Just an update…all of your checks and gift cards are in Rev. Andy’s hands and he is enormously grateful. Regarding the Camp Fire, like most people in Paradise, he and Judy lost their home and are living in a small community about 30 miles from Paradise. As of today, like most Paradise residents, they have not been allowed in to see their property, so it is very hard for them. The areas where homes, vehicles, businesses burned is considered toxic, since everything that burned is now in the soil. Most who were evacuated have scattered to live with family in other states and cities, which makes it hard since government services for those who lost everything are set up in Chico, just down the hill from Paradise. Regarding the Paradise church, they have had a couple of gatherings at the Chico church, but only 24 people came,since so many left the area for shelter. Everyone who worked in Paradise has lost their job, so the gift cards are very important for gas and personal items.
Andy shared that it is challenging to be in this place where nothing can be done yet, but every day people ask him what will be done. He doesn’t know and it is too early to know. His insurance company has been great and Church Mutual is meeting this month with him and three other churches that were destroyed. It will be months before any rebuilding can be considered. A blessing for him is he has gone from a part-time to a full-time program manager at a rehab center in Chico, which is work he loves to do. I could go on and on,but I’m sure you get a feeling for the immensity of the situation. Gift cards and checks continue to come in and Andy is in Redding every Saturday, so it’s easy to get these to him.
Know your gifts are greatly appreciated!
Mary