01/10/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/10/2025 13:50
On Wednesday, campus administration issued a call for prayer as news spread throughout the nation and world of the horrific devastation wrought by wildfires around Los Angeles County.
The Los Angeles Times estimates the collective tally of structures destroyed or damaged at 9,000 between the two largest fires, the Palisades and Eaton blazes. Thus far, officials are reporting at least 10 known fatalities due to the fires. Of the five LA regional fire incidents tracked by CalFire, the massive Palisades and Eaton blazes are under 10% containment.
La Sierra University stands ready to assist and encourages campus members who are connected with the affected communities to reach out to chaplains and counselors for any needed support. For those who would like to contribute toward relief efforts, the Southern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, which operates in the impacted areas, has created a fund for online contributions, which can be accessed here. To make a donation, designate contributions within the "California Fires" fund (offering code 78102).
News media are also providing information about ways to contribute toward the relief effort:
We are deeply saddened by the devastation that our neighbors in Los Angeles County are experiencing. Our thoughts are with them, as well as with the heroic firefighters and first responders who are fighting this disaster. We hold everyone in prayer to our great God, who is faithful to help us. As it says in Psalm 34:18 (NLT), "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and rescues those whose spirits are crushed."
There is a place for you.
Christon Arthur, PhD
President