Seven wildfires presently cover the state of Colorado, and the destructive flames are affecting Wesleyans. The Waldo Canyon wildfire is the site of one of the state’s most devastating fires in history and has forced over 30,000 Colorado Springs’ residents to be evacuated from their homes.
Colorado Springs Fire Chief Richard Brown says, "This is a firestorm of epic proportions."
Rev. Kevin Goos (pronounced Goss) is pastor of Mountain View Wesleyan Church in Colorado Springs and assistant district superintendent of the Mountain Plains District (formerly Colorado-Nebraska District).
“As of now, none of our [district] churches are affected as far as structural damage goes,” says Rev. Goos. “We have four families who have been displaced because of the evacuation. Two of those families are unsure of the status of their homes.”
Reports show that only 5 percent of the Waldo Canyon fire is contained, and the threat of wind caused by predicted thunderstorms could affect firefighters’ efforts in fighting the blaze. The fire is one of seven raging throughout Colorado.
Rev. Goos requests specific prayer for Wesleyans and Coloradans affected by the tragic fire:
- Safety of more than 800 firefighters as they risk their lives to protect others
- Wisdom for decision-makers and officials in Colorado Springs (fire lines, evacuation plans, etc.)
- Low wind or no wind
- Rain
- Christians in Colorado Springs to work together and serve others