The Lord is Mighty to Save!

By Pastor Wayne Uhlhornn - Fount of Life Lutheran Church – Colorado Springs, CO

June 28, 2012,

I’ve seen (attached) a map that that shows the growth of the fire since it started on Saturday. One thing to note is what a bad day Tuesday was. It was the apex of dry, hot, windy, conditions. The afternoon wind gusts from the west that hit 65 mph caused the fire to grow, come down the ridges, and explode and destroy the foothill neighborhoods. It was as sad and scary a thing that I’ve ever watched. Some of you know we’ve been blessed with an awesome view of Pikes Peak and the Rampart Range and surrounding foothills from our backyard. Standing there that evening, watching flames descend, was awe-filled and aw-ful.

The Incident Commander has said that he’s never seen a fire grow in so many different directions. The national coverage and on-line photos show that, too. It was a bad day.

But note the growth of the fire yesterday. Hardly any growth at all. And we’ve begun today with higher dew points, not much wind, and some rain in the forecast. It’s the first non Red Flag Warning Day in several days. The Incident Commander has said yesterday and today will be good days to attack the fire, and improve containment. Right now the fire stands at 18,500 acres and 5% containment. There are 1200 people working the fire, including some of the most experience and qualified fire fighters in the country.

Rain was not in the forecast for yesterday but it did. Things were looking bleak on Tuesday, as the fires ranged down the hill, orange smoke filled the air throughout the city, and evacuees suddenly jammed the traffic. But God showed he was in control. And our gracious God heard and answered our prayers.

Here’s some more miraculous news. The home that our member family had to evacuate in the Mountain Shadows neighborhood, is reported to be untouched! 300 homes in that neighborhood are reported to be destroyed by the fire. But their block was spared. Thank the Lord and sing his praise!

Throughout this whole fire incident, it has been a humbling experience to bow before the Lord, recognize his almighty power, his unsearchable wisdom, and our total reliance on him. When the various officials hold a press conference they don’t always (or ever) acknowledge the Lord, but when they say “we were amazed at what we saw …. We have never seen a fire do the things this one has done …. We are so thankful for mother nature cooperating today …. There has been an overwhelming response to taking care of people’s needs’ …. we know that is our Lord at work.

We’ve had some members evacuate their homes and I’m sure Salem Lutheran has had more who live in those evacuated areas. 32,000 in the city have been evacuated. But the Lord is taking care of them all. And I still see smoke in the foothills when I look west. Home and lives are still in danger. Still, I want to thank you for your calls, emails, texts, concern, and most of all, prayers. The Lord has heard and is hearing them. And he is mighty to save.

Wayne

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Pastor Wayne Uhlhorn

Fount of Life Lutheran Church

6650 Omaha Blvd.

Colorado Springs, CO 80915

www.fountoflife.com

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