overwhelming agreement to continue the VBS as a way to minister to the community, especially the kids who have lived in a very confusing state of trauma for 4-5 days depending on where in the valley they live. Our first day was today (Tuesday), with 92 kids (in a city of 1,400) with many of the parents thanking our volunteers with tear-filled eyes, filled with such gratitude that we have something available for the kids in such a hard time. The VBS theme is, ‘Jesus is the Light of the world.’ What an opportunity to speak into Jesus’ ability to shine light in the darkness of the world. Praise the Lord! In addition to the previous prayer requests, we are praying that God would continue to bless the rest of the VBS, that we might minister to the families of our community with the love of Jesus.”
The Free Methodist Church USA encourages prayer for those impacted by the wildfires in the western U.S. including the states of Washington, Oregon, California, and Idaho.
Our Father, we ask that You grant strength to those affected by the wildfires raging across the western United States. Please be with the first responders, tirelessly working to protect lives. Please protect them and provide them with the strength needed as they step into harm’s way to safeguard others. Please, Lord, help those impacted by the fires find the wisdom to heed evacuation orders and find safe shelters where they can find comfort and solace. Please bring communities together to offer assistance and support as they help one another throughout this ordeal. In Jesus’ name, Amen.