Charred remnants of burnt cars and piles of rubble where homes once stood are all that remain for hundreds of families in Denare Beach, Saskatchewan.
Once home to 413 houses, the village was devastated by a wildfire known as the “Wolf Fire.” The intensity of the uncontained fire allowed it to leap across water bodies, reaching the west of Denare Beach. On June 2, it swept through the community and destroyed over 200 homes.
The emotional impact on those facing the loss of their homes and possessions is immense. Many residents have lived in the area for decades, some couples had custom-built their homes, and many more are uninsured.
The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) sent four specially trained chaplains to Saskatchewan to offer prayers, comfort, and support to those facing loss and grief from the wildfires. Our sister organization, Samaritan’s Purse, is also onsite and providing support through clearing large debris and preparing homes for ash shifting and possession recovery.
“It’s an incredibly challenging situation,” said Keith Waara, Director of Canadian Ministry Projects. “This is a small community with limited resources and residents in desperate need of comfort. We are here to provide hope in Jesus’ Name for the residents of Denare Beach as they begin their long journey of recovery and healing.”
A senior couple the chaplains met with shared how they had not only built their log cabin, but had also cut and milled over 90 logs themselves. What had once been their dream home, had been completely destroyed in the wildfire. Our chaplains provided emotional and support and encouragement as they listened to stories and viewed photos of their home and family gatherings there. While the house can never be restored, the chaplains were able to provide a sense of peace to the couple.
One morning, the chaplains visited with a single mother of two children who had faced great upheavals even before the wildfire. Just months before, her close friend had passed away, and a few weeks before the fires her sister-in-law passed suddenly. Now, she had lost her home to the wildfire. The chaplains listened with love and care, and when the homeowner expressed that she couldn’t take much more, they were able to point her to a strength beyond herself. They shared about Jesus offering peace and comfort and that we can rely on Him when we need strength. The homeowner welcomed prayer from the chaplains, who prayed she and her children would come to know Jesus and His peace. As they parted ways, the chaplains reminded the homeowner of Jesus’ great love for her.
For each home visited, our chaplains are able to provide a steady ministry of presence, offer prayers, and shine a light in the darkness Denare Beach residents are facing by sharing the strength and hope found in Jesus Christ. So far, the chaplains have had the opportunity to prayer for over 40 homeowners and many have expressed how grateful they are for the chaplains comforting presence.
Please pray that the Lord would continue working through our chaplains to provide strength and comfort to the families affected by the fires.
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