LA Fire Resources and Information; Talking Points from VCS Spiritual Life

January 11, 2025

As we continue to pray for the VCS community and our city, please see below for key links and resources, as well as important talking points from the VCS Spiritual Life Department, amidst the chaos and turmoil caused by the fires that have raged across Los Angeles County.

Evacuation Map: 

  • For the most up-to-date evacuation information, visit Protect Genasys (click here).

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SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM VCS SPIRITUAL LIFE

During times of tragedy like what has resulted from the recent destructive fires, it is completely natural for our children (and us!) to ask many questions: “Why?” “Why would God allow this to happen?” “Why is my family going through this?” “Is God mad at me?” “Did I do something wrong?” “Does God care?” “Does the ancient Bible have anything to say in times like this?” and many more.

While the Scriptures and resources below can’t answer every question, they can give some perspective and help that our God is living and active and has never abandoned His people, and He has much to say in our current moment.

I’ve put as much as I can think of on this document with links to help you as you address any questions or  concerns your children have, as well as how to pray for them. Please feel free as well to send any additional questions to me dj@villagechrisitan.org and don’t hesitate to send the students my way. I’m always available to talk. My office is above the boys’ restroom on the 2nd floor in the Kendall gym or they can find me out at nutrition or lunch.

May God grant you all grace in this time as you comfort and lead your children through this. May God help Village Christian to be a safe place of healing for all affected.

In Christ,

DJ Jenkins
VCS Spiritual Life Director

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Practical Questions:

Why did God allow the fires and the devastation to happen?

Potential Short Answer: We aren’t told why, but God is near to His people in suffering and is working all things out for their good.

Potential Long Answer: The Scriptures and the Lord almost never give a direct answer to why a specific tragedy or suffering happens. What they do say again and again is that there surely is a God who cares and is near His people in their suffering. (See “Verses on God Being Near During Tragedy/Suffering” below)

In stories like Luke 13:1-5 Jesus makes it clear tragedy does not come because people have been more sinful, and people don’t escape tragedy because they are less sinful. Rather, sometimes God will use suffering to wake people up to their need for Him.

But verses like Romans 8:28-39 show that God works all things out for good, even the worst of tragedies, for His people. Going through tragedy and suffering does not mean God doesn’t love us. And one day, all sadness and suffering and tears and death will end when God redeems all things and Jesus returns (Revelation 21-22). This is another reason for those who haven’t decided to follow Jesus or put their trust in Him to decide to do it today. There is such good news to be received!

But We Are Scared. What Can We Do?

Potential Short Answer: Sometimes the world is scary. But God will hear all the cries for help from those who trust in Him and always answers His people.

Potential Long Answer: The reality of the Curse of sin (Genesis 3) means that this side of the return of Christ we will all have suffering and hardship, whether followers of Jesus or not. But again and again God tells His people not to be afraid (Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 23). Jesus promises to give us His peace (John 14:27) when we put our hope in Him. 

What can we do?? We are called to cast all our cares on Jesus, because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). We are told not to worry, but to call out to Him in prayer and God promises to grant us peace (Philippians 4:6-7). Jesus promises to always answer His people when we call upon Him (John 15:7), so call out to Him and  tell Him everything going on and pray.

How Can We Help Our Friends Who Lost Their Homes?

Potential Answer: First, pray for them! Ask God to be near them and for them to sense His love even through their loss. Pray that God helps them see the big picture that He is for them and has a plan for them. Pray also that God provides for all of their needs as He promises He will for His people. If they don’t know Jesus, pray for them to come to know Him through this hard time.

Second, just be there for them. Text them and let them know you’re praying for them. They are likely very overwhelmed but let them know you are there for them whenever they need you. Let them know you can talk and listen to them if they need to talk. Just letting people who are suffering know that you’re there in any way they need can be the most powerful thing for people going through hard times. Or your friend might just want to hang out with you and be normal since everything else in their life is not normal right now.

Third, you can ask your family to give through the VCS Care Fund (Link). You can donate extra clothes or uniforms to them if needed as well. 

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Verses on God Being Near During Tragedy/Suffering

Commentary: The Scriptures and the Lord almost never give a direct answer to why a specific tragedy or suffering happens. What they do say again and again is that there surely is a God who cares and is near His people in their suffering. 

  • Psalm 46 – Whole Psalm: God our refuge and strength
  • Psalm 34:18 – God near to the brokenhearted and suffering
  • Psalm 147:3 – God heals the brokenhearted
  • Matthew 11:28-30 – Jesus telling those who are weary to come to Him and He’ll take your burden
  • 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – God is a God of all comfort who comforts us in our troubles

Verses on Hope Through the Hardest Times & God’s Promises for Us

Commentary: God’s people can be assured even through the worst of suffering that God still loves us and one day He will make all things new and bring final healing.

  • Romans 8:35-39 – Nothing can separate us from God’s love in the worst of times
  • Romans 8:28 – God is working all things, even tragedy like the fires, out for the good of His people
  • Lamentations 3:22-24 – God’s mercies are new every morning for us leading us to wait for Him
  • Revelation 21:4 – God will wipe away all our tears in the end and there will be no more sadness

Verses on God Hearing Our Prayers & Answering

Commentary: If you have put your hope in Jesus we have every assurance God hears and answers every prayer we make. The answer isn’t always yes, but He always answers. He is a good Father who wants us to come to Him in every situation, especially hard times. 

  • Psalm 34:17 – God hears the cries of His people and rescues them from trouble
  • John 15:7 – Jesus promises to answer all our prayers if we remain in Him
  • Philippians 4:6-7 – We are told not to worry about anything, but call out in prayer, and God will give us His peace which surpasses understanding
  • 1 John 5:14-15 – Promises God will answer our prayers if we ask according to His will
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