We want to express our sincere condolences and Christian love to the many people who are facing great loss from the horrific fire in the town of Paradise and other parts of Butte County in northern California. While we do not yet know the full extent of the damage, our hearts go out to all who are affected by this calamity.

We particularly extend our sympathy to the members and friends of the Paradise Seventh-day Adventist Church, who have lost their beautiful church home. We praise God that, as far as we know at this time, there was no loss of life. 

We also thank the Lord that much of Adventist Health’s Feather River Hospital was preserved, and honor the Adventist Health team at Enloe Medical Center and Oroville Hospital and all of the first responders who safely evacuated the staff and patients of Adventist Health Feather River.  

Although the Kindergarten-Grade 4 section of Paradise Adventist Academy was lost in the fire, we are thankful that the rest of the school remains intact.

Living in this sinful world full of unexpected disasters, we hold in our hearts God's promise that very soon, we will live forever in the New Earth free from sin and disasters.  Jesus is coming soon!  I call on Seventh-day Adventists worldwide to pray for the recovery and resettlement of the thousands who have faced this tragedy.  As you see people around you in need, let’s follow Christ’s ministry of helping people physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually.  

Ted N.C. Wilson, President
Seventh-day Adventist Church