Relief for Danny & Rachel's Wildfire Loss

This has been a tragic week for Danny and Rachel, who just lost everything to the “Airport Fire” in Southern California.

On September 10th, they were told to evacuate their home in the mountains west of Lake Elsinore, California. They grabbed their dogs, cats, and guinea pig. Unfortunately, they had to leave their ducks and chickens behind, hoping they could escape. They gathered the few clothes they could throw into a laundry hamper, some important documents, and whatever else they could grab and load into two cars, and they quickly left the first home they had ever bought together.

By the morning of September 11th, they found out their home was gone–burned to the ground.

They have not asked anyone for anything — they do not want anyone to feel guilty or obligated, and they don’t want to feel as if this is a burden on anyone—which is why we are setting this up for them. So many people have texted, messaged, and called us to ask, “What can we do to help?”

If you feel compelled to donate, it would be a welcome relief. If not, your prayers and sentiments are always appreciated!

Danny is an officer in the USMC, stationed at Camp Pendleton. Rachel is an architect/ artist who is currently pursuing an EMT/Firefighter position through the state of California.

They were married just over a year ago, and to say that this first year has been challenging for them competes for the understatement of all time. They moved across the country, bought a beautiful, unique house in the California mountains, and started a new life together. Then–instead of what was supposed to be six months later–three weeks later Danny was sent overseas for six months, leaving Rachel in a new place with no friends and far from family.

Since then, they’ve had one problem after another: Danny’s Jeep Wrangler caught on fire on the California freeway, burned completely, was totaled, and had to be replaced; Rachel’s Jeep Cherokee died via a failed powertrain while they were in Montana visiting mom and dad, again totaling the car which had to be immediately replaced so they could get back to Pendleton; Rachel’s beloved cat of 7 years, Sparrow, disappeared, most likely to a coyote; and now the total loss of their home. Through it all, they’ve come together and prayed for relief and Christ’s Grace.

Thankfully they had insurance, but they could use some assistance bridging the gap until that goes through — if and when it goes through, and then if it goes through, will it cover the entire amount? Since much of Southern California is still on fire, this may be a long process. They could use funds for clothing, food, rent or hotel, deposits, or a down payment on a new home. And when they find a new place to live, they'll need furniture and household items.

Even then, it may not cover all that they have lost.

Their 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom home was fully furnished with 30 years of memories, from beautiful paintings that Rachel created and all of her art supplies, memorabilia from her father, a wonderful book collection, musical instruments including a drum set that Danny saved up for years to buy for himself, a beloved “sword and shield” that Danny’s father made for him when he was about 7 years old, and so much more.

Danny & Rachel realize they are not alone in this destruction. Their hearts especially go out to their three neighbors (Barbara, Pam, and Jerry) who also lost their homes in the Airport Fire. All of these neighbors welcomed them with open arms when they moved in, especially supporting Rachel when Danny was deployed; they helped her feel like she had “family” when she had no one else to lean on. All of these neighbors have been in their homes for at least 20 years, some close to 40 years, and planned to retire there. They raised their children and grandchildren in those homes.

Danny & Rachel currently have temporary lodging with a friend and have started the process of looking for other housing.

Danny and Rachel thank you from the bottom of their hearts for all of your prayers and well wishes!!

Also a huge "Thank You" from Danny's parents, Keith and Marie Jakle in Helena, Montana, and from Donna Pickert-Oatney, Rachel's mother in Kansas City, Missouri.