On January 7, 2025, a series of destructive wildfires began to sweep through the Los Angeles metropolitan area and surrounding regions, leaving behind devastation. Entire blocks were reduced to ashes, and countless individuals lost their homes.
In times of crisis, communities often come together in remarkable ways. Friends, families, and churches mobilize to support those in need. The young adult ministry at Loma Linda University, Praxis, was no exception. Within days, they organized a plan to assist victims of the fires. Jamie Nelson, the Outreach Coordinator for Praxis, took the lead. Reflecting on the situation, she shared, “What helped so many people in our church see the need was understanding that someone in a nearby community was experiencing something life-changing—losing everything they worked for, grew up with, and cherished in an instant. The loss is unspeakable.”
Nelson began by contacting Seventh-day Adventist churches near the affected areas to assess how the Praxis community could help. Valley Crossroads SDA confirmed the immense need, and after receiving approval from Praxis leadership, Nelson quickly made calls to finalize their plans. “Praxis is filled with people who want to help,” she said. “I knew what I felt in my heart, every person would feel that way too.”
The call for help was shared on the Praxis Instagram by 9 a.m. Friday morning. Within 24 hours, there were 65 volunteers eager to assist their neighbors in need. When the team arrived at Valley Crossroads SDA, they organized stations for hygiene items, sleeping gear, canned foods, diapers, and clothing for all ages. Families could grab bags and fill them with essentials, with volunteers assisting them in carrying the items to their cars. In total, they helped approximately 150 families that day.
The following week, the team extended their efforts to another church in the area, White Memorial SDA, where they saw even more volunteers than the previous week, united in their mission to provide relief in the face of devastation.
While these efforts cannot erase the destruction or the years of rebuilding many families will face, they are a testament to the power of community and compassion. In times of need, individuals and groups mobilize to help in any way they can. The Praxis young adults continue to pray for and support fire victims as best they can. They take great comfort in the belief that, even amidst devastation, God stands with those who are suffering.
- Praxis volunteers sort and organize clothes. ↩︎