Covenant News

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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