St James AME Church, Elgin, Illinois

Over the last few hours, the largest collection of wildfires in the history of Southern California has raged throughout the region. There are four AME Churches in Ventura County: Bethel Oxnard, Providence-First, Lompoc, St. Paul, Santa Barbara and St. Philip, Santa Maria.  While no AME structures have been impacted, several members have suffered the total loss of homes and been evacuated.

Additionally, another fire is moving towards San Fernando, where Parks Chapel AME is located.  At the time of this bulletin less than 20 percent of the fire had been contained.

Bishop Clement W. Fugh, President of the Council of Bishops and Presiding Prelate of the 5th Episcopal District states, "We solicit your continued prayers.  We place our emphasis upon life above property, upon the faithfulness of God and the outpouring of love that crisis engenders."

For updated information on the fire, click here.

Photo Credit: LA Times; Information provided by Rev. John Cager and Mrs. Jackie Dupont-Walker.