A resource from Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada (LEAN)

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1

Wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense across Nevada. Preparing now helps our congregations live out our call to love our neighbors and protect the most vulnerable.

1. Protect People

• Make sure your congregation has an up-to-date emergency contact list for members.
• Identify who may need extra help in an evacuation (elders, disabled, unhoused neighbors).
• Share evacuation routes and local shelter information during worship and newsletters.

2. Protect Property

• Clear brush, debris, and flammable material from around church buildings.
• Check fire extinguishers, alarms, and sprinklers—are they working?
• Back up important records and store them in the cloud or off-site.

3. Protect Community

• Create a plan to check in on members and neighbors after a fire.
• Partner with local organizations to provide water, cooling stations, or shelter if needed.
• Designate your church as a communication hub for updates if internet/power goes down.

4. Protect Ministry

• Develop a plan for how worship, food ministries, or mutual aid can continue in an emergency.
• Train leaders in trauma-informed care—wildfires bring not only physical loss but emotional impact.
• Pray and teach about creation care: resilience, climate justice, and loving our neighbors.

Smoke impacts don’t stop at the fire line. Protect lungs and health:

• Keep N95 masks handy
• Look after kids, elders, and those with breathing conditions
• Share extras with neighbors in need

Caring for health = caring for community.

Jesus reminds us that discipleship isn’t always comfortable. Carrying the cross means choosing love over fear, compassion over indifference, and justice over silence.

Every time we speak up for our neighbors, advocate for fair housing, defend creation, or widen the circle of belonging—we are carrying our cross in Nevada today.

This week, let’s ask: Where is God calling me to take up my cross?
Maybe it’s writing to a legislator, showing up for a neighbor, or simply practicing kindness in a hard place.

The cross isn’t about losing life—it’s about discovering abundant life together. 

The systems harming low-income and BIPOC Nevadans weren’t created by accident.
They were built to hoard power, protect profit, and punish the poor.

But systems are not permanent—they can be changed.

Every time we speak out, show up, and organize together,
we take back power and build the world we deserve—
one rooted in justice, dignity, and love.