Christianity has a rich history of meeting people in their suffering and hardship. The reason for this is in the Gospel story itself. We have a God who took on the world's worst pain and suffering by sending His Son. Jesus descended from the highest of highs to the lowest of human tragedy. He was born homeless, subjugated, and impoverished; He lived a life of suffering and loss, and died an ignoble death on a criminal’s cross for all the sins of mankind. When those truths began to take hold and the implications of that were more and more realized, it was only natural for Jesus followers to start reenacting that story in their own time and place. Because of this, Christians have historically been the first responders to suffering, incurring the cost of pain themselves.

In the summer of 2018, wildfires ravaged the city of Paradise, California. It is estimated that 85% of the city was burned down, and thousands of people have lost their homes and been displaced. We feel the call to be there with them in this, to help bear the burden of their pain and loss, to be the tangible presence of the loving God we serve in the midst of chaos. Our vision is that by seeing us, people would hear God's voice saying, "I see you. I have not forgotten you. I love you!"

Please pray for our CCE Mission Team as they make an impact in Paradise.

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Today, I saw a great group of teens attend the Calvary Chapel I attend in Chico. That afternoon I was at a BBQ and baptism where I was baptized. The fantastic young people were so friendly, caring and nice to myself and my grandson who
was experiencing his first ever time at a church gathering.

We both were so impressed with each and every one of them. A lovely lady named Celeste told me they were from your church, here to help search for things
for homeowners who lost there homes in Paradise.

I just want to thank you and recognize how great this group was and how much
we appreciated their prayers.

Thank you for having them come.

Sincerely,
Barbara