With the world facing natural disasters, the church should be willing to be a beacon of light amid times of turmoil and despair. At the time of this writing, we still have the wildfires that have been blazing throughout various parts of Los Angeles since last week, including a new fire that broke out in Ventura County on Monday.

As reported by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection ( CAL FIRE), the fires have burned roughly 40, 644 acres, destroyed over 12,300 structures, and killed at least 23 people. While the Hurst Fire has 97 containment, the Eaton Fire stands at 35 percent, while the largest fire, the Palisades fire, is only at 17 percent containment.

According to a report from AccuWeather's Global Weather Center, The fires are considered to be the "costliest" on record, with damages totaling at least $52 billion and $57 billion.

"This is already one of the worst wildfires in California history," AccuWeather's chief meteorologist Jonathan Porter said in a statement. "Should a large number of additional structures be burned in the coming days, it may become the worst wildfire in modern California history based on the number of structures burned and economic loss."

This is saddening news as we can see the scope of destruction these fires have had on the Golden State, from economic and structural loss, the displacement of residents from their homes, as well as the lives that have been lost in the span of a week in the first month of the new year.

The fires follow a series of extreme weather events that took place last year around the world, ranging from heatwaves in Asia, flooding in Brazil, wildfires in Canada, and severe hurricanes in the U.S.

Most recently, experts have warned that the Pacific Northwest is at risk of a massive earthquake that could trigger a tsunami, with one expert noting that "it'll spread from Canada to California over 800 miles."

Such a disaster would have immense ramifications upon the Northwest as many are unaware and unprepared to handle it.

It is no surprise that we will deal with natural disasters as long as we live in this world. Jesus warned that they are expected to take place as "birth pains" as one indicator of end times. At the same time, however, these events do not absolutely mean that the end times have come.

In the meantime, Christians await that day, but they are also willing to extend a helping hand to those in need. These disasters are heartbreaking as people have lost their homes or loved ones. As the body of Christ, believers are the "light of the world" (Matthew 5:14, in which they are to let their light "shine before others so that others would see their good works and glorify God (v16).

With natural disasters being inevitable, Christians should be ready and willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. This can come through fundraising and relief efforts. Nowadays, we have online platforms like GoFundMe, where people can make digital financial contributions. For instance, over $3 million has been raised for relief and recovery efforts amid the Los Angeles wildfires.

There also are several Christian-based organizations that Christians can donate to, including the following:

o Samaritan's Purse Disaster Relief
o Catholic Charities USA
o Operation Blessing
o Matthew 25: Ministries
o World Help

In addition to donations, Christians can also participate by volunteering in relief efforts. As the saying goes, 'the more, the merrier,' so becoming a volunteer to help those affected by natural disasters or in general is a great way to let their light shine before others. As stated by Jesus Himself, serving others is serving Him (Matthew 25:35-40).

As the church, we are to also be spiritually involved. This means that we are to reach out to others, pray for them, encourage them, and be present when needed. Most importantly, believers are to preach the gospel, the saving message of Christ, to all those who hear it and receive it. In times of turmoil, how much more do people need to hear the Good News? In Christ, we have a blessed and eternal hope in Him, and we must share it. The gospel is not a message to be kept under wraps or within the confines of the church; it is meant to be shared all over the world as Christ mandated His disciples in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). This is the hope the world needs today.

In closing, consider the words stated in Psalm 46:1-2," God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea."

Friends, no matter what natural disasters, let alone any disasters, take place in this world, remember God is in control. Our response, though initially may be fear and sadness, should ultimately turn to hope because the Lord is our refuge and strength. Moreover, He is a very present help in trouble, meaning that He is always present amid times of trouble. Therefore, we should not be afraid of what we see happening around us when we have the Lord as our hope and sustenance.

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