LCC Congregations Offer Support Amidst B.C. Wildfires

Rev. Jonathan Asmus of Redeemer Lutheran shares a message of comfort under the smoke-filled skies of West Kelowna.

KELOWNA, B.C. – As communities in the Kelowna area continue to struggle with the effects of local wildfires, Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) congregations in West Kelowna and Kelowna are offering comfort and support to local residents. About 27,000 people in B.C. are still under evacuation orders, with another 35,000 warned they must be ready to evacuate on short notice if necessary.

As fires encroached on the Kelowna area, about a quarter of the members of Redeemer Lutheran Church in West Kelowna suddenly found themselves under evacuation orders, including members from both West Kelowna and Kelowna. The church building itself as well as the home of Rev. Jonathan Asmus remained a few kilometres outside the evacuation zone, but he and his wife have stayed in close contact with members to ensure everyone has a safe place to stay and to keep aware of other needs as they arise.

Rev. Asmus asks the members of LCC to remember in prayer those in the Okanagan region affected by fire, especially those who have lost homes and livestock. “There are very great needs in our community,” he notes. “How best can we pray? How might we assist? Lord, have mercy!”

Members of Redeemer Lutheran (West Kelowna) highlight an event for sharing, comfort, and prayer.

This past Sunday saw the congregation offer a special “Time for Sharing, Comfort, and Prayer” in response to the crisis. The event featured Scripture readings, hymns, prayer, and an opportunity for all those present to voice their own personal needs and concerns, as well as to hear words of comfort.

“Lord, grant rejoicing in Your grace and deliverance,” Rev. Asmus writes. “And may the reality of Your eternal promise touch people in the now as well, especially for those who are facing the devastating loss of their homes. Praise God that, from what I’ve yet heard, there is no loss of human life. Praise God for the extensive efforts and most significant work of numerous firefighters, the RCMP, emergency services volunteers, and also the Canadian military, as well as the many local residents who have opened their arms and hearts to assist. Lord, keep also the homeless in this situation!”

Meanwhile in Kelowna, the congregation of First Lutheran Church has likewise been affected by the situation. About 22 households were forced to evacuate or were otherwise displaced, representing about ten percent of the congregation—including the families of two church staff. While a few of the evacuated members have since been able to return home, the majority continue to stay with family, friends, other congregation members, or in campers. Two families are waiting to learn the condition of their homes.

For Rev. Keith Reisdorf, the call of the church in this situation is clear. “Pastoral care revolves around encouraging those who are anxious, traumatized, and fearful,” he explains, as well as providing help “to those who remain displaced or are experiencing property losses.” As with other grief ministries, the church must offer a “listening ear, empathy, compassion, encourage lament, and provide hope according to the promises found in God’s Word.”

The continuing ministry of the church and the proclamation of God’s Word can be an anchor to people who have felt their world shaken in recent days.

The continuing ministry of the church and the proclamation of God’s Word can be an anchor to people who have felt their world shaken in recent days. “We attempt to keep as many things as normal as possible within the parish,” Rev. Reisdorf notes, “to provide stability and security in a very abnormal situation.”

The first sign of smoke appears over West Kelowna.

Even in areas where the direct threat of fire has passed, crews still need to assess damage, clear roads, and remove dangers, like fallen electrical lines. As a result, it may be some time before all displaced people in the region are allowed to return to their homes.

Locally, Rev. Reisdorf and Rev. Asmus are encouraging members to volunteer with and donate to established emergency services in the region. They also, of course, encourage further prayers. “Today we pray for rain and increased humidity, strength for the fire fighters and first responders, and a reprieve from the extremely hazardous air quality,” Rev. Reisdorf writes.

“I breathe words of thanksgiving as I consider the blessing of reduced winds over these last couple of days,” Rev. Asmus agrees. “God’s care remains, also in these trials and tough times. May His peace abide among us, and His gracious will be done among us, even as He provides for people in their needs in this place and time—all according to His promise, in the victory of Christ Jesus, our Lord.”

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