KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (ABNS 1/13/25)—American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) urges immediate support for the One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) campaign to aid victims of the catastrophic wildfires devastating 
Southern California. Since January 7, multiple fires have consumed hundreds of thousands of acres across Greater Los Angeles, claiming at least 24 lives and destroying more than 12,300 homes and businesses according to local news sources.
Relentless Santa Ana winds have driven flames from tinder-dry foothills of chaparral into densely populated areas, leaving behind streets of ash and distraught families in desperate need. “The devastation from the fires has been unbelievable,” said the Rev. Jason Ashimoto, senior pastor of Evergreen Baptist Church of Los Angeles, citing the total ruin of entire neighborhoods. “Churches are housing displaced families and working tirelessly to gather resources for people in the community,” he continued. “Support from our larger American Baptist family allows us to provide tangible help and evidence of God’s love in this desperate hour.”
The Rev. Andrew Quient, executive director of American Baptist Churches of Los Angeles, Southwest & Hawaii (ABCoFLASH), also underscored the extraordinary scale of the crisis. “The breadth and speed of the destruction are immense and ongoing,” he said, adding that churches far beyond the evacuation zones have opened their doors to shelter those fleeing the flames, providing critical care and comfort.
In response to the unprecedented disaster, ABHMS is urging American Baptists across the country to give generously. Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, ABHMS’ executive director, reminds us of our call to help our neighbors by “lifting up those in need with our prayers and financial support through OGHS [One Great Hour of Sharing]. Let us respond to the tragic losses experienced in Southern California with compassion and generosity, reflecting the love of Christ in this time of crisis.”
The Rev. Lisa Harris Lee, director of Healing & Transforming Communities at ABHMS, emphasized the broader emotional toll. “Beyond the loss of property, the grief and shock are immense. ABHMS will work closely with leaders in Southern California to ensure that donations are distributed where they are most needed.”
ABHMS invites everyone to join this effort, providing relief and hope to those who have lost so much. Your donations to OGHS are directed to the designated disaster areas to address immediate needs and often long afterward as additional needs emerge. All your gifts will make a difference in the lives of people you may or may not know and show the love of God when and where it is needed most.
One Great Hour of Sharing is administered by the World Relief Committee of the Board of General Ministries of American Baptist Churches USA. The committee facilitates American Baptist emergency relief, disaster rehabilitation, refugee work and development assistance by establishing policy guidelines and overseeing the distribution of the annual OGHS offering received by churches.
How you can help:
Please join American Baptists in supporting the relief efforts directed toward those affected by the Southern California wildfires. One hundred percent of designated OGHS gifts are allocated to domestic disaster relief.
You can donate via your church or directly online.
Checks designated to OGHS–Southern California Wildfires should be mailed to ABCUSA, 1015 W. 9th Ave. King of Prussia, PA 19406. Checks should also include the name of the donor’s church and the name “Southern California Wildfires” in the memo section of the check to ensure that the church receives credit for the gift.
American Baptist Home Mission Societies partners with American Baptists to promote Christian faith, cultivate Christ-centered leaders and disciples, and bring healing and transformation to communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.