A California Southern Baptist Disaster Relief team spent 10 days assisting with fire damage cleanup in Fort Collins, CO.

The 20-member team worked an area where 250 homes were destroyed by wildfires this summer, according to Don Hargis, CSBC Disaster Relief coordinator. While in Colorado, Hargis served as the Incident commander for all Southern Baptist Disaster Relief teams.

Hargis reported the California team cleaned 10 homesites during the time they were in the Rocky Mountain State. He noted during that week, the five state Baptist conventions represented were able to clean about 30.

"During the five days on the ground, we recorded three professions of faith," Hargis said.  "Also, we heard so many positive comments from homeowners about how appreciative they were to us and Southern Baptists for this ministry."

Hargis said positive comments from those who are helped make the job worthwhile because "we know we are serving the Father and doing His will."

He noted that this year's "fire season" will probably be greater than any other in recent years because of the drought being experienced nationwide. He encouraged donations so volunteers can be activated whenever necessary. Those wishing to give financially can donate through CSBC congregations, by sending a check (made payable to CSBC Disaster Relief) to CSBC, 678 E. Shaw Ave., Fresno 93710, or by donating now online.

Disaster Relief contributions are used to underwrite California Southern Baptist Convention's response to natural disasters (hurricanes, tornados, floods, fires, etc.) that occur in California, other states or mission partnership countries. These response services include the preparation of hot meals to disaster victims who are without basic utility services, cleanup of homes, recovery assistance to victims without insurance resources and transportation for volunteers to the affected areas. Contributions may be used for any current or future disaster response efforts.