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San Diego Fires Destroy Covenant Families' Homes
SAN DIEGO, CA (October 28, 2003) - Seven Covenant families have lost homes as
fires continue to rage in various areas of Southern California, Covenant
News Service has learned.
Ten separate fires have wreaked havoc in various areas of southern
California during the past seven-day period, killing at least 15 people.
Members of a Covenant church in one community are keenly aware of the
effects of the fires.
Canyon Springs Covenant Church has been meeting in a local elementary
school located north and east of downtown San Diego. A blaze involving more
than 200,000 acres has hit the area with devastating force - pastor Jack
Hawkins says his congregation of 500 has been hit hard by last weekend's
disaster.
"Seven families have lost their homes," said Hawkins. "And these people
just got out of their houses - they didn't get videos or other things - and
they're living in hotels or others' houses right now."
The church is trying to find housing for families in their congregation,
but would like to adopt other neighborhood families as well. The problem is
that the church can't call the homes of friends to help because many of the
homes no longer exist. And while Santa Ana winds have died down, allowing
crews to better fight the fires, the smoke and ash from the weekend blazes
in San Diego County have turned that area into something out of Mordor in
the recent "Lord of the Rings" movies.
"It's 4 p.m. here and it's like it's the middle of the night now, it's so
dark," Hawkins said. "The smoke and ash are hovering around us and you
can't see the sun at all. It's kind of ominous." If there is any good news,
it comes in the attitude of Covenant congregations that want to help their
communities. Canyon Springs Covenant is no exception, said Hawkins.
"We want to make an impact on this - it's an opportunity to be Jesus' hands
and feet," he said. "Everyone wants to help. It's a matter of how we can
mobilize to help. It is a lot easier to pastor during these times because
this congregation is ready to do something. And I know God is going to be
faithful in this."
The church is hosting a prayer service Thursday night and Hawkins is
preparing for Sunday worship service while caring for his wife, Jalane, who
had foot surgery last week. The pastor knows that his congregation will
minister to others in the flock. His prayer is that Sunday's sermon will
have the right words to encourage them during the next few weeks.
"I don't have any idea what to say to these people," he said.
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