The Prayers of the Saints Availeth Much

God has again parted the Red Sea, only this time it was a sea of fire rather than water.   Our Georgia Transplants had evacuated Thursday evening not knowing if they would ever see their home again, but with faith that God's will would be done, regardless of the outcome.  The firefighters had been unable to contain the fire and had called for fire planes to drop retardant directly onto structures, hoping to minimize losses.  Early Friday morning our Georgia Transplants crossed the fire line to view the devastation with their own eyes. As they crested the hill, they were met by a miracle.  Amidst the ashen devastation, shining in the smoky morning haze, was our dear friend's home.  Untouched.   The fire had roared to their fence-line, parted, and continued it's path of destruction, forming a circle around their home.  The fire had parted like the Red Sea, leaving their garden, their home, their shop, their yard, completely untouched.  The prayers of the saints availeth much!

We continue to fall upon our knees in prayer.  Roads too numerous to mention have been closed due to fire.  An entire town is being evacuated.  Fires have us hemmed in on every side.  An area to the south has lost 33 homes and over 70 outbuildings.  One woman has lost her life.  Wildland firefighters are risking their lives in an attempt to save other's lives and livelihoods.  No amount of money or preparation can or will save us - our refuge is in Christ alone.

Thank you for your prayers, but please, do not stop!  Your prayers move the very hand of GOD!  The prayers of the saints truly do availeth much.

In the Line of Fire!!

As many of you know, a tremendous amount of the Redoubt is on fire.  Our family has been blessed to have escaped unscathed so far, however, my parents have been effectively surrounded.  Although their homestead is currently "safe", their pastor and his wife are literally in the "line of fire".  Our dear "Georgia Transplants" have been evacuated and have sought refuge at my parents home.  They were able to evacuate two trailer loads of belongings, but the majority of their worldly possessions are in immanent danger.

Fire in the distance last night

Tired and weary, hoarse from smoke and exhaustion, our Georgia Transplants are praising the Lord.  They are praising Him for His faithfulness.  They are praising Him for His Providence.  They are praising Him for His children that have surrounded them, upheld them and encouraged them.  They are praising Him for their brothers and sisters all over the country that are on their knees interceding on their behalf.  They are praising God in the midst of their storm.

Heading up the draw

Fire is almost to the front yard

I beseech you - please.  Pray for these dear people that we love.  Pray that God sends the rain.  Pray that God stays the fire.  Pray that these fires bring glory to God and point people to His majesty.  But most of all, pray.  And if you are in the middle of your own firestorm, I will pray.  I will pray that as the flames grow nearer, your faith grows stronger - and that you will praise the One that walked with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and delivered them from the fiery furnace unscathed.