His Steadfast Love Endures through Fire

“Give thanks to the God
  of heaven,
for his steadfast love
  endures forever.”
—Psalm 136:26

On August 1 we were all surprised by fires that spread through northwest Spokane very quickly. At least 50 individuals or families from Faith Bible Church were evacuated, many experiencing harrowing escapes with flames not far from their cars.

Several Faith members who are firefighters or police officers, along with their courageous colleagues, helped thousands of Spokane residents escape with no loss of life, as far as we know. One Faith member was renting a room in a house that burned down.

One of the families in Meelap Church, the Nepali-speaking church that Faith helped start, lost their home to the fires. Many of us were evacuated for several days and didn’t know when—or if—we would be able to return to our homes.

What was the response of Faith Bible Church? Dozens of people offered space in their homes for those who were (or are) evacuated. Dozens more offered to help in other ways. Thousands of dollars have been given to the Care Fund, which allowed the church to give immediate cash assistance to each affected person. At least 15 Faith families were hosting evacuated people. The outpouring of hospitality and love and generosity has been overwhelming.

We are still facing the results of the fall and the curse.

What are the challenges and needs that remain? Everyone who fled rapidly and who was stuck in traffic with fires encroaching around them (or whose loved ones were in that situation) has had to deal with the emotions of fear, anxiety, and the sheer adrenaline of seeking to survive. Some of the first responders have experienced even more intense situations as they rescued people from the flames and smoke. Those who have lost their possessions are grieving the loss of pictures and other things that cannot be replaced.

Many of us have neighbors who do not have the hope of the gospel, who are grieving without the anchor we have. Not knowing when we can return home is unsettling. In all this, your prayers and encouragement have been immensely helpful.

What is our response? We are reminded again that the Lord reigns over the floodwaters, over the fires, over all things. He sovereignly moves on the earth, and we are still facing the results of the fall and the curse that resulted. Fires and other calamities should remind us all that the wrath of God is coming, and all of us who have taken refuge in Christ have wonderful assurance that His wrath is not towards us. However, the impact of it on the earth touches us as we live on this side of Christ’s return.

We give thanks that we have hope and forgiveness in Christ, and we should be moved yet again to proclaim the hope of the gospel to the world around us. We give thanks to the Lord for the government and the people provided to protect us, both law enforcement and firefighters, courageous men and women who protected us all. We praise Him that no lives were lost and the spread of the fire was stopped. Although neighborhoods did burn, the entire city did not burn.

We give thanks to the Lord for all those in His church, both Faith and many other churches around us, who are pouring out love and care, ultimately showing the love of God towards us in Christ through their actions. May we continue to use this and every other opportunity afforded to us to proclaim and portray Christ to the world around us and to each other.

Nathan Thiry

Nathan Thiry is the Growth Groups & Outreach Pastor at Faith Bible Church. He enjoys biking and outdoor activities, and has a passion to see the gospel spread throughout our community and the whole world!

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