Shanna McCord from the Santa Cruz Sentinel came up to Koinonia and interviewed Dave today about the fire. Her article can be found here.
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/ci_9393451
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Thank Yous
We took pictures of some signs up and down the canyon today that express the residents gratefulness for the firefighters effort.
Ted Mulder and his daughter Caitlin. They live in Upper Highlands, Daryl's community, and Caitlin worked at Koinonia for many years.
Former employee Amelia Hickey (McCallie) lives off of Patricia Lane.
My personal favorite.
Koinonia's contribution.
And thank you as well, for your prayers, emails, support, and love throughout the weekend!
Ted Mulder and his daughter Caitlin. They live in Upper Highlands, Daryl's community, and Caitlin worked at Koinonia for many years.
Former employee Amelia Hickey (McCallie) lives off of Patricia Lane.
My personal favorite.
Koinonia's contribution.
And thank you as well, for your prayers, emails, support, and love throughout the weekend!
Home, Sweet Home!
I write now from my desk in my office at Koinonia! But wait! Please do not pick up the phone and call us. We have much to do to get up and running again before this weekend and we simply don't have the time to talk about the fire over the phone. The fire trucks used most of our water, hoses, and fire extinguishers, and everything lit by propane needs to be tested and reset so we can be sure we are safe. The buildings smell like smoke and debris from Thursday's winds litters the camp. The offices were torn apart when we evacuated the computers and valuable files, and everything that was left outside has a very light smoke scent and a smidge of ash.
The entire Koinonia staff returned to their residences last night and slept soundly in our own beds. We can't see any fire damage from camp, but we know it is right around the corner. The road is open only to residents and visitors with a resident escort, and it could be that way until every flame is put out and the fire trucks return to their places of origin.
Many people have asked about Daryl and Tami's house, and even though the area their house is inside the fire lines, their house is fine and the firefighters were able to clear an area around their house before the fire got too close. Some of their neighbors had their water tanks melted, and Koinonia is looking for ways to show Christ's love and help them and the Buddhist camp become livable again.
Keep us in your prayers and keep checking this blog. We hope to post more pictures soon and updates on how you can help
The entire Koinonia staff returned to their residences last night and slept soundly in our own beds. We can't see any fire damage from camp, but we know it is right around the corner. The road is open only to residents and visitors with a resident escort, and it could be that way until every flame is put out and the fire trucks return to their places of origin.
Many people have asked about Daryl and Tami's house, and even though the area their house is inside the fire lines, their house is fine and the firefighters were able to clear an area around their house before the fire got too close. Some of their neighbors had their water tanks melted, and Koinonia is looking for ways to show Christ's love and help them and the Buddhist camp become livable again.
Keep us in your prayers and keep checking this blog. We hope to post more pictures soon and updates on how you can help
Monday, May 26, 2008
Monday update (12:30pm)
We have heard that we will be able to return to Koinonia tonight starting at 3:00pm. Those of us with homes in the canyon would love to be back, as the resort life is wearing on us!
A hurried evacuation leaves quite the mess to clean up and move back in. It is a funny dynamic when you grab things you cherish and forget to grab things you need for the next day! Kim Breuninger joked with her church staff that they shouldn't be surprised if after the hectic evacuation she showed up to church in a tutu and stilettos!
It will take a while to get things up and running once we return to camp. Most of our staff will have to move back in to their houses and offices, and we'll be cleaning up the debris from the winds and the messes we left for the first day. Unfortunately, in all the haste, a window was left open at my house, and unless a smokey scent becomes the new fad, my washer and dryer will be running for a while.
When I think of the fires, I think of seeing God's intervention in multiple ways.
1. This year, for some reason, and I don't know all the details, but the fire season was declared to start earlier than in any past year. If this hadn't been the case, many fire departments and air crews would not have been ready to fight this size of fire.
2. The smoke from the fire traveled directly over our heads all the way down the canyon. At first thought, this is bad, because it means the winds are coming our way, but in hindsight, because of the power outages, many residents weren't aware of the fire until they looked out the window and into the sky. Many residents were notified of the fire by their neighbors before the sheriff and fire department were on scene.
3. As soon as most of the residents evacuated on Thursday night, the winds died down and the fog settled in. The news reported that winds might not subside until Saturday morning, but the winds settled almost immediately as the sun went down Thursday night. The fire has spread very little since then in comparison to the rate it was traveling on Thursday morning.
4. There have been no fatalities throughout the weekend, and only a few firefighters have sustained injuries from the blaze. Everyone who needed to be evacuated was evacuated, including pets.
5. From Koinonia's side, we had 200 guests attending science camp when the fire started. This group usually comes 30 weeks a year from Tuesday to Friday, but this week and this week only, they were booked for Monday to Thursday. This meant that by the time we were aware of the fire, most of the campers already had their bags packed and ready for pick-up in the parking lot. This allowed for the buses to load up quickly and take the campers to safety.
These are just a few of the ways we saw the hand of God at work.
A hurried evacuation leaves quite the mess to clean up and move back in. It is a funny dynamic when you grab things you cherish and forget to grab things you need for the next day! Kim Breuninger joked with her church staff that they shouldn't be surprised if after the hectic evacuation she showed up to church in a tutu and stilettos!
It will take a while to get things up and running once we return to camp. Most of our staff will have to move back in to their houses and offices, and we'll be cleaning up the debris from the winds and the messes we left for the first day. Unfortunately, in all the haste, a window was left open at my house, and unless a smokey scent becomes the new fad, my washer and dryer will be running for a while.
When I think of the fires, I think of seeing God's intervention in multiple ways.
1. This year, for some reason, and I don't know all the details, but the fire season was declared to start earlier than in any past year. If this hadn't been the case, many fire departments and air crews would not have been ready to fight this size of fire.
2. The smoke from the fire traveled directly over our heads all the way down the canyon. At first thought, this is bad, because it means the winds are coming our way, but in hindsight, because of the power outages, many residents weren't aware of the fire until they looked out the window and into the sky. Many residents were notified of the fire by their neighbors before the sheriff and fire department were on scene.
3. As soon as most of the residents evacuated on Thursday night, the winds died down and the fog settled in. The news reported that winds might not subside until Saturday morning, but the winds settled almost immediately as the sun went down Thursday night. The fire has spread very little since then in comparison to the rate it was traveling on Thursday morning.
4. There have been no fatalities throughout the weekend, and only a few firefighters have sustained injuries from the blaze. Everyone who needed to be evacuated was evacuated, including pets.
5. From Koinonia's side, we had 200 guests attending science camp when the fire started. This group usually comes 30 weeks a year from Tuesday to Friday, but this week and this week only, they were booked for Monday to Thursday. This meant that by the time we were aware of the fire, most of the campers already had their bags packed and ready for pick-up in the parking lot. This allowed for the buses to load up quickly and take the campers to safety.
These are just a few of the ways we saw the hand of God at work.
What goes around comes around
While Dave was taking pictures Thursday, he ran into an old Koinonia employee-turned-firefighter, Adam Matlock, helping fight the blaze and protect homes in the canyon. Thanks Adam!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Sunday Evening - Corralitos Town Meeting - some thoughts
Town Meeting:
Well...I thought we would hear better news today at the Corralitos town meeting about when we would be able to return home. It's looking like 24 - 48 hours before they'll let us move back up Eureka Canyon. Most of the fires are out but because of the narrow roads having more vehicles in the area would make it harder for the firefighters to move around.
Our hope is to return to work on Tuesday and get Koinonia cleaned up and ready for counselor training which starts on Friday night. In talking with the Sheriff today they thought the roads should be open and we could be back in operation this weekend.
The community gave the firefighters and other agencies that provided support during the fire a standing ovation at the end of today's meeting. It seems that all too often communities are frustrated by what didn't happen rather than applauding what did happen because of the men and women doing their best to protect us. We look forward to being a light to our neighbors in their efforts to rebuild their lives and homes. We will at some point in the near future let you know how you can be a part of that.
Thoughts:
Kim and I had the privilege to share at all three services at our church this weekend. We shared about how supported we felt knowing that so many people were in constant prayer about the fire that threaten both Koinonia and our neighborhood. We have received emails from people that have been praying for us from as far away as South Africa, Australia, Christian camps locally and all over the US, and many of our friends from the Bay Area and Santa Cruz. I want you to know how we have felt prayed for, THANK YOU for praying for us!
We know that God gives us what we need in these situations because we have been prayed over. At one point during the fire with camera in hand, as hard as it was, I took what I honestly thought would be the last pictures of our home and Koinonia. I remember praying to God, thanking Him for the time we've had here and telling Him it was ok if we lost it all, I was confident that He know what was best.
Amy shared with our staff Saturday night at dinner, that one of the teachers at the school she teaches at prayed that God would send Angels to surround Koinonia, with their backs to the facility, and blow wind that would keep the fire from us. I believe (if you look at the fire map) that He answered that prayer! Today I talked with another couple from our church that lives above Koinonia whose house was spared in the same way, everything around there house burned but not the house. We are truly thankful for you and your prayers on our behalf!
Some of the pastors from our church, acting as chaplains, had the opportunity to ride in the vans that took residents back to their homes for the first time since they left after the fire broke out. One pastor commented on the difference in the van he was riding in between a couple who are believers and another couple who weren't. It was interesting to him to observe how one could be so calm and accepting of what had happened to their home and the other couple who struggled with the outcome of their situation.
I've thought alot the last few days about being prepared. Not only about being prepared for disasters like fire, flood and earthquakes which Koinonia has experienced in my lifetime, but being prepared for our future in eternity. We'll continue to press on as He gives
Thank you for your support of Koinonia in so many ways, I appreciate it!
- Dave
Well...I thought we would hear better news today at the Corralitos town meeting about when we would be able to return home. It's looking like 24 - 48 hours before they'll let us move back up Eureka Canyon. Most of the fires are out but because of the narrow roads having more vehicles in the area would make it harder for the firefighters to move around.
Our hope is to return to work on Tuesday and get Koinonia cleaned up and ready for counselor training which starts on Friday night. In talking with the Sheriff today they thought the roads should be open and we could be back in operation this weekend.
The community gave the firefighters and other agencies that provided support during the fire a standing ovation at the end of today's meeting. It seems that all too often communities are frustrated by what didn't happen rather than applauding what did happen because of the men and women doing their best to protect us. We look forward to being a light to our neighbors in their efforts to rebuild their lives and homes. We will at some point in the near future let you know how you can be a part of that.
Thoughts:
Kim and I had the privilege to share at all three services at our church this weekend. We shared about how supported we felt knowing that so many people were in constant prayer about the fire that threaten both Koinonia and our neighborhood. We have received emails from people that have been praying for us from as far away as South Africa, Australia, Christian camps locally and all over the US, and many of our friends from the Bay Area and Santa Cruz. I want you to know how we have felt prayed for, THANK YOU for praying for us!
We know that God gives us what we need in these situations because we have been prayed over. At one point during the fire with camera in hand, as hard as it was, I took what I honestly thought would be the last pictures of our home and Koinonia. I remember praying to God, thanking Him for the time we've had here and telling Him it was ok if we lost it all, I was confident that He know what was best.
Amy shared with our staff Saturday night at dinner, that one of the teachers at the school she teaches at prayed that God would send Angels to surround Koinonia, with their backs to the facility, and blow wind that would keep the fire from us. I believe (if you look at the fire map) that He answered that prayer! Today I talked with another couple from our church that lives above Koinonia whose house was spared in the same way, everything around there house burned but not the house. We are truly thankful for you and your prayers on our behalf!
Some of the pastors from our church, acting as chaplains, had the opportunity to ride in the vans that took residents back to their homes for the first time since they left after the fire broke out. One pastor commented on the difference in the van he was riding in between a couple who are believers and another couple who weren't. It was interesting to him to observe how one could be so calm and accepting of what had happened to their home and the other couple who struggled with the outcome of their situation.
I've thought alot the last few days about being prepared. Not only about being prepared for disasters like fire, flood and earthquakes which Koinonia has experienced in my lifetime, but being prepared for our future in eternity. We'll continue to press on as He gives
Thank you for your support of Koinonia in so many ways, I appreciate it!
- Dave
Sunday 2:30 update
Last night the news said the fire was 25% contained, and this morning the San Jose Mercury reported 50% containment and 3900 acres burned. To give you an idea of how God has kept the fire at bay, when we first saw a news update on Thursday around 1:30, there were already 3000 acres burned and because of the winds they estimated 10000 acres.
The fire line near Koinonia has not moved since Thursday evening, and the only fires still showing smoke on this side of the hills are to the south closer to Freedom outside of Watsonville and higher up in Browns Valley, which are both a good distance away from Koinonia. The following picture shows our neighbors at Venture Valley retreat center pointing to Koinonia's location on a fire map. The red lines are the fire lines.
To get a bigger picture, visit this map and look for the 'hairpin turn' on Eureka Canyon Rd. above the yellow splotch separated from the main fire and north of Tyndale Ranch Rd.
When Dave and Kim visited camp yesterday, there was an inmate fire crew taking a rest in front of Brown Auditorium. Even when we weren't there, God was using Koinonia to refresh people! They saw Dave had a camera and they agreed to pose for him.
They drove all the way up to the summit and took photos of some of the damage. I'm not sure where these pictures are, but they are somewhere off of the road above camp and Dave took them yesterday.
We're not allowed to move back yet, but we can visit for a few hours. We hope to be back in a few days and get camp running again, but we aren't sure when residents will be allowed back to stay, so for now, we'll have to suffer through the pain of staying at the Seascape resort. Bummer!
The fire line near Koinonia has not moved since Thursday evening, and the only fires still showing smoke on this side of the hills are to the south closer to Freedom outside of Watsonville and higher up in Browns Valley, which are both a good distance away from Koinonia. The following picture shows our neighbors at Venture Valley retreat center pointing to Koinonia's location on a fire map. The red lines are the fire lines.
To get a bigger picture, visit this map and look for the 'hairpin turn' on Eureka Canyon Rd. above the yellow splotch separated from the main fire and north of Tyndale Ranch Rd.
When Dave and Kim visited camp yesterday, there was an inmate fire crew taking a rest in front of Brown Auditorium. Even when we weren't there, God was using Koinonia to refresh people! They saw Dave had a camera and they agreed to pose for him.
They drove all the way up to the summit and took photos of some of the damage. I'm not sure where these pictures are, but they are somewhere off of the road above camp and Dave took them yesterday.
We're not allowed to move back yet, but we can visit for a few hours. We hope to be back in a few days and get camp running again, but we aren't sure when residents will be allowed back to stay, so for now, we'll have to suffer through the pain of staying at the Seascape resort. Bummer!
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Saturday evening update
This afternoon Dave and Kim were able to drive up the canyon and visit Koinonia and their home. They were delighted to find that the whole drive up to Koinonia looked almost exactly the same as it did Wednesday save a few fallen tree branches. The road beyond camp is charred along the roadside, but their home and Daryl's home are safe as well.
The staff came together for dinner tonight, and it was good to see everyone not in a flurry and a bit calmer than the last time we were all together on Thursday morning. We shared stories and updates and talked about the last few days and the interesting circumstances evacuations bring. What we packed, what we forgot to do, what we left behind. We are thankful to God for the ways we have been blessed.
There are still fires in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and this website shows a map of the fires. Koinonia is right above the small yellow area that is isolated to the southwest. As you see, no new fires have started around that area since 9:00pm Thursday.
We hope to be able to return to camp tomorrow evening, but we don't know when we will be allowed to return. It will be good to go home.
The staff came together for dinner tonight, and it was good to see everyone not in a flurry and a bit calmer than the last time we were all together on Thursday morning. We shared stories and updates and talked about the last few days and the interesting circumstances evacuations bring. What we packed, what we forgot to do, what we left behind. We are thankful to God for the ways we have been blessed.
There are still fires in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and this website shows a map of the fires. Koinonia is right above the small yellow area that is isolated to the southwest. As you see, no new fires have started around that area since 9:00pm Thursday.
We hope to be able to return to camp tomorrow evening, but we don't know when we will be allowed to return. It will be good to go home.
SC Sentinel Article from Thursday
Both Tim and Dave are quoted in this article.
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/ci_9348575?IADID=Search-www.santacruzsentinel.com-www.santacruzsentinel.com
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/ci_9348575?IADID=Search-www.santacruzsentinel.com-www.santacruzsentinel.com
Relief effort?
Many people have offered their homes and help to Koinonia, and we have been blessed with places to stay since we came off the mountain.
At present, cleaning up Koinonia will be a days work, but we are looking into ways to help the Buddhist camp and a few neighbors clean up. Stay posted for more details in the days to come. Please continue to pray that our witness would be good in the community and consider if you might be able to come help next week when the fires are cleared. We know God works through circumstances like these and we trust that He will continue to work as He already has!
At present, cleaning up Koinonia will be a days work, but we are looking into ways to help the Buddhist camp and a few neighbors clean up. Stay posted for more details in the days to come. Please continue to pray that our witness would be good in the community and consider if you might be able to come help next week when the fires are cleared. We know God works through circumstances like these and we trust that He will continue to work as He already has!
Fire update Saturday 1:00
It is Saturday afternoon and we've decided to start this blog to keep you updated on the status of Koinonia and the fires. This is more accessible than our website and easier to update.
You can see a map of the fires as of Friday night if you click here. God has so far protected Koinonia and both Dave's and Daryl's house from the fire, even though the fire has been on 3 sides of camp. Dave and Kim are trying to go up the canyon as we speak with some pastors from Twin Lakes Church.
Here are some pictures from the last few days.
Early on Thursday we woke to an orange sky and smoke above the trees.
Dave across the street from his house above Koinonia on Thursday Morning.
Dave, Daryl and Craig drove up the road to see where the fire was coming from.
We evacuated the 200 guests, mostly middle school students, around 9:00. Dave was interviewed by phone soon after this by Channel 2 and KCBS, and later in the day by ABC Channel 7 news cameras.
The rest of the staff besides Dave, Daryl, and Guerillmo evacuated around 11:00am with the camp vehicles, important papers, computers, and other personal effects. The fire continued to burn all day Thursday across the street from Koinonia on the Wilson property across from the entrance road...
...at the water district property to the east of camp...
...and at the Buddhist camp on Martin and Martha's old property above and to the west of camp.
Here a helicopter draws water from the pond at the old wilderness camp on the Brown's old property. The fire would eventually come up to the edge of this pond.
We will keep you updated as we hear more. Thank you for your prayers.
You can see a map of the fires as of Friday night if you click here. God has so far protected Koinonia and both Dave's and Daryl's house from the fire, even though the fire has been on 3 sides of camp. Dave and Kim are trying to go up the canyon as we speak with some pastors from Twin Lakes Church.
Here are some pictures from the last few days.
Early on Thursday we woke to an orange sky and smoke above the trees.
Dave across the street from his house above Koinonia on Thursday Morning.
Dave, Daryl and Craig drove up the road to see where the fire was coming from.
We evacuated the 200 guests, mostly middle school students, around 9:00. Dave was interviewed by phone soon after this by Channel 2 and KCBS, and later in the day by ABC Channel 7 news cameras.
The rest of the staff besides Dave, Daryl, and Guerillmo evacuated around 11:00am with the camp vehicles, important papers, computers, and other personal effects. The fire continued to burn all day Thursday across the street from Koinonia on the Wilson property across from the entrance road...
...at the water district property to the east of camp...
...and at the Buddhist camp on Martin and Martha's old property above and to the west of camp.
Here a helicopter draws water from the pond at the old wilderness camp on the Brown's old property. The fire would eventually come up to the edge of this pond.
We will keep you updated as we hear more. Thank you for your prayers.
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