Please pray.

Just wanted to share something that has been on my heart and mind all day: The Colorado wildfires. If you have not heard recently–CO is having a rough time this summer. Extreme dry, no humidity, and gusts of wind (today was 65 mph) leaves conditions not very favorable when fires happen. There are 12 fires in CO right now…the worst being near Colorado Springs called The Waldo Canyon fire. It is spreading fast, burning homes, forcing evacuations of thousands and thousands of people and it is only 5% contained.

The Weather Channel today said that the fire started by a dry thunderstorm. I do not remember learning about those in junior high science class (either that or I forgot), so it was very interesting to learn about. In a regular rain storm, the rain wets the ground so when lightning strikes it hits wet ground. Well, in a dry thunderstorm, the rain evaporates before it hits the ground. Thus, when lightning strikes, it causes the spark. This summer, that is how most of the fires are caused. (At least that is what the Weather Channel says.)

I think last time CO had a fire that was devastating was my freshman year of HS (well, the summer right before). A fire started from a cigaret near South Fork, which was about 30-40 minutes from our house. We saw the smoke rising over the mountain and by the evening it was raining ashes. We could not run cross-country practices for a whole week or so due to the heavy smoke. The firefighters used our high school as their base. Fighters from all over the state came to help. It was massive. Now think of all the firefighters from across the country going to CO to help with the fires. It is the biggest ever seen.

My thoughts today were of people I know either in the area or working as firefighters. Please pray for the people who have to leave their homes or see them burn. Please pray for the evacuating families and other travelers as hotels are getting scarce. Pray for strength and safety for the fireman who are working long shifts. Pray for the volunteers who are working with Red Cross or others like Samaritan’s Purse who are trying to help those in need. Pray for rain (with no lightning).

Thanks for praying alongside me. You can keep up with the news on pretty much any news website or news channel. If you want the best inside coverage, go to Colorado Springs Gazette. Here is the website: http://www.gazette.com/

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

2 Thessalonians 3:16