Editor’s Note: If you want to help those affected by the fires, you can give through Charisma’s nonprofit partner, Christian Life Missions. One hundred percent of your donation will go to those affected. We have already sent $5000 to Bill Johnson and Bethel Church since they know where the needs are. Send a check to Fire Disaster Fund, Christian Life Missions, 600 Rinehart Rd. Lake Mary, Florida 32746. Or give through PayPal at christianlifemissions.org. or call 407-333-0600 during business hours to give by phone.
Bethel founder Bill Johnson says he believes the Lord has great plans and designs for the Redding community.
Over the last few weeks, a devastating wildfire scorched the land around Bethel’s main campus. But rather than run in fear, the church body stepped up to face the trial head-on.
“We live in a mixed place,” Johnson said. “One is the place of weeping. We weep with those who weep. We’re just torn deep in our heart by the crisis so many of our friends and family and community members have suffered, and so we weep with them. We also rejoice with those who were spared, and without guilt. We don’t want anyone feeling guilty because their house was spared.”
Bethel served as a Salvation Army distribution center for two weeks before the center was moved offsite.
According to a Facebook post, the church had 17,179 volunteer hours, served 5,978 guests, and Mercy Chefs served 22,177 meals.
The church offered $1000 to assist each family who lost its primary residence in the fire. More than 700 families have signed up for assistance, according to a Bethel spokesperson.
Here are more ways the global body of Christ has united to serve with Bethel in the midst of disaster.
