As fires continue to burn in California it’s reassuring to see Christians rally to meet the needs of all affected. Bethel Church, Redding is right there at the forefront of providing vital practical help as well as much-needed spiritual support. Carl Ladd, who is the church’s Coordinator for Disaster Response and Recovery spoke to GODTV.com contributor, Jared Laskey who posted this video update.

GOD TV viewers have heard the life-changing messages of Bethel’s lead pastor, Bill Johnson and felt God’s presence through the beautiful worship from Bethel Music. However, the church is also an extraordinarily caring community who don’t just ‘talk the talk, but walk the walk.’ When they say they’re all about “bringing Heaven to earth,” they mean it and that includes being the hands and feet of Jesus in the face of disaster.

Bethel has a Global Response team, headed by Jordan Pacilio which has over 550 trained members ready to respond to disasters through physical aid while carrying supernatural breakthrough. With the Carr Fire on their doorstep, the church became a distribution center on July 30th in collaboration with the Salvation Army.

With the wildfire currently still burning in Shasta and Trinity Counties in California as of August 8, 2018, Bethel continues to help all affected by the California fires. To date the Carr wildfire is reported to have burned 173,522 acres (702 km²; 271 sq mi) and is 47 percent contained. (Wikipedia) Some dear folks have lost everything, others are temporarily displaced, many are in need of basic supplies and all need encouragement.

“People come in downcast and hopeless, unsure of the future and it’s a privilege to be be able to help install hope in their hearts,” says Carl. “In addition to practical aid, we offer emotional and spiritual care, loving on people in their time of need. It’s incredible to see God encounter people as they see His goodness in the face of devastation.”

Carl joined Bethel Global Response in 2013 with a passion to serve people in their greatest need and see God bring hope and solutions in the midst of chaos and disaster.  He is currently working towards a bachelor’s degree in international rescue and relief. Watch his update from the makeshift Bethel Distribution Center.

 

If you would like to give to Bethel Global Response, you can text “[amount] + Bethel Relief” to 45-777. (Example: 100 Bethel Relief)

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Jared Laskey is the founder of Fireborn Ministries and pastor of Destiny Church. He is also a contributor to GODTV.com and other leading Christian media outlets and a staff writer for GOD TV.