A prominent Christian camp based in California has been destroyed by the Dixie Fire, a recent wildfire considered one of the worst in state history.
According to The Christian Post, Sierra Bible Camp, based in the northeastern part of the state on the banks of Lake Almanor, got caught up in the blaze, which destroyed all 23 of its buildings.
The camp confirmed the news on its Facebook page last week.
“Thank you, all for your encouraging words,” the camp wrote on August 7. “We, too, are heartbroken at the loss of our camp and are still coming to terms with all of the devastation. We have enjoyed so many years there and have come to know the communities around the lake as a part of our Christian family.”
Despite the loss, the camp shared that they are “blessed” that they managed to evacuate early and that no one was killed.
“We have a loving Christian family that ministers to us, and a Loving God, who blesses us in so many ways,” they added.
Mike Vincelli, a Sierra Bible Camp board member, described the experience as “heart-wrenching,” noting that he is “hurt” after seeing the damage.
“So many people and so many kids had gone through camp and had found Christ there,” he told The Christian Post. “For it to be just gone … we just all felt very sad and just heartbroken.”
He noted that the camp is met with 2,200 visitors a year, 1,500 of which are children.
At the present time, the camp is raising funds for rebuilding. While Vincelli says the camp is insured, it will not be able to cover the damage costs.
Anyone interested in donating to the camp can contribute to 2042 Trailview Cout in Redding, California, 96003, he shared.
According to the Sierra Bible Camp’s website, the camp was founded in 1952 and provides young people with an opportunity to engage in “an affordable outdoor experience wherein they can connect with God and fellow young Christians.”
As reported by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Dixie Fire began in July and has spread across four counties.
As of Monday, the blaze has destroyed over 570,000 acres and more than 1,000 buildings. It is currently 31 percent contained.
The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Justin Sullivan/Staff
Milton Quintanilla is a freelance writer and content creator. He is a contributing writer for CrosswalkHeadlines and the host of the For Your Soul Podcast, a podcast devoted to sound doctrine and biblical truth. He holds a Masters of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary.
