Fire in the Mountains
Fire in the Crowsnest Pass strengthens community
by Mike Gordon, Blairmore, Alberta - September 2003

When the Lost Creek fire first ignited, I think many of us here in the Crowsnest Pass remembered the Cherry Hill fire of 2000 and were concerned but confident that those dedicated to fighting the fire would soon have it under control.

At most, some prime recreational area would be burned and we would be inconvenienced, but unharmed. Soon it became obvious that this fire was greater in magnitude and the entire community was in danger.

Though I can’t presume to speak for others or know exactly what was in each one’s mind, I know we began to experience the reality of facing total disaster. It was eye opening to walk through this event and wrestle with issues in my own heart, as well as observe the reactions of those within the community of God.

Concern changed to fear and anxiety as we faced the helplessness of not being in control. Quickly we realized that only the mercy and favor of God could rescue us. Ultimately, 900 personnel worked feverishly with all of their experience and expertise, yet wind and rain dictated the outcome.

The reality of our ability to trust God and pray effectively was upon us. The truth of God’s Word was forcefully presented, "where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Those forced to evacuate their homes quickly realized what the essentials were in their lives. What should be taken, what should be left?

As days turned into weeks, we witnessed the underlying care and concern within our community rise to the surface. We saw people helping people. Whether working in community halls preparing meals for the tired workers or walking security details at evacuation centres or taking others into our homes when they were evacuated, our community pulled together during this crisis.

The Church began to meet daily for times of prayer. Not in isolated groups, but together, allowing ourselves to cross the lines of division and stand as one. Passages of Scripture that were very familiar were wrestled into new light: "Be anxious for nothing;" "where your treasure is, there will your heart be also;" "our God, whom we serve, is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire, but even if he does not" and "God has not given us a spirit of fear." These verses became very real to us.

Now the fire is "held" and, by the mercy and grace of God and the tireless efforts of the firefighters, we trust that it will soon be extinguished.

Prayerfully, the truths that we have had to wrestle with will still burn in our hearts.