Source: ADRA.org Email Update October 26, 2007

ADRA is responding to the ongoing wildfires that are ravaging large areas of southern California. The support of people like you is the reason why we’ve been effective in our response during other disasters. That’s why I ask for your prayers and financial support so that we may help the people who have been affected by this tragedy.

Reuters/Mario Anzuoni, courtesy www.alertnet.org

The news coverage shows the immense devastation, and reports that nearly 1 million people have been forced from their homes.  But the story of human suffering is not making the news.  Our ADRA partners closest to the situation in southern California have been assessing the impact of this disaster on the poor, and on those without the resources or the economic safety net to rebuild their lives

Their initial report is that the real impact of these fires will not be known for many days, but that much more than property has been lost.  The working poor will be the most affected, and the slow economic recovery will impact agriculture and service industries.  Many jobs will be lost. The situation is far more complex than the pictures on the news reveal.  The human misery is just beginning to be understood.

Reuters/John Gress, courtesy www.alertnet.org

We are doing as much as we can. ADRA already committed at least $50,000 to be used directly to meet the basic necessities of evacuees. We are working right now through our local partners in the affected areas to help families who have been displaced, some of whom are uninsured and have lost their homes and everything else. Dedicated volunteers are also helping families cope with this tragedy by providing one-on-one counseling. As I write to you, we are continuing to assess the situation, and will respond quickly to the needs that become apparent.  During times like these we remember our calling and our mission, and seek your support for those who have lost so much.

We urgently need your help today. Please contact ADRA at 1.800.424.ADRA (2372) and give to the California Fires Fund; online or by mail. No gift is too small. And if you and your church or community want to give a large gift, please contact our staff to learn how it can be used most effectively.

Pray that the Lord’s love and care will descend upon those who are suffering right now.

I want to thank you in advance for your gift in these times and for thinking and praying for those who need our help today.

May God bless you,

Pastor Charles Sandefur
President

PS -- Please join us as we help those families affected by the southern California wildfires. We need your financial support today. Call 1.800.424.ADRA (2372), or visit our Web site at www.adra.org. The destruction left by these wildfires is the worst natural catastrophe to hit the United States since Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast two years ago. The impact on the poor in this region is just now beginning to be understood.  Please help ADRA help those who are most in need.

Source: ADRA Email Update October 26, 2007