Western Jurisdiction Wildfires
The Western Jurisdiction Annual Conferences continue to fight wildfires. Be informed and read further to see how you can help!
Currently, the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference is in the midst of fighting several wildfires that have already claimed the lives of three firefighters ( one of which was a United Methodist) when their vehicle crashed and flames from the fire consumed the vehicle. The firefighters were not able to escape.
The biggest fires in Washington State include the Chelan Complex (155 square miles and growing), the Okanogan Complex, and Kettle Complex. In Idaho, the Clearwater Complex fire is "under observation."
Jim Truitt, UMVIM Co-Corrdinator for the Pacific Northwest Conference states that:
"Now is the time to start building a financial resource for the recovery. You can make a donation to our PNW Conference's disaster fund (Advance #352) through your local church or by sending a check to the PNW Conference Treasurer at PO Box 13650, Des Moines, WA 98198 with Conference Advance #352 on the memo line. Please do not send donations in kind to the area unless an official request is made for specific items. Donations management is often called the second disaster because donations are not needed, are inappropriate, or just plain junk. Please remember to keep all those affected by the fires in your prayers. As we discern, let's keep in mind that not only are people losing their homes and their possessions some have lost their livelihood because the place where they have worked is now ash."
In addition, Ronda Cordill, UMVIM Co-Coordinator for the Pacific Northwest Conference, shared that the conference is currently forming emotional and spiritual care teams to support the evacuees.
Washington is not alone, as fires have raged in Alaska and continue in several parts of Idaho, Oregon, Northern & Southern California, and Montana.
UMVIM Western Jurisdiction asks for your continued prayers. Please pray for direction as you think about ways you might be called to help. You might feel called to organize a future UMVIM tea, provide supplies for a team that will be part of the rebuild process, and/or make a financial donation.
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