Fires this week in New Mexico have forced thousands from their homes, but a Christian camp has opened its doors to house them.
“I have heard so many testimonies of God’s goodness in the midst of the loss and trauma,” said Paraclete Associate C.J. McQueen, who is helping to coordinate the effort at Glorieta Adventure Camp in New Mexico.
Since Sunday, the camp has served and housed more than 650 evacuees from Las Vegas, New Mexico. About 250 of them are students from an international high school, representing 90 nations.
“Along with coordination, my favorite part about being here is listening to and praying with these precious people who are exhausted and forlorn,” he said. “Especially at mealtimes. I just go table to table and ask people their stories. ‘Hey, how’s the situation with your home?’ I probably prayed for 100 people in the last five days.”
The Glorieta camp staff had to respond quickly to the overwhelming situation, but then volunteers from the community started showing up, McQueen said. The Red Cross Disaster Unit has provided more than 60 workers. Churches are dropping off donations. And while many of the evacuees are coping with the trauma of the fire, some are finding their resiliency and helping each other, McQueen said. New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham even made a visit.
“It has been incredible to witness such an amazing response from the camp, local churches and nonprofits,” McQueen said.
Wednesday’s high humidity helped responders with the fire control effort, but huge winds are predicted for the weekend. The camp may soon reach its capacity of about 750 due to bed limits. But it has committed to providing for its guests for the next month until a more permanent housing situation is available, McQueen said.
McQueen is asking for prayer.
“Would you please take a brief moment now to pray with me for these precious people who have been so deeply affected by the fire that is still raging not far from us?” he said.
Financial donations to Glorieta can be sent here.