CSBC Family,
As I sit here in the garage of Church on Pearl in Santa Monica, reflecting on the past 73 days, I’m overwhelmed with a deep sense of both awe and gratitude. This room—once our Incident Command post for the devastating fires in Los Angeles—now serves as a space for closure. While California Southern Baptist Disaster Relief teams will continue to assist residents with personal property recovery, our formal deployment is concluding, and many teams are returning to their respective states.
The impact of these days is immeasurable. Our teams served tirelessly, preparing over 11,000 meals and assisting more than 400 families in recovering personal belongings from homes destroyed by fire. We also distributed more than 400 Bibles. But the most significant impact can’t be captured in numbers—it was seen in the lives touched, the relationships formed, and the Gospel shared. More than 6,500 people were ministered to, and nine individuals made the life-changing decision to profess Jesus as their Savior for the first time. Even in the midst of heart-wrenching loss, God’s presence was undeniable, and His power to bring life out of devastation was on full display.
Disaster relief work often begins with the expectation that we are going to serve— that we’ll teach others about Jesus, share His hope, and bring comfort in pain. But like most mission trips, I’ve found the journey to be just as transformative for those of us sent as it is for those we serve. This deployment was no exception. As the primary Incident Commander in my own state for the first time, I expected to offer help, hope, and healing to those affected by disaster. Yet God also used this experience to stretch, challenge, and shape my own understanding of Him and His Church.
I’ll be the first to admit—I faced plenty of frustrations in my own decision-making. About two weeks into this journey, I confided in a mentor about mistakes I’d made and decisions that seemed to cause more chaos than peace. He wisely reminded me, “Good decisions come from experience, and experience comes from bad decisions.”
Despite my missteps, God’s grace covered every mistake. I learned to trust His control over my own. In the midst of chaos, I found peace, not in controlling the situation, but in surrendering to God’s perfect plan. I quickly realized: everything was under control, just not mine.
This experience also deepened my appreciation for the Church. As a former pastor, I’ve seen God work through the local church, but this deployment showed me the beauty and strength of the Church in a new way.
I wasn’t just seeing the Church—I was living it. I saw God’s people rise up in the face of destruction and despair to display His glory. I witnessed the power of prayer, the outpouring of generosity, and the selfless service of volunteers from across the country. The Church stood united—not just in belief, but in action. We never lacked what we needed, because God’s provision through His Church was more than enough. In fact, we were often blessed out of His abundance, allowing us to do far more than we’d planned.
What stood out most was the unified spirit of the Church. Local churches, Associations, state conventions, Send Relief, Gateway Seminary, and California Baptist University—all were united in mind and spirit, contributing to the effort. Over 280 volunteers from 12 Southern Baptist conventions left their families, used vacation time, and gave of themselves to serve. Together, we became a living testimony to the love of Christ, reflecting His heart through our actions and attitudes. We didn’t serve out of obligation, but out of love for one another and for those we came to help.
The three churches that housed our teams embodied true Christian hospitality. We weren’t just guests or volunteers. We were family. The love and warmth extended to us was overwhelming. We became part of the local church family—welcomed at worship, invited to fellowship, even included in the celebration of Chinese New Year.
What’s more, the love our teams shared didn’t go unnoticed. Homeowners and community members saw how we cared for each other. From Gold Shirts at the ice cream shop to those working late on a church fence, the way we served and supported one another spoke volumes. It brought to life the truth of John 13:35: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
This powerful display of love and community wasn’t just for us—it was a witness to a watching world. We were reminded that the Church is alive and active – a force that cannot be ignored – alive, vibrant, and ever-growing.
As I near the end of this deployment, I’m deeply moved by what God has shown me. I’ve often found myself defending the Church against the attacks of the world, but through this experience, God reminded me that He is in control. He does not need us to defend His Church. He calls us to be active participants in it. When we love one another, accept one another, forgive one another, and serve together, we embody the fullness of God’s love. That’s when the Church shines brightest, and when God is most glorified.
So, Church, I encourage you—as God encouraged me these past couple of months—let’s stop being defenders, critics, or spectators of the Church. Let’s be the Church. Let’s continue to live out our faith in love and unity, and may the world see the power of the Gospel through the way we care for one another and for those in need.
May God bless you, and may His Church continue to be a beacon of help, hope, and healing -not only for those affected by disaster but for all in need of a Savior!
