RBBC e-update for Saturday, November 3, 2007

Dear Friends and Church Family,

I drove within a 6 block radius of our church property. I counted 94 homes that have burned to the ground from the fire. Some have begun removing the debris with heavy equipment. There are multiple volunteers sifting through debris at home sites and laying "snakes" of straw on hills to prevent soil erosion. We've spent two Saturdays removing burned out brush and cutting down burned trees.

All of the contents in our main building have been removed, inventoried and evaluated for fire damage. Our worship center is now being gutted by a demolition team of 12 men. They will be working for at least a week to tear out sheet rock, plywood, rugs and fire damaged material. The entire interior of our building will be removed to the studs to facilitate drying and eliminate mold. This is a necessary process that must take place before reconstruction can take place.

It's funny. For the first time I've seen our church as a fire victim. We can't accept help from FEMA or other governmental agencies because we're a church. But even better we are part of a marvelous community of faith. We've received dozens of calls from churches and individuals around the country. They have pledged their support, prayers and financial support to help us through this transitional time. We're humbled and encouraged that we don't have to go through this alone. God is leading us and our brothers and sisters in Christ are behind us!

OUT OF THE ASHES COMES HOPE, BEAUTY AND GOD'S BLESSING!

When I have felt overwhelmed, I have found spiritual strength from Psalm 32:8:
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you."

Walking through the Fire with you,
Dan Maxton, Lead Pastor

RBBC e-update for Thursday, November 1, 2007

Dear Friends and Church Family,

It's been a week since we evacuated and then were allowed back into the Westwood area of Rancho Bernardo after the Witch Creek Fire came roaring through it on October 22nd. Over 400 homes have been destroyed in the Rancho Bernardo and Poway area.

Our church staff attended a gathering of North County Churches to explore ways that we can better coordinate our relief efforts. Here are things that leaders are learning:
· Treat burned down houses of people with respect and sensitivity; just a week ago it contained their most personal possessions and was their home.
· People struggle to identify their needs when asked; it's overwhelming to tell well-meaning people how they can help.
· People need advocates or sponsors who will track with one family during the full 2-3 year recovery period; To have someone who will help them discover needs and connect them with those who can help is huge!
· Each day of response is equal to 30 days of recovery; the recovery time is always longer than the response times needed to meet people's immediate needs.
· Families who have lost their homes can benefit greatly from a small group, an adult Sunday School class or a bible study group who will adopt them to meet their needs; it takes more than a one individual to meet the needs of a family who has experienced significant financial, emotional or physical loss due to a fire.
· Politely tell people that you don't need all their good ideas; it is impossible to implement all the good ideas that people will suggest on how to help fire victims.
· During the 2-3 year recovery period, keep a pulse on the community's needs; their needs will be very fluid and constantly changing.

Thanks again to every church and everyone who have expressed their concern and support for our church! We have truly valued every email, card, and phone call extending your love to us in the name of Christ! We are accepting financial support for both fire victims in our area and our church facility damaged by the fire. Our best estimates indicate that it will take a year before restoration of our worship center will be completed.

When I think about all that we've been through and all our needs in Southern California, the words of Psalm 68:19 has great meaning to me: "Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior who daily bears our burdens."

News:
(1) Our Harvest Festival last night was a great success! 425 families and kids joined a 100 volunteers from our church to enjoy games, food, candy and a great time together. We loved providing neighbors in Rancho Bernardo a time to laugh and enjoy life after a week of stress and tragedy dealing with the fire.
Walking through the Fire with you,
Dan Maxton, Lead Pastor