The wildfire situation still wasn't settled. At least 12 people died, and 2,000 homes were destroyed. I cried as I prayed for the victims; I can't imagine my house being burnt down and my family becoming refugees. This disaster drove me to pray for my campus and gave me a chance to share the love of God. It was amazing when I asked my roommate, whose family in SD was at risk of being evacuated, whether she would like to pray together, that she said yes. After we prayed, we hugged each other, feeling less like strangers to each other. In the end, her family didn't even have to evacuate, while thousands of people did. God is good. I called my friends at SD Bread of Life Church, and they said that though they did evacuate, most of them already returned to their homes. Hallelujah!
This devastating event made me anxious to pray and help those evacuees in every way possible. I teamed up with my RA to collect supply and money donations in the hall. As for me, I gave all the money, $100, that I had away. I struggled because I wanted to use that money to buy Christmas gifts for my beloved family (especially my Mom, I had wanted to buy her a nice coat) and friends. Yet the Lord gently reminded me that the people out there suffering, need the money more than my family need Christmas gifts. I also donated supplies like lotion and water bottles. It was really hard for me to give away my blankets, because my Mom bought those for me and I really treasured them. But again, those victims need the extra blankets more than I do. Jesus, I have always wanted to help people who were in need, I've told myself countless times, "If only I had millions of dollars, I would be able to help the orphaned, the starved, the tortured, and the needy". I finally got a chance to give and help those who are desperately in need. Thank You Jesus!
"I do not hide Your righteousness in my heart; I speak of Your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal Your love and Your truth from the great assembly." (Psalms 40:8)
