Update from my visit to the Blue Mountains bushfires
(Photo by Lauren Martin)
Territorial Commander, Commissioner James Condon, reflects on his visit yesterday to the Blue Mountains and the aftermath of the devastating bushfires.
Friends,
Yesterday was a different Sunday for me, as I chose to visit the Blue Mountains, so devastated by recent bushfires. Over 200 homes have now been lost.
I was privileged to be accompanied by Majors Ian and Kerry Spall, the Senior Chaplains for NSW Rural Fire Service and Senior Family Support Chaplain.
I was taken into some of the worse affected streets. It was great to see the mobile Salvation Army canteen in operation with SAES personnel from Springwood Corps. They had served over 100 breakfasts to residents from one street. On another street corner, Captain Phil Sharp and Cadet Phillip Sutcliffe had the emergency services trailer giving out refreshments. It's all about being there for people during their time of need.
I experienced a very special moment when we arrived at the right time in another street. A young couple who had just returned from holidays were seeing the ashes of their home for the first time. I was able to pray with them and offer other assistance.
A great relief effort is happening in the Blue Mountains headed up by Norm Archer, The Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES). Norm is now joined by Major Darrell Slater who has been appointed as the Bushfire Response Coordinator to assist in the relief effort.
The weeks ahead will be tough for so many people. We are very grateful to the Australian public for their generosity and for the pledge from Woolworths to match donations made over the counter in their stores dollar for dollar for the next two weeks. These funds will be distributed in a timely and accountable manner.
Please continue to pray for the people affected by these disastrous bushfires and for our people who are serving them in their time of need.
It would also seem right to please pray for rain. There is so much drought across our country but rain would also bring much needed relief for those still under threat from the fires.
Thank you.
Commissioner James Condon
Territorial Commander
Australia East Territory
Comments
Praying for the people affected and for the staff & volunteers who are responding to the need in so many areas.