Wildfires in Myrtle Beach

Many of you know that we used to live in Myrtle Beach and still really have a heart for those who live and work in that area below is a letter from a friends church in response to what's going on.

Friends in Christ,

Through phone, e-mail and this blog we have been shown support from friends all across North America as well as England. Many thanks for your prayers and concerns. I was taking a short cycle ride to clear my mind and crossing the waterway saw a stunning sight. Large black plumes of smoke stretched across the sky for what looked like 10-15 miles in either direction. Flying above the smoke were 3 Black Hawk helicopters carrying large buckets to douse the fire. Once the Black Hawks had cleared a C-130 guided by a smaller white prop plane flew over the blaze dropping water over the tree line. It was a humbling thing to know this fire has resisted our finest fire fighters and military personnel for three days now.

Trinity is still on the short list to become a shelter if the need arises, but it looks as if this is not Trinity’s role to play in this crisis as many people are finding shelter in hotels preferring to sleep in beds rather than cots. As for those of you who have made your homes available I am tremendously thankful and will let you know if we will be honored to serve in this way.

As it is at the moment, I am waiting for the Red Cross and Salvation Army to call us back and give us specific instructions and specific needs for which we could contribute. In addition to this, my wife and I are currently in the process of organizing two charitable fundraisers to contribute to the relief and rebuilding effort. Stay tuned for more news on those fronts. I am hoping to be able to make an announcement at Sunday morning services about the specific role Trinity will play in the coming weeks. Until then, the TRINITY WILDFIRE RELIEF FUND serves as the best option for those of you that wish to make a contribution through Trinity.

Finally, I wish to thank my former pastor and former church, Steve Wood and St. Andrews Mt. Pleasant for pledging funds for the relief effort here in Horry County. Knowing the passion for Jesus that characterizes St. Andrews it is of no surprise to me that they were first in line to pledge assistance in this crisis.

For contributions or volunteer sign up please see the post immediately below.

Continue to pray that the wind will die out, the humidity will rise, the fire will be extinguished and that lives and homes will be preserved.

much love in Jesus Christ,

Rob