Prayers for Montecito Mudslides

Shane Engel • January 13, 2018

MONTECITO UPDATE:

The Santa Barbara Church of Christ mobilized 65 HOPEww volunteers to help move a preschool into the church their building after the preschool was devastated by the mudslides. Chris and Rebekah Tang, ministry leaders of the Santa Barbara Church of Christ are standing out as amazing service champions as they empower many to make a difference. Rebekah shared, "With all the disasters in our communities, we are humbled and moved to be apart of loving our neighbors. I am anticipating that there will be more projects in the near future. Will keep you posted." Below are some great photos of the volunteers moving All Saints By The Sea preschool into their new space.

Thank you for all the prayers and support!

Please be praying and consider making a donation to help the relief efforts in the Northern Los Angeles areas.

A COMMUNITY DEVASTATED
In December, the "Thomas Fire" (the most devastating fire in California history), ravaged Los Padres National Forest and recently heavy rains sent mudslides slamming through the town of Montecito on Tuesday, January 9. The fire destroyed more than 1,000 structures and is blamed for at least two deaths and the mudslides wiped out at least 65 more homes, damaged 462 others and killed at least 18 people. As of Saturday, six people were still missing as the community deals with back to back disasters. To make matters even worse, the mudslide has indefinitely blocked U.S. Highway 101, the main route south to Los Angeles.

HOPE worldwide has been in contact with the Los Angeles Chapter and the Santa Barbara Church of Christ. All of their members are safe, however many have lost friends and neighbors. Currently there is a ban on drinking the water and the natural gas, power, Internet and cable are on the fritz. The beaches are also closed because of contamination.

Please be praying and consider making a donation to help the relief efforts once the area is safe.

With great compassion,
HOPE worldwide