Baptist Believers Among Those Who Lost Homes
Devastating heat across the European part of Russia, made worse by almost 600 wildfires burning out of control. At least 52 people have died, and the fires have destroyed some 2,000 homes. The region around the southern city of Voronezh is especially hard-hit. At least six Christian families lost their homes and belongings, along with 120 other families in nearby Olkhovatka.In the capital of Moscow, a deep layer of smoke from the wildfires is hanging in the air, prompting many city residents to wear masks and causing dozens of flight delays or diversions. The concentration of airborne pollutants is at more than six times normal levels according to city health officials — the worst seen to date in Moscow. The smog has seeped into buildings and the city’s subway system. With temperatures standing at near 100 degrees Fahrenheit, this is the worst Russian heat wave in 130 years of record keeping. The average temperature for Moscow this time of year is 75 degrees.
There are also deep concerns over the impact of the fires on the Russian harvest. The government has banned wheat exports for the time being, which could have a global impact on prices. Russian officials have acknowledged that the 10,000 firefighters battling the blazes aren’t enough for the number of fires raging.
"Please lift this urgent matter before the Lord, praying especially for the six Christian families who lost their homes and belongings, - says SGA President Dr. Bob Provost. Pray for the hundreds of others who have lost their homes, or are in danger of losing them. Intercede for the faithful men and women battling the fires night and day, asking the Lord to protect them. Pray for the Lord to bring the needed rain and lower temperatures that will help extinguish the fires. And above all, pray that God will grant wisdom and direction to Russian believers and churches as they seek opportunities to glorify Him and share the Gospel in the midst of this tragedy".
