Behind a small neighborhood in Mountain Meadows to the East of Bakersfield, California runs the Freeway of 178 towards Kern River Canyon and its mountain communities of Lake Isabella, Wofford Heights, Kernville, Erskine and a few others. Driving home late last night on 178 next to me was a caravan of emergency vehicles making their way to the above communities particularly Erskine.  With tears I whispered a prayer. I just visited a friend who made it safely down to Bakersfield with her husband and son - homeless, lodged in a local hotel and dropped off a bag of clothing.

Just a few days into summer Kern County is devasted with its most horrific fire of the year -- Erskine in its direct path! Many homes were destroyed leaving virtually a community of homeless residents seeking shelter in local schools, churches, community halls, and makeshift tents.  First Responders and residents pulled together to help with food, water, clothing, shelter including care of animals and pets.  Viewing the photos and videos attached  will surely cause one's heart to sink - say a prayer for these communities, our neighbors to the East in Kern County, California.

Many of us have friends, relatives, family members or know of someone who resides in these mountain communities.  Donna Seale, her husband Kye, and son Cary, are friends who were devastated with losses from this fire. Their home completely destroyed, everything lost, including their pets and her son's carpenter tools that are required for work!  Below is a report from Donna describing this tragic experience:

"Hi Friends and Family, Our home burned down in the Lake Isabella fire with many others. We lost everything except our lives,cars, phones, and clothes on our backs. We are grateful for what we have. Didn't have too much time to cry. I had to go to Rite Aid for sundries, then to the thrift store to see what clothes I could find for right now. I found a few things. Kye and I got our meds replaced, then we came to Bakersfield. I needed to get a change of clothes and UNDERWEAR.
Thursday night I was not allowed to go back home. The fire had spread so quickly. I didn't know if my son was still at home or if he had left and my husband was alone. As a couple of hours had passed I was getting scared. I stopped at the senior ctr where many were gathering. I asked a friend to pray for my husband and son. She prayed with me (God bless you dear) and when we were done my husband walked over to me. A lady who had been listening said, "That's the fastest answer to prayer I've ever seen. " a couple of minutes later my son showed up. Thank you Jesus!
Thank you all for your prayers, your calls, texts, support, and help you've given. We still need your prayers the most. Thank you soooo much! I love you all."

Many of her friends are helping in any and all ways possible. One way that you can help is by donating a monetary gift.  This will help with replacing her son's much needed carpenter tools, clothing, food, lodging (a home) and furnishings. Your gift is much appreciated and a blessing! Thank you so much for your generosity!

Friends of Donna Seale