California has been slammed by the biggest storms we’ve had in five years, sending rain and wind and flooding. I heard this morning that floods result in more deaths than any other natural disaster, including the fires we’ve had over the past few years.

One of our favorite restaurants in Capitola, Zelda’s, lost most of two walls and their outdoor seating area. Don and I were there with Arn and Jenny about three weeks ago, on one of the Coast’s beautiful, sunny days.

Most of the Capitola Pier, including The Wharf, another favorite breakfast place at the end of the pier behind us in the photo, has been wiped out.

We have friends who have been evacuated from their homes due to possible levee breaks, downed trees, flash flooding, power outages, and road closures.

Photo by Julie Joy Johnson

The photo to the right shows the destruction of the Capitola Wharf.

Our former church, Twin Lakes Church in Aptos (and others, I assume) is providing assistance to those who are evacuated or need help. Go to tlc.org/relief if you need assistance.

Don and I traveled Highway 17 south to Santa Cruz for two appointments on Friday. While we were rerouted to a long, narrow, curvy detour, we were able to get through. The news this morning shows one lane of the highway going south closed.

• Mudslides.
• Downed trees.
• Winds up to 85 mph in some parts of the Bay Area.

For a view of the Soquel Creek passing the landmark Shadowbrook Restaurant, see this video from @TimmoRice.

https://twitter.com/TimmoRice/status/1611146972534013953?s=20&t=jiTVNMlppNvAlAO2yllISw

And for a view of Montecito Creek in Santa Barbara County, see https://twitter.com/i/status/1612541031739973633

Governor Newsom declared this a state of emergency, and it surely is for those who have lost homes, businesses, and in some cases, family members. Please pray for California as we go through another week or more of heavy storms. And for those whose homes or livelihoods are gone, and must either be demolished or rebuilt. Many will need help to recover. Pray that in this time of loss and damage many will turn to God in faith, believing He still has a good plan for them (Jeremiah 29:11).

And let’s watch for opportunities to serve those around us, whether or not we’re in a hard-hit area of the State. Jesus gave his life in place of ours – He healed the sick, raised the dead, spoke truth to all, and took the punishment for our sins on Himself so we could have eternal life. What an example! We too can reach out to those in need, whether by donating to a group that is providing food and shelter for those impacted by this storm, or by giving directly, by praying for those who have lost so much, by helping with cleanup … There are ways each of us can be engaged in ministering to those in need at this time.

 “Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” John 13:33-35