Let all that you do be done in love. 1 Corinthians 16:14 ESV
Four days after we evacuated from the Altadena firestorm, we returned to find our house still standing. We had feared it had burned, but we were deeply grateful it had been spared. The government sent police, National Guard reservists, and members of the Army to provide security against looters. Though our house was still within the “do not cross” yellow tape, we were given an exception to return.
The following morning, I found my wife in the kitchen preparing many sandwiches. Seeing my amazement, she simply said, “It’s for the police and soldiers guarding our neighborhood.” No one had asked her to do it; she simply saw a need and met it.
When we delivered the sandwiches and hot coffee, I noticed that there were no portable toilets for the service people. I asked them about it, and they said they had to travel a few miles to Pasadena just to find a restroom. So, we told them that we would keep our house open 24/7, giving them permission to use our facilities anytime. It was a small act of kindness, but they were incredibly appreciative.
For the next seven days, they had breakfast at our house and used our restroom. These officers and reservists repeatedly told us they would never forget our service and the hospitality we had shown them.
Our GC Glendora pastor, Jillian Morrison, and her husband, Steven, also volunteered with relief efforts. They were joined by other members, including Maryann and Fred Stevens (pictured below), who sorted and distributed supplies at a Pasadena relief drive. In addition, a few church members went to another member’s house to assist with cleanup.
In times of crisis, even the smallest act of kindness can shine the brightest. Kindness doesn’t have to be grand — it just must be intentional. The world may be filled with division, but as followers of Christ, we are called to something different. We are called to love as He loves, to serve as He serves, and to be a light in a dark world.
From Bermie Dizon, Elder
Glendora, CA, US
By God’s grace, we are doing well. On behalf of GC Pasadena, I would like to thank the Home Office staff who prayed and arranged for disaster relief funds to be distributed to financially support our members who were affected by the fire.
The vast area that was affected is unimaginable, and one area was the neighborhood of Jeff Swartz, a longtime member. He lost his home and all his personal belongings except the clothes he was wearing at that time. We thank God that he left and got to safety with his pets before the fire reached his area. My family took care of him for ten days until he finally found a hotel with a vacancy in Glendale.
Another member hosted a couple who evacuated due to the smoke and ashes. It was necessary to clean our church hall because of the ashes and smoke. Since we have an ongoing partnership with Trader Joe’s to distribute food, we were able to take some to the evacuation area where it was needed. I also had the opportunity to pray for neighbors who were directly affected by the fire.
Thank you again for including us in your prayers.
From Angie Tabin, Pastor
Pasadena, CA, US
Thank you for these encouraging, comforting words!
Many hands make a heavy load lighter. What a beautiful example!