The International Bible Society (IBS) has sent Scripture booklets, Bibles and New Testaments to Southern California churches and fire department chaplains in the wake of the most devastating wildfires in the state’s history.
Approximately 14,000 firefighters combated nine fires that ravaged 745,000 acres in Southern California, an area roughly twice the size of Rhode Island (1214 square miles). A total of 22 people died from the fires, including one firefighter, and more than 3,600 homes were destroyed in late October and early November.
The 4,600 Scriptures IBS provided are specifically designed to bring comfort and hope to both victims and workers in disaster situations. They included: Answering the Call, a New Testament designed for and with firefighters; When Your Whole World Changes, a booklet, in both Spanish and English, for disaster survivors; Building the Mosaic, a new Scripture-based journal for disaster and relief workers; and God’s Story Bibles and New Testaments.
“This is the largest fire disaster California has faced,” said Sue Hyde, IBS Director of Outreach. “IBS is thrilled that many Christians have chosen to reach out to people affected by this disaster. We trust Building the Mosaic will help relief workers draw strength from God’s Word as they minister and that When Your Whole World Changes will help the survivors turn to God as they process what they are going through.”
Steve Willis, Chaplain for Orange County Firefighters, expressed gratitude on behalf of the firefighters, and commented that the resources sent to the chaplains from IBS were not only ‘excellent products,’ but also ‘very much appreciated’.
“During this terrible time of grief and loss for so many in California, God’s word can provide comfort and strength. We are happy to be able to provide this valuable resource for all who want it,” said Mike Maxson, IBS Regional Director.