Bradley Creek Wildfire Loss
Dear Friends,
Imagine losing not only your home, but every photograph, every keepsake, every piece of clothing, every child’s treasured toy, and every reminder of a lifetime of memories. Then imagine realizing you’ll never walk through your front door again.
Most of us know what it’s like to lose something precious. Now imagine losing everything precious – all at once – along with the place where those memories were made.
For Kellie and her family, this isn’t something to imagine. It became their reality.
Many of you know Kellie. But let me tell you who she really is. She is one of those rare, servant-hearted people we should all aspire to be – quietly serving behind the scenes, offering encouragement, practical help, a listening ear, and steadfast faith to those who need it most. She has never sought recognition, yet her kindness and generosity have touched countless lives throughout the Shuswap, Okanagan, and far beyond.
Today we’re asking you to rally around a woman who has spent years faithfully caring for others.
On Sunday, August 1st, everything changed for Kellie and her family.
The Bradley Creek wildfire near Armstrong / Vernon swept through with little warning, destroying the home where Kellie, her daughter, and her young grandson were living. By the mercy of YHWH, they escaped safely, and for that we are profoundly thankful. Yet in just a few moments, nearly everything they owned – and so many irreplaceable memories – were gone.
The family escaped safely and for that we are so grateful. Although they suffered no physical injuries, the emotional weight of losing their home, their belongings, and a lifetime of memories is impossible to measure.
The principle is timeless: To bear one another’s burdens is to fulfill the law of love.
When tragedy strikes, it reminds us that we were never meant to carry life’s burdens alone.
So many times prayers are answered through the willing hands and compassionate hearts of the people. Together, we have the opportunity to help this family take their first steps toward hope and a new beginning. We can remind them that they do not have to walk this road alone.
We’ve included their GiveSendGo message below.
https://www.givesendgo.com/wildfire-devastation-please-help-kellie-
We invite you to take a few moments to read it. If you feel led, would you consider helping in one or more of these ways?
Give a financial gift, if you’re able.
Share their fundraiser with others.
Lift this precious family up in prayer.
Despite the tremendous losses many in our community have suffered, I still believe this is one of the greatest times to be alive – not because of the tragedy itself, but because it gives us the opportunity to demonstrate the very best of humanity. We know we are a special place because of the natural giving.
It is in moments like these that love ceases to be just a word and becomes something we can see, feel, and live out together.
May you be richly blessed for your compassion, your generosity, and your prayers.
JB
