November 8 to the 25, 2018, the Camp Fire, the worst wildfire in California history, burned through 153,000 acres, killed 85 civilians and incinerated 14,000 homes. Ministers from the Church of Scientology were among the religious leaders recognizing volunteers who helped in the aftermath of the disaster.

The memory of the Camp Fire may have faded for some, but not for the volunteers who continue to help or the victims still struggling to put their lives back together.

Local religious leaders organized a banquet during Interfaith Harmony Week to acknowledge those who helped and continue to do so. The event was arranged by Rev. Richard Yale, incident commander for the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California and rector of St. John’s the Evangelist Episcopal Church; Kareem Abouzeid, Executive Director of the Church of Scientology Mission of Chico; and Reverend Phillip Zabell of Lutheran Disaster Services.

Talented local singing group Sounds of the Valley brightened the night with their inspirational singing.

Rector Yale gave particular thanks for the work of Dennis Day, pastor (ret.) of the Hope Center in Oroville and the Nazarene Church; the Volunteer Ministers of the Church of Scientology; Senior Chaplain Ed Hall of the Butte County Sheriff’s Department; and Pastor Luke Buyert of Lifespring Church in Chico.

Volunteer Ken Kahzal was a prime example of the level of care of volunteers honored at the dinner. The Camp Fire destroyed his own farm and business and left him uncertain about the future. But when the town, ironically named Paradise, went up in flames that destroyed everything, he set this own worries aside, came to help, and has been coming back to help others ever since.

Three months later, local faith groups and community partners continue to work together in the area to provide emotional and spiritual care to those affected by the disaster. “The human suffering caused by the fire has been and continues to be our focus,” said Scientology Rev. Abouzeid. “St. John’s has been a blessing to people of all faiths and backgrounds. By their opening their doors to everyone, they have kept hope alive for those who have lost everything.”

For more information on the faith groups providing relief to the victims of the Camp Fire, visit their websites at:

St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church

The Church of Scientology Mission of Chico

Scientology Volunteer Ministers

Lutheran Social Services of Northern California Disaster Preparedness

Hope Center

Lifespring Church