Immediate Needs for Ross and Zach After Palisades Fire

My brother Ross and Brother-in-Law Zach are facing a profound loss from the Palisades fire. Their home and church have both been destroyed. They evacuated yesterday with their pets after ensuring that the church’s preschool were evacuated and the building was secure as possible.

As the fires ravaged the Pacific Palisades overnight there was a bit of hope this morning (January 8th) that their church (where they lived in an apartment) would be spared. First responders and those unable to evacuate were using the church as a safe haven and fire trucks were ready to protect the structure but they simply ran out of water. The building is a total loss.

Ross and Zach have not only lost their home and their church, but an entire community they loved dearly. We’re so grateful for their safety and continue to pray for the health and safety of all those impacted.

Ross began working at the church 10 years ago. He serves as the Director of Worship and had been passionately working to open up spaces in the building so new programs could flourish. He poured his heart and soul into that place. Zach recently started working as the Director of Communications there and was launching a new theater program this month.

They lived above the sanctuary in an apartment. Their church was more than a place to worship - it was their home and they gave so much of themselves so that the church would not only endure, but thrive. They were married in the church in June. The Pacific Palisades provided them a place of belonging and community.

Though in Los Angeles, Ross loved that it was a small town just like the one he grew up in. What they loved most was the close knit, caring feel their community provided. The kind of quaint and cozy town where folks knew everybody and took care of each other.

This fund has been established to provide for their immediate needs. There will be resources and aid available in the coming days but for now they need clothing, food, and necessities. Your support means the world to them and their families. Please continue to hold in your thoughts all those affected by this grave disaster.