On January 7, a series of wildfires broke out across Southern California in the Los Angeles area. NBC News reported the two biggest fires, Palisades and Eaton, burned a combined total of over 37,000 acres before being nearly contained as of Thursday, January 30. In addition to thousands of businesses lost, entire neighborhoods and communities were wiped out by the fires, which actively burned for three weeks.
Nearly 200,000 residents were under evacuation orders during the fires, and areas have slowly reopened as the fires have been contained. Several Charis Fellowship churches rallied together to meet immediate needs of their impacted communities.
Josie Ramirez, director of adult ministries at Grace Community Church of Seal Beach, reached out to a contact and the initiative grew quickly and organically. “About 15 years ago I attended an Ignite Class with Charis Women, and there I met a woman named Diana who was planting a Spanish Ministry in South Pasadena,” Josie said. “I got her number from a pastor’s wife who is part of the Spanish ministry at Grace Church of Orange, and I called her to see if they needed anything.” Diana told Josie there were five items for which there was an immediate need: air purifiers, baby wipes, water, cleaning supplies, and toiletries.
Josie then called Tim Lansing, student pastor and elder at Hope City Church in Norwalk, and he immediately got on board. Bellflower Brethren Church and Grace Church of Orange heard of the need and contacted Josie about getting involved. The four churches spread the word to their congregation on a Friday, and by Sunday they had carloads of supplies ready to be delivered.
“It was amazing to see how quickly the churches organized themselves and how they wanted to care for each other,” Josie said. “Every church was so gracious and wanted to help.” Josie and her husband along with another couple, Liz and Glenn, from Seal Beach and a man, Bill, from Bellflower Brethren Church delivered supplies to Comunidad Christiana Betel in South Pasadena. The church opened their doors to several families in their community, and at one point had 24 people who were displaced from their homes were staying there. Many members of the community lost their livelihood as the business they previously worked for were no longer operating.
During one of their supply deliveries they worked with the Spanish-speaking ministry to pray with members of the community while giving them Bibles and necessities. Josie reported some neighborhoods were still completely closed and barricaded by the National Guard. Other neighborhoods had sporadic burnings, where some houses were entirely gone while others still stood. “Because the fires happened so suddenly and so close to the holidays, many houses still had decorations up. So you might see a house almost entirely gone with one wall left standing with a wreath hanging on it,” she said.
Samuel Diaz, pastor at Comunidad Christiana Betel, said, “For us, this is becoming an extraordinary experience — witnessing and being part of the unity among churches in the midst of great need and tragedy. In the face of disaster, the church has risen as more than just a gathering place; it has become a refuge, a sanctuary of hope in a time of deep crisis. Seeing how faith is bringing communities together, offering strength, comfort, and renewal in the darkest moments, is a powerful testament to God’s presence and the unwavering resilience of His people.”
Charis Disaster Response is partnering with On Mission Network to assess the best way to provide assistance and support to the communities impacted by the fires. More information on how to get involved will be coming soon; for now, the best way to support is to continue to pray and stay tuned for more details.
