The Yeongnam region of South Korea was hit by a spate of intense wildfires since 27 March that have affected a total of 79 churches and displaced 378 families across four local presbyteries.
Extensive damage caused by the fires that originated in Uiseong county includes church buildings, manses (pastoral residences), and homes of congregation members completely or partially burnt to the ground.
“Twenty churches in the Pohang Presbytery, 57 churches in the Gyeongan Presbytery, one church in the Pyeongnam Presbytery, and another in the Hamhae Presbytery have reported significant damage,” wrote Rev. Bo Hyun Kim, General Secretary of the Presbyterian Church of Korea (PCK) in a letter to Rev. Dr Jooseop Keum, General Secretary of the Council for World Mission (CWM) describing the devastation caused by the wildfires in the PCK.
Reports from mainstream media have cited more than 33,000 hectares (81,500 acres) of land being burnt in the wake of one of the largest of wildfires that the country has witnessed in recent history. The previous record was 24,000 hectares (59,000 acres) of destruction wrought by a similar fire 25 years ago in March 2000.
Climate change has been cited as a main contributing factor for the extreme wildfires.
PCK expresses gratitude to CWM
In a move of partnership and solidarity, CWM has provided emergency relief funds to assist the victims of the disaster.
“We are deeply moved by the CWM’s generous support in response to the unprecedented large-scale wildfires that have severely affected our churches and communities,” said Bo. “On behalf of PCK, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to CWM for your faithful partnership in expressing the love and mission of God.”
CWM fervently seeks the prayers of our global members and ecumenical partners over the families and churches that have their work and lives disrupted by the wildfires.