08/07/2026
A message from NOW District President Mike Von Behren about the fires in our region:
"As fires are still burning and evacuation orders are still in place, it is too early to know who in these communities will be dealing with long-term impacts from these fires; yet we do know for sure who the one who saves is. The Lord says in Isaiah 43:3, 'for I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.'
Many across the NOW District would like to contribute in some way to care for those caught in these evacuations and who have experienced loss in these fires. Here are a few thoughts about how you can help:
1. Pray to the Lord our God, the Holy One of Israel, through our Savior Jesus Christ for favorable weather, protection for the firefighters, preservation of homes, restoration for those experiencing loss, and for all those agencies on the front lines of emergency response.
2. Give towards the fire recovery efforts through community relief organizations which are providing housing and food for evacuees.
3. Give towards our NOW LCMS Disaster Relief Fund linked in the comments (and also found by clicking the 'Donate' button on nowlcms.org — be sure to use the drop-down menu and choose NOW LCMS Disaster Relief Fund. Checks may also be mailed to 1700 NE Knott St., Portland, OR 97212, with "Disaster Relief Fund" in the memo line). These funds will be shared with our congregations in affected areas to use to care for those impacted by disasters like these so our congregations can offer such things as gift cards, help pay for temporary housing expenses, provide tangible items for those in need, and more, as a practical expression of the love of Jesus.
4. We are not collecting physical items, clothing, or food, but you may consider giving those items to food banks and mission organizations in your area."
Read the full letter here: https://buff.ly/5HxY5DI
