‘For I will restore health to you
And I will heal your wounds,’ says the Lord.
(Jeremiah 30:17 AMP)
I was reading an article on the health hazards of areas that had experienced wildfires, like in Maui in 2023 and Los Angeles last month. One article led to another that led to another. By the time I stopped clicking through, I had read about the tremendous environmental disaster of lithium EV batteries melted down in L.A., a 525 pound male brown bear that had taken up residence in a crawl space under an evacuated home in L.A., and some “star” I’ve never heard of saying she’s leaving L.A. until the air quality improves. But a report commissioned by the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization gave more perspective on how the fires there have impacted residents’ mental, physical, and economic health. Of the 224 participants in this initial six-week study, the heart-wrenching highlights include:
-Only 24% of participants remain in their pre-wildfire homes. The majority, 65%, are in temporary homes, and 11% have moved to new permanent homes. The wildfires caused 58% of participants to lose their jobs. Currently, over half have found employment, but 24% are still jobless and searching. Additionally, 74% report a drop in their household income.
– 49% said their health is now worse than last year (prior to the wildfires). About 24% reported that they do not have steady access to medical care.
-Over 20% of the cohort participants showed high blood pressure at the level of stage 1 and 2 hypertension, with 55% at pre-hypertension levels, indicating an overall proportion (~76%) of individuals at elevated risk for cardiovascular disease. Initial blood biomarker tests also indicated that 8-18% of participants may have
compromised kidney function. Additionally, up to 74% of participants may be experiencing poor respiratory health, with 49% exhibiting signs of mild to severe lung obstruction, and 33% with compromised lung function linked to impaired tissue oxygenation.
– a significant rise in depression rates among its participants, with 55% exhibiting depressive symptoms. This is notably higher than the approximately 33% reported for both the general population statewide and specifically for Maui residents in a previous survey. Depression rates in the MauiWES cohort increased with age, peaking at 75% in those aged 50-59. This suggests the wildfires had a profound impact on the
mental health of older residents, highlighting their vulnerability to psychological trauma during recovery.
Although we can argue what the governments should be doing to help these people, we the people of GOD need to be praying. Would you join me?
Jehovah Rapha,
You are our refuge and strength, mighty and unshakable, ever-present and proven in times of trouble. You are with your people, our stronghold and high tower. Thank you that your promises are trustworthy and that you desire healing, restoration, and wholeness within us. Today, we come before you to pray for the areas affected by the fires in Maui and Los Angeles.
We first lift up the people whose lives have been devastated by the loss of homes, jobs, community, and health. We pray that you would make every available resource, both natural and supernatural, accessible for the restoration of their lives and livelihoods. Heal their bodies from the trauma and damage caused by the fires. Heal the environment from the toxins released during the infernos. Heal their minds, spirits, emotions, and relationships with your love, grace, and power.
Where earthly governments or others may be hindering their healing and restoration, we ask for those blockages to be removed. We pray that the information they receive will be truthful, accurate, and helpful. We pray that the leaders in these areas will act according to your Kingdom’s purposes, being men and women of integrity and honor who serve you and the people they lead.
We ask for the healing and restoration of these communities. We ask all of this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
God is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable],
A very present and well-proved help in trouble.
God is in the midst of her [His city], she will not be moved;
God will help her when the morning dawns.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold [our refuge, our high tower]. (Psalm 46:1, 5, 7 AMP)
https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/525-pound-bear-found-under-a-house-in-california-after-fire-5802257