Update on Disaster Relief 

We have had several church members and some pastors who needed to evacuate; some are still not in their homes due to air quality, lack of natural gas, electricity, or a combination of factors. No pastors have lost their homes, although one pastor’s neighbor lost his. 7 church members have lost their homes. None of our churches have been lost or have suffered damage other than needing cleanup.  

Churches have been stepping up to help. So far, this is what we know:  

• FBC Pasadena served as a shelter for 25-30 families and 25 pets. They have already shifted from immediate relief to implementing longer-term strategies, like the possibility of childcare and being a launch site to care for mission crews who come to help with the cleanup. So far, Pasadena has opened its doors to at least one other church to meet. 
• FBC North Hollywood gave out needed supplies, water, and food.
• Zion Hill Baptist Church gave out needed supplies, water, and food, and they even store appliances for when replacements are needed. Pastor Bouldin has been in contact with FBC Pasadena to transfer supplies as needed.  
• FBC Glendale has had a food distribution program in place locally on Monday afternoons and the first and third Saturday mornings.
• Evergreen LA hosted 2 families, including one ministry family. They are gearing up for longer-term assistance 
• 1st Brazilian and Iglesia Bautista El Salvador assisted with prayer, food, water, and supplies.  
• Granada Hills Baptist Church members donated gift cards to families that lost their homes.
• Several churches are giving directly to One Great Hour of Sharing. The amount pledged to us has not yet been determined. 
• Churches have been assisting in relocating those who are homeless, including hosting those in need. 

Please let us know what your church is doing so we can help spread the word. Thank you for your donations to the Rapid Response Fund and One Great Hour of Sharing, and thank you especially for your prayers. It was bad, but it could have been a lot worse. Next, we will focus on ways to help those in need in the months ahead and will update you accordingly.   

There are three ways you can give:

1. Send a check to ABCOFLASH (Attention: Emergency Response Fund; 213 N. Louise St., Glendale, CA 91206
2. Give Online to the ABCOFLASH Emergency Response Fund by clicking here.
3. Give Online to One Great Hour of Sharing through the American Baptist Home Mission Societies by clicking here.

100% of all funds donated will go towards emergency or long-term relief for those impacted by the fires.

On the heels of many sexual abuse tragedies, the State of California has passed AB-506 to address child safety in youth-serving organizations. California churches are now subject to mandated reporting legislation that includes mandatory reporter training, Live Scan Background Checks and required policies and procedures.

ABCOFLASH had a Zoom meeting yesterday that stressed the importance of every church in California that serves children & youth implementing AB-506. Here are the resources that you need to get started implementing this law.

Everything You Need to Know to Get Started - A PDF document that explains what you need to know!

Veronica Gunn will come to your church and live-scan your employees, board and volunteers at a reduced price: vlgunn@hotmail.com, 626 485 0707 

The Website to get this vital training: Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training

AB506 Church Guide: How Ministries Can Comply in 2024 – this has everything about implementing the law.

More about the HR Network, which provides aith-based training: Church HR Network | ChurchWest 

Faye Yarbrough, a Global Servant serving in South Africa, has returned to Los Angeles for a year of connecting with churches to share what God is doing on the mission field! While she is here in 2025, Faye would like to visit your church! Invite her to a worship service, small group meeting or even a meal.

While Faye is here, she needs a vehicle to get around Southern California. If you have a low-cost vehicle or can donate one, please email her at fyarbrough@internationalministries.org.

Click here read Faye's latest journal about her ministry and return to the U.S.

Please note that the NBA made some changes in the schedule because of the fires - different team (Hornet instead of the Wizards) - different time - (4 PM instead of 7 PM)

Registration for the Biennial Mission Summit is now open.

Click here for more information about the Biennial and registration.