INFERNO: LA Fires—Calvary Chapel Teams Mobilize to Bring Christ’s Love
Photos by Rick Fox, Francis Faurot, and others
This story was first published in the Summer 2025 issue of Calvary Chapel Magazine, Issue 104.
Los Angeles firefighters attempt to extinguish massive fires with little or no water pressure from hydrants. Driving the fires, the Santa Ana winds carried embers over normal barriers.
Amidst the chaos of the January Altadena, CA, wildfire, a young National Guard soldier from San Diego approached Peggy Brown, wife of Senior Pastor Gerry Brown of Calvary Chapel Romoland, CA. The soldier, tasked with guarding homes from looters, expressed his gratitude for the meals Gerry and his team from U-Turn for Christ had been providing first responders and fire victims. “He was deeply moved by the support,” Peggy shared.
As darkness approached, Peggy offered to pray for him. “He eagerly accepted,” she said. “We prayed for safety and strength for him and his comrades, and I shared Romans 8:28 with him: And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
As the soldier lingered, both Gerry and Peggy felt the encounter was part of a greater plan. “He shared with us that he was burdened by guilt and sin from his past and longed for forgiveness,” Peggy recalled. Pastor Gerry assured him that Jesus offers the forgiveness he sought. “If you confess your sin, the Bible tells us that God is faithful to forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness,” Gerry told him. The soldier’s face lit up with joy as he realized the weight of guilt he had carried for so long had been lifted.
“Here am I! Send Me”
Residents drive through raging fires to escape.
In early January, multiple wildfires broke out in Altadena/Pasadena in the Eaton Canyon area and Pacific Palisades, which hugs the Pacific Ocean coast. These now-contained fires took the lives of 29 people, scorched thousands of acres, and destroyed or damaged more than 18,000 structures, officials reported.
About 60 Calvary Chapels from Southern California and beyond—joined by many ministries—stepped up in a unified force to assist and comfort the fire victims and first responders. Much of that response was centered at Calvary Chapel Monrovia, 10 miles away from Altadena. “Just being close to the affected area recruited us into responding,” Senior Pastor Richard Schork admitted. “The fires landed, and we said, ‘OK, Lord, here we are!’” The church worked in tandem with an organization experienced in disaster response, Calvary Disaster Relief (CDR), a ministry of Calvary La Habra, CA.
I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” Isaiah 6:8
On the Monrovia church campus is a newly renovated, 8,000-square-foot warehouse with a loading dock, which lent itself to be a perfect staging area for the multitude of resources pouring in. Richard believes that God strategically and providentially prepared them for response to the tragedy. “I felt like the Lord just wove it together in such a nice way for such a time as this moment. Here we are. We have a warehouse, we’re nearby, generosity is coming our way, and we are mobilized to send it out with prayer.”
Locals flee the destruction on foot, with only the clothes on their backs—some even carrying their pets.
Opening just after the fires started, the warehouse quickly filled with pallets of bottled water and other hydration products, nonperishable food items, baby and personal hygiene needs—generous donations from the community and large retail stores. Volunteers drove the goods to the affected community and first responders. But the greatest thing that the Christian volunteers shared was the offer of prayer and the Word of God.
Nursing home residents struggle with fear as they are whisked away from danger.
Firemen, exhausted from days of intense firefighting, are able to rest for a few minutes before returning to the blaze. Calvary Chapel teams offered them food, drink, prayer, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Glenrose Avenue Miracle
Among the first on the scene in Altadena was Gerry Brown, his U-Turn for Christ team, and a single grill that turned into a thriving food truck operation. Gerry’s credentials as a Riverside County Sheriff chaplain allowed him to be the first to go behind the fire-zone barricades—access not easily granted. “They don’t get a plate of food without us circling around and praying for them, whether they’re firefighters, law enforcement, or residents who are shut in,” Gerry proclaimed early in the response. “They were so thankful.”
“Those who labored at the kitchen on Glenrose Avenue became vessels in the hand of God to touch the hearts of many people and lead many to salvation.”
Pastor Gerry Brown, using his chaplain’s credentials, gained access beyond the yellow tape, which allowed many Calvary Chapels to join in. The U-Turn for Christ food truck fed and ministered to first responders and those impacted by the fire.
Andre Bribiesca, senior pastor of Vessel Calvary Chapel Arcadia, CA, emphatically stated, “We weren’t a food kitchen. We were a kitchen that prayed and gave food. Those who labored at the kitchen on Glenrose Avenue became vessels in the hand of God to touch the hearts of many people and lead many to salvation. It became a place of refuge and hope for the community. Even the National Guard Brigade General came to our kitchen to thank us for feeding their soldiers. From dawn until late evening, the kitchen was alive with activity.” Volunteers from U-Turn for Christ, Vessel CC Arcadia, CC Fontana, CC South Orange County, CC Chino Valley, and students from Calvary Bible Institute prepared and served breakfast, lunch, and dinner—providing an astounding 800 meals per day along with prayer, hugs, and spiritual encouragement. “Every day this labor of love continued as the Lord provided essential supplies and equipment through Calvary churches miraculously ensuring that the kitchen remained fully staffed and stocked throughout the month-long mission,” Andre observed. “They did it unto the Lord and with such great love.”
Burritos & Prayer
Peggy Brown (left), wife of Pastor Gerry Brown, prays for Pastor Andre Bribiesca’s wife Lucy. Peggy has played a key role in spreading the powerful message displayed on the sign behind her: “Prayer Changes Things,” placing the sign in different locations across the country.
Meanwhile, Blue Tape Ministry (BTM), CDR, and CC Monrovia were busy making breakfast burritos. “The burritos and the supplies were all a way to open the door for us to start a conversation about Jesus Christ: Do you know Him? Can we pray for you? All these people needed the supplies, but it was a way to get to minister to them, asserted Tom Martin, a CDR leader. “They needed us to come alongside and lay hands on them and pray. They really wanted that.”
BTM leader Scott Bascon described each burrito as a connector, a “baton of love”, to those who received them, with the ministry focus on prayer. He and co-founder Jeff Peters, experienced in serving at other major disasters, will continue to practically minister to these fire victims.
Angel Baez, CC Monrovia assistant pastor and a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department chaplain, recalled that the burrito ministry reaped spiritual blessings for both first responders and residents who stayed behind to protect their own homes. A sticker with the name of “CC Monrovia” and a phone number to call for help was placed on each burrito. He recounted: “We started getting phone calls: I’m barricaded in my home, and this is my third day without water. Is there someone who can bring food to me?” Angel and his fellow chaplain, Johnny Guzman, responded to those desperate callers, continuing to check daily on their needs, as well as to other neighbors. “They couldn’t believe that we came back to visit them! Jesus just started touching people, and they started coming to the Lord. It was the tenderness of the Lord at work.”
CC Monrovia Assistant Pastor Angel Baez instructs volunteers on their tasks for the day.
But when He [Jesus] saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Matthew 9:36
Many who heard God’s Word responded in faith to accept Jesus as Savior. Joe McTarsney is senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Montclair, CA, and a chaplain with the Montclair Police Department. Serving at the LA fires, he noted, “It was very important to share the Word of God, which is alive and powerful and able to penetrate the heart. As we eventually leave, the Word from our lips stays in their hearts.”
Calvary Chapel volunteers feed livestock that had been left behind. Residents were not allowed to return beyond the police barricades, but CC volunteers were given access.
Lance Cook, senior pastor of CC La Habra, CA and CDR co-founder, reflected, “We want the work to be of the Lord. That’s why prayer is so important.”
U-Turn for Christ volunteer Albert Ochoa gives a sleeping bag to a lady who had lost her home. The crisis gave believers the opportunity to meet fire victims’ material needs while pointing the way to Jesus.
Pastor Lance Cook, of CC La Habra, CA, and co-founder of Calvary Disaster Relief (CDR), surveys the remnants of a home. Also, volunteers from CC La Habra made burritos which were handed out to victims and first responders, giving them the chance to share Jesus.
Pastor Andre Bribiesca of Vessel Calvary Chapel Arcadia, CA, encourages a California Highway Patrol officer who stopped by the U-Turn for Christ tent for a meal. Every firefighter, law enforcement officer, and area resident received prayer when picking up their meals. Many Calvary Chapels joined together to minister to those impacted by the catastrophic fires.
Tony, from Joshua Springs Calvary Chapel, CA, carries water bottles that will go to fire victims or first responders. CC Monrovia, CA, opened an 8,000-square-foot warehouse to store the many supplies that were donated by area businesses.
Ministry to First Responders
Several Calvary Chapel relief volunteers join in prayer with first responders and local residents.
The load on the first responders—National Guard, firefighters, police, and law enforcement officials—has been heavy and difficult, often with shifts ranging from 12 hours to 24 hours. “They’re traumatized when they drive around all the damage and loss every day. They’re dealing with people who are emotionally charged and despondent. It wears on them,” Lance Cook revealed.
Because of the danger, no one could get into the barricaded areas without credentials—something first responders often had to repeat. Angel recalled: “Those first couple of days, you could sense the anxiety of people wanting to get to see their homes. But the first responders needed to clear every area first—they needed to do their jobs; in the ashes were remains of human bodies. Gas lines were still not turned off. Then you have looters on top of that.”
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I [Jesus] will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Teenagers from Calvary Chapel Olde Town in Orange, CA, and from many other churches joyfully volunteer to help with donations.
When Pastor Joe McTarsney pulled up to the parking lot near the Palisades fire to serve with fellow Billy Graham Rapid Response Team members, they were met by a National Guard sergeant—also a believer—who called his personnel over to the men. “It was kind of like an order,” Joe chuckled. “We thanked them for their service, presented the Gospel, and then prayed with them one-on-one. We were able to look them in the eyes and ask them how they were holding up.” The military men softened, he noted. “We’re there to honor and represent Jesus. That disarms and opens them up. Spending the day with them, eating with them, the walls just get broken down. Jesus did that; He always walked into tragic situations and ministered to people. We’re called to do the same.”
Joe shared Joshua 1:9 with the National Guardsmen as they carried out orders keeping residents away from their homes: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” He explained, “We’re there to listen, to be a ministry of presence, to care. That’s what Jesus did. We serve a God of compassion and give that compassion to people who need it in the vulnerable, devastating time they find themselves in.”
Jeff Kirts (left) joins Pastor Gerry Brown (right) and another volunteer at U-Turn for Christ’s feeding center.
Ministry to Residents
Jeff Peters (right,) a CDR and Blue Tape Ministry leader from CC Monrovia, prays with a volunteer.
As the barricades were lifted in Altadena, residents returned to a grim scene—most lots had nothing left standing but rows of chimneys, according to Angel Baez. “It’s really eerie,” he said. “Everything else is gone. Now we’re trying to help residents face the reality that their homes are gone.” Having served in other disasters, he noted, “In a hurricane, most people have something to go back to. In a fire, nothing is left, nothing to rummage through except ashes. It’s very heartbreaking.”
Even those who didn’t lose homes face difficulties, Angel cautioned. “There’s no water. They haven’t had power to run the refrigerator—you can imagine the ruined food in there; there’s wind and smoke damage, dust, and ashes.” Volunteers continue to take supplies to the neighborhoods, maintaining and building new relationships. “‘And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:30-31).
Doug, from CC Santa Barbara, CA, leads a Saturday morning devotional.
Mike “Grumpy” Kelliher (center), from Joshua Springs Calvary Chapel, prays with police officers.
Jordan (right) interacts with a first responder in front of the U-Turn for Christ prayer tent.
Calvary Bible Institute graduate Edmundo Ramirez (left) and others comfort a man who had lost his home to the fire, sharing the love of Christ with him.
CC Monrovia Pastor Richard Schork acknowledged that many of the evacuees were living in other people’s homes and in hotels. “Everybody was scrambling—we were able to reach out to them as well with care packages, taking them to the local hotels. They were just so thankful. That’s the niche for the church—bringing spiritual comfort along with practical needs.”
Gerry Brown and CC Montclair, CA, Pastor Joe McTarsney, also a Montclair Police Department chaplain, react to a resident thankful for all he saw the Lord accomplish through the fire assistance and volunteers.
“The soldier’s face lit up with joy as ... the weight of guilt he had carried for so long had been lifted.”
Prayer with the fire victims was often overwhelming, Richard added. “Here’s a family that just lost their home, and we’re walking up to them with bottled water and a warm burrito. You feel insignificant. But just that little touch of kindness matters. I was thinking of Jesus’ words that even a cup of water given in His Name will not be without reward. We’re here with this small encouragement, but we’re here to pray.” Pastor Richard exhorted, “We’re bringing resources that may help temporarily, but what’s really needed is divine comfort from God. There’s no human touch beyond what God can do.”
One of his congregants, Linda, lost her home to the fires. “Her countenance has not fallen, and the Lord has given her divine strength. I told her, ‘I think that God is going to meet you in such a powerful way through this. You are going to be able to speak and minister to others, and because you’ve experienced it at this level, it will be that much more spiritually impactful for those that you’re going to touch or pray for.’” At the following midweek service, she excitedly shared with Richard: “That prayer is already coming to pass! I was out and someone found out that I was a fire victim.” Several others came to her, and she was able to pray for them. Richard elaborated, “People are drawn—You’re going through what I’m going through. The Lord was already moving, opening doors for her to minister and witness. It’s a nice little beauty-from-ashes opportunity.”
Blessed be the … God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4a
CC Old Towne volunteers start the morning off with praise. Pastor David Johnson (left, back row) worships with the team he brought.
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