In response to the concerns of many of us as to how we can help our families, friends, and neighbors who have been affected by the current fires, Pastor Evan takes us to the Old Testament book of Nehemiah. He presents the cupbearer to the king of Persia (Nehemiah 1:11) as an example of how we can be Jesus to others who are experiencing devastating loss. As soon as Nehemiah hears reports of the damage to Jerusalem’s wall and the burning of its gates (v 3), he weeps and mourns and fasts and prays before the God of heaven (vv 4-11). After some time, he asks for and receives permission from the king to return to Jerusalem to help his people (2:4-8). Once he has returned to Jerusalem, he inspects the damaged walls (vv 13-15), assesses what is needed to repair them, and rallies the people to help with the restoration (vv 17-18), all the while knowing that “the good hand of God was upon [him]” (v8). Chapter 3 comprises a detailed list of the people who bond with one another to restore the wall. Evan encourages us to follow Nehemiah’s example by keeping in mind that everything matters to God and that we are not alone. He entreats us to pray, keep in mind that others’ needs are more important than our own, stay calm, and be compassionate, flexible, and ready to help in whatever way God leads us. Evan also offers some specific ways that parents can help their children through this unexpected disruption to their young lives.

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