In a recent heartfelt message, President Jeffrey R. Holland of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shared his prayers and support for families impacted by the devastating wildfires in California. President Holland extended comfort and encouragement, acknowledging the great loss experienced by many.
He reminded those affected that while trials like these can be overwhelming, faith in God provides strength and peace. His words were a beacon of hope in the face of such hardship, urging those impacted to hold on to the power of faith during challenging times.
An aerial view of the damage caused by the Palisades fires in in Pacific Palisades, California on February 21, 2025. | Church NewsroomChurch Newsroom reported on President Holland’s message as follows:
The January wildfires in Los Angeles County brought damage and destruction for people living in a beautiful part of the United States. For thousands, their world turned upside down as strong winds enabled ferocious fires to destroy trees, homes and neighborhoods.
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from Pasadena, Palisades and Altadena, California, who were impacted by the recent wildfires, gathered in a chapel on Saturday, February 22, 2025, to hear from President Jeffrey R. Holland, the Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
“[God] loves us,” said President Holland to a capacity gathering of Church members and their friends who continue to experience excruciating loss. “I don’t know whether a meeting like this means anything to you, but it means a lot to us that we want you to know. We cry with you. We pray with you. You’re not isolated. You’re not forgotten.”
Hilary Cannon sifts through the ashes of the lot where their home once stood, looking for keepsakes that are important to their family in Pacific Palisades, California on February 21, 2025. | Church NewsroomHilary and Jonathan Cannon had a home in Pacific Palisades. “I can’t help but think of my kids’ grief,” said the mother of four young girls, ages 3 to 10. “They are just devastated.”
Days earlier, she was scouring the lot looking for family keepsakes.
“I can walk through; I can see everything in my home,” she said, recalling a desire to find the Christmas tree with personalized Christmas ornaments made for each of their daughters. “But it’s like your brain knows that it’s gone, you can’t accept it because it’s too much to, it’s too much.”
“We cling to what we know,” President Holland said. “That means faith, perseverance, patience and brotherly kindness.”
Hilary Cannon gathers keepsakes that are important to their family from the ashes of their home in Pacific Palisades, California on February 21, 2025. | Church NewsroomHe also testified that too often, we pursue “long-suffering but don’t want it to be very long … and don’t want to suffer.”
“This is just a tiny moment in our lives that is really difficult and probably will be for a long time,” said Jonathan Cannon, “but knowing that there’s something greater with God’s love that will strengthen us and protect us and help us get through this.”
President Holland acknowledged the role of “a broken heart and a contrite spirit” in overcoming loss, frustration, sadness, and sin.
“We need to pray more,” he said referring to his own challenges. But he acknowledged they are a beneficial part of God’s plan for blessing each of His children.
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from Pasadena, Palisades and Altadena, who were impacted by the fires, listen to President Jeffrey R Holland during a meeting in Van Nuys, California on February 22, 2025. | Church NewsroomCalifornia wildfires in January are rare as they typically appear during the summer months. Meteorologists have noted the rains that followed the wildfires created additional damage to streets and public spaces by flooding.
The Palisades, Eaton and Hughes fires are among the 10 largest fires to hit this area since 2013.
“I will never leave you, nor forsake you,” said President Holland, referencing the Savior’s words to young people and offering a blessing to their mothers who are flying “the flag of faith.”
Elder Mark Bragg, North America West Area President, along with his wife, Yvonne, joined in support. They are lifelong members of the West Hollywood area.
The January 2025 wildfires in California have caused significant devastation, with over 18,000 homes destroyed and at least 29 lives lost. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are encouraged to support those affected through various avenues:
Monetary Donations: Contributions can be made to the Church’s humanitarian fund, which provides immediate relief and long-term recovery assistance. Donations can be made online or through local congregations.
Volunteer Efforts: Local congregations are organizing volunteer groups to assist with cleanup, rebuilding, and providing support to displaced families. Members are encouraged to participate in these initiatives.
Material Assistance: The Church is coordinating the distribution of essential supplies such as food, water, clothing, and bedding. Members can contribute by donating items at designated collection points or through local bishops’ storehouses.
Prayer and Emotional Support: Offering prayers for those affected and providing emotional support to individuals and families in the community are vital forms of assistance.
For more information on how to help, please refer to the Church’s official statement on the Southern California fires. By coming together, members can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those impacted by this tragedy.
How have you found strength and peace during times of hardship? Share your thoughts in the comments and let’s support one another with faith and encouragement.
Holly Wallace is a writer and storyteller drawn to meaningful questions and overlooked details. Her work explores Latter-day Saint life and culture through faithful inquiry, inviting readers to pause, consider, and engage more deeply with what matters most.
