Churches Pull Together As Fires Rage in Fort McMurray

Members of Evergreen Community Christian Reformed Church in Fort McMurray, Alta. were among those evacuated from the northern Alberta city as massive wildfires have moved quickly from nearby pine forests into the city itself.

The flames have destroyed hundreds of homes and buildings, and forced the evacuation of the city earlier this week. With the rapid spread of the fire, people fled in different directions, many to Edmonton or to oil camps north of the city.

Members of the Fort McMurray church are making efforts to connect and account for each other through social media, including a Facebook posting where families and individuals can check in to confirm their safety and location.

Other CRCs are reaching out to help however they can, in immediate and long-term ways. World Renew is accepting donations for long-term relief in the city of Fort McMurray, as calls of concern and offers of help continue to reach staff.

Closer to home, Trinity CRC in Edmonton opened its doors to evacuees on Wednesday, May 4, inviting members of all the Edmonton area CRCs to join with members of Evergreen church for a prayer service for Fort McMurray and all those affected by the wildfires, and encouraging people to come to Trinity to make their needs known in terms of accommodations, meals, clothing, and other essentials.

In an email to family and friends, Linda Mywaart of Evergreen CRC said, “The fire raged through our subdivision last night…. It is feared and rumoured that our house is gone, but we are waiting for official word or photos or something other than rumour.

Despite the uncertainty and emotion of the situation, Mywaart is thankful for the safety of her family and for the support of the family of God.

“We attended a prayer service last night at Trinity CRC,” she said. “It was such a blessing to be in prayer with God's people and to have their hands of support literally on us and our church, Evergreen CRC in Fort McMurray, as they prayed. God is good!”

Pastor Rich deLange led the prayer service and shared encouragement from Psalm 46, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in times of trouble." He said, "It was a real blessing to gather and pray together with some Evergreen Church members for their city, their church members and families."

Trinity CRC has invited the members of Evergreen to join them in worship this Sunday and to share a meal afterwards.