Submitted by Kelly McSparran on Tuesday, Jul 17 @ 1:14pm
Pastor Hal Irvine from Mountain View Bible Fellowship in Estes Park reports that on June 23, 2012 at 11:48 the first alarm sounded for the Woodland Heights fire in Estes Park, CO. By 12:20 six structures were completely engulfed in flames. By 7 PM the fire had been contained and mop up operations began. 24 homes and 11 out-buildings were completely destroyed.
Pastor Irvine is one of the chaplains for the department and he spent 7 hours on the fire line with his firefighters. These men and women were incredibly brave and saved many homes. The fire was incredibly hot and we had fire burning right through our hoses. In spite of very difficult conditions, these men and women stayed and fought for their neighbor's property.
Please pray:
1. One Estes Park firefighter suffered a mild heart attack during the initial attack on the fire. Pastor Irvine had a chance to visit him in the hospital. Please pray that the Lord will continue to give us chances to minister to him. He and his wife have no faith community connection.
2. The local evangelical churches in town have raised significant funds to give to the Chaplain's fund. These monies help meet the needs of our volunteers who miss work because of fire duty and those who incur other expenses because of their service. Please pray that Fr. Joe Hartman and Pastor Irvine will have wisdom in the management of these funds.
3. When homeowners were allowed back into their properties the Samaritan's Purse ministry volunteered to help with the sifting process. A group from Mtn. View volunteered to be part of the effort and worked very hard. Yesterday an unbelieving man who has watched the volunteers from SP on a daily basis, gave his life to the Lord. That is the essence of salt and light evangelism that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 5.
4. Please continue to pray for the recovery process. It will be a year-long (at least) adventure. In asking for peoples' prayers we are also very mindful that the CS area is experiencing the same issues in a far greater degree. We pray for them diligently.