From Dennis Keating, Emmanuel Faith Community Church
Dear Friends and Family,
“It’s in God’s hands now.” These words emblazoned across the front page of our North County Times newspaper pretty much summed up the realities of this past week as fire devastated much of San Diego County.
How bad was it? Consider the following statistics:
• 600,000 evacuated. This was the largest evacuation in US history since the Civil War!
• 350,000 acres burned.
• 7,000 firefighters were deployed.
• 1,500 homes lost.
• 10 have died.
• $1 Billion was spent on fighting these blazes.
• $1 Billion was estimated lost in the fire.
As I write this letter, a few of the fires in our neighboring city are still going. The other blazes are only mostly contained with hope that this phase of the fires will be extinguished this week. I call it a “phase” because we are expecting Santa Ana winds again this weekend. Indeed, “It’s all in God’s hands.”
Here in Escondido, the fire caused significant damage to the fringes of the city. The three areas hardest hit were Sonata, Lomas Serenas, and Del Dios. I drove through these neighborhoods and parts of it look like a moonscape, charred bushes and trees and then...nothing but black and dusty soil. As for my own home, we suffered no damage but it still smells of smoke, especially in the early morning hours.
What I did experience was a “gut check.” As my wife and I prepared for evacuation, it came in the form of a question, “What’s really important to me?” Well, the file folder with all our insurance information was a non-negotiable. Then all the family pictures started coming down off the walls. Then the photo albums and the 30 VHS tapes of my kid’s early years (I’ve got to get those converted to DVD!!!) went into a box. We grabbed the computers, a few changes of clothing, the dog and we were ready to go. Looking back now, I am amazed how little “stuff” meant at that time. All the important things (except for the dog) fit into our SUV.
Marsha and I know that, if our home had burned, it would have been a devastating loss. I can’t even begin to imagine the emotional toll it would have taken. All the time and energy to rebuild a home, purchase furniture, clothes and then the possibility of an insurance fight ... the Lord decided not to try us in this way.
Looking back, here’s what I’ve reaffirmed...travel light. “This world is not my home, I’m justa passin’ through.” God’s bigger plan is at work in my life to teach me about His will and plan as I go through this “gut check” time. I’ve been thinking, “What does Paul’s admonition in 2 Tim. 2:4 really mean?”
"No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier."
“Lighten the load. Be ready to go (for the Kingdom’s sake) or a moment’s notice.” The Master is right…
“...not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15)
Selah!
How will I live differently as a result of this fire? James 3:13-14…
“Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.”
“The proof will be in the pudding!”
At EFCC, the news was both joyful and sorrowful. The facility at the Encino property suffered only minor damage from the wind. We lost three trees...that’s it! Thank you Lord for your mercy.
To date, EFCC members lost 28 homes. This week we are in the process of contacting everyone, finding out the needs, marshaling resources to help, support and encourage. We are praying and working to bear one another’s burdens.
Mission Hills Church members (MHC), our expansion into the city of San Marcos, did heroic work, serving as an evacuation center. Pastor Chico Goff lead a team of dedicated servants committed to “Loving God; Serving People; Changing Lives.” By Chico’s count, “We served 600 people, 20 dogs, 15 cats, 12 birds, 3 turtles, 2 horses, and one bearded lizard!” As I reflect on all the work and cost of expanding into San Marcos with MHC, I am again affirmed, “It was worth every penny.”
The same is true of our church plant in Julian, Hillside Community Church (HCC). Pastor Rick Hill and the members of HCC have been through this before, enduring the Cedar Fire in 2003 that devastated much of the Julian and surrounding areas. They know what it means to travel light. 1 member of HCC lost a home this time through and God’s people are reaching out to help. They have encouraged us that these times can provide the springboard for effective ministry.
Looking to the future, that’s exactly what I see. God is calling us to IMPACT (our 5 year plan) within the San Diego community. Should our priorities change as a result of this fire? How will it create other church planting connections? Now is the time for full dependence. Now is the time to “travel light” as the Spirit leads.
Thanks to all who have contacted us from across the US and around the world, offering encouragement and a helping hand. Nothing is like the body of Christ!
If you think of us, keep praying for kingdom advancement to God’s glory alone.
Dennis Keating
Emmanuel Faith Community Church
Escondido, CA
10-30-07
What happened to the dog that didn't fit into the SUV???
Posted by: 218Matt | November 07, 2007 at 04:33 PM