Like many of us around the world, my heart was broken on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. As I watched the wind driven fires erupt in Eaton Canyon, I was struck by the swiftness and overwhelming destruction occurring in the beautiful neighborhoods of Altadena and Pasadena.

After several days of observing this terrible tragedy encompass so many lives and properties, I knew, like many of us, I needed to step up and help in any way I could. My answer came soon after, when I received an e-mail appeal from Greidy Cuevas and our wonderful staff at Lake Avenue Church. This volunteer outreach, Samaritan’s Purse, was one of many that our wonderful church quickly put in place to help assist our members and neighbors affected by this horrible disaster. I knew immediately that God was reaching out to me, and I soon found myself at the training session in our Chapel, being prepared to volunteer. The entire Samaritan’s Purse staff is a wonderful, caring, and professional group, led by Alexis and their onsite managers, as well as the different Team Leaders at each homesite.

After volunteering at three homesites of church members, I have found them to be the most heart-felt, overwhelming, and God-present experiences in my life. No words are enough to describe how it feels to provide the homeowners with some level of comfort, love, and a caring effort searching for a few precious personal items in the midst of their tragedy. Those we assisted have expressed such wonderful and grateful outpourings to all of us volunteering for Samaritan’s Purse, and it became very apparent that we were as much blessed as they were.

I strongly encourage anyone who feels compelled to help others during this difficult time, to consider volunteering for Samaritan’s Purse at spvolunteer.org.

May God bless all Lake Avenue Church, Samaritan's Purse, and our entire community.