Wildfires and Rain at last…

I woke this morning and the air was fresh and cool. It had rained overnight and what a relief.

Our little town of Stourbridge was in the news last week for the tragedy of the wildfires that destroyed 19 homes and badly damaged 18 others.

It has been a time of devastation and great sorrow for those who have lost everything and the speed of those events took us all by surprise.

We thank God that no lives were lost and those who were taken to hospital for smoke inhalation were treated and released.

It was officially the hottest day of the year on that Thursday last week in a UK summer which has been unprecedented for breaking weather records.

England is usually described as the green and pleasant land for our rolling green hills but not this year. The country is in drought in many regions and the fields were dry like tinderboxes.

The wildfire in Stourbridge was not the only fire that day as many other wildfires broke out across our West Midlands region in the very heart of our nation destroying homes, buildings and fields.

We are not used to drought and heat here.

We were not prepared for wildfires.

We did not understand how quickly a wildfire can spread.

This is a new phenomenon for us.

These catastrophic events don’t usually happen here.

Our habits will have to change to reflect this different environment.

We are learning to live differently in a new climate. Learning to be mindful of how one reckless act could have devastating consequences and quickly get out of hand.

One of the beautiful things to come out of this tragedy was how the community has come together in supporting those who had to be evacuated whilst the fires were burning. Having to leave quickly with nothing but what they could carry. Some left with nothing at all in their haste to escape the fire.

The love, compassion and concern for others has been beautiful to see showing us that God’s love and grace is at work. People do still care.

The motto of our town is One Heart, One Way.

We pray that God’s glory and love will be seen and known in these days.

We have prayed for rain like Elijah did. Our rain so far has been like that little cloud. It was one or two spots only yesterday afternoon but overnight there has been more rain.

Not much rain yet but enough to soften the ground. Perhaps that is for the best. The ground is so hard heavy rain could cause flash floods.

The forecast is for more rain over the next days and week. We need that rain to refresh the ground and bring restoration and recovery. To refresh us.

God can bring hope and rebuild the ruins. In these situations and circumstances we pray that God will become known and show Himself to those who do not yet know Him. A spiritual fire of revival to come which will spread quickly in hearts to bring renewal and restoration of relationship with God through Jesus Christ🙏