AG churches somewhat spared by wildfires, so far

Although hundreds of thousands of people were evacuated and
thousands of structures lost due to the wildfires in Southern
California, so far not one Assemblies of God church has been lost,
though there are reports coming in of damage done to churches by the
fires.

According to the office of Ray Rachels, the Southern California
District Council superintendent, at this point, they are only aware
of one pastor losing his home. Lupe Hernandez, who pastors Rincon
Chapel Assembly of God on the Rincon Indian Reservation, had his
home destroyed by the fire.

However, a number of churches have experienced fire damage, and
almost all AG churches in the area have been affected by the blaze
as church members, family members or friends have lost homes.

Although the fires are not as wide-spread now, they are still
burning on three different fronts. Rachel's office asks for prayer
for moderate rainfall (to avoid mud slides) and that the powerful
Santa Ana winds expected this weekend will not materialize.

Convoy of Hope is working with the district and churches to help
assess and meet needs in the area. To assist Convoy in this
ministry of compassion, see http://www.ConvoyofHope.org.

For updates from the Southern California District on the relief
efforts, see http://www.socalag.org/disasterupdate.

— Dan Van Veen, AG News