Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We praise God for your prayers and concerns during this season of fire and smoke. As you know the fires are not yet out and still pose a significant threat to many who live in Southern California. The immediate need is great and the future need will be equally great. We here at Light & Life Escondido are partnering with the Free Methodist Churches in Chula Vista, San Diego, National City, and Tecate to love our neighbors during this time. Many of our Free Methodist churches, in this conference and across the nation, have indicated that they would like to contribute in some way. At this point we have a few suggestions for those interested in assisting us.

Donations:

At this point we are encouraging churches to make monetary contributions. Monetary contributions will be used to feed, shelter, and reestablish displaced families and families who have lost their homes. Gift Cards will be purchased and distributed first to Free Methodist families and then to their neighbors who are in need. Funds may be reserved for families who have lost their homes to assist with storage fees for what they were able to save once U-Haul’s 30-day free storage runs out. Portions of the money will also be used to supply clean-up efforts and other work projects related to the fire.

Churches close enough to donate items that can be used to rebuild lost lives are encouraged to do so. These items will be distributed to local fire stations to be given to those with the greatest need.

All items and money can be delivered to:

Light & Life Church and School

120 North Ash Street

Escondido, CA 92027

Make payable to: “Light & Life Ministries” and write “Fire 

 Relief” in the memo

Monetary gifts can also be given to the Bishops’ Famine and Relief Fund noting that the funds are for Fire Relief Efforts and can be sent through your local Free Methodist Church.

Work Teams:

Many have offered to send teams to assist with relief help. Since several fires are still burning the full extent of the need is not yet known. At this point, only residents are being allowed to enter evacuated/burn areas. Clean-up crews will likely not be allowed to enter until after certified hazardous material crews have removed the bulk of the burn material. At that time families will need help with general clean-up, repairs, and rebuilding. We will work with churches interested in sending work teams as opportunities arise.

There will be opportunities for work teams to come and reforest decimated areas. We are working with local arborists to identify areas that will benefit most from these efforts.

Palomar Mountain is currently burning, but once the fire is contained there will be opportunity to assist in clean-up at Palomar Christian Conference Center and with local residents.

Thank you again for your prayers and willingness to help. Those churches who are interested in sending work teams should email us so that we can contact you as soon as an opportunity arises. Emails can be sent to [email protected].

Grace and Peace,

George King

Light & Life Escondido

(760) 745-2832 office

(760) 213-4608 cell