February 2025 Newsletter - Conversations | Spiritual Insights

Deonna Heath interviews Paul Perea

Rallying Together: The Willows Response to the Los Angeles Wildfires

When wildfires tore through the Los Angeles area, The Willows quickly mobilized to provide support—not just through physical aid, but through the power of prayer and community. Recognizing both the immediate and spiritual needs of those affected, the leadership team took swift action to provide practical and prayerful support.

Willows Resident Operations Director Paul Perea, an integral part of this response effort, recalled the moment the crisis unfolded. “As a community and as a leadership team, we wanted to support our fellow Christian Scientists who were impacted,” he shared. One of the first steps was reaching out to the Clerks of eight Christian Science churches in the affected areas, ensuring that those in need had direct access to both tangible and metaphysical support.

But the response extended far beyond just a few individuals. The Willows prayer teams—typically organized to focus on challenges that arise—opened their arms wider than ever before. “We invited not only our existing prayer teams but also others in the community who weren’t officially on a team,” Paul explained. “Each person was encouraged to contribute in their own way.”

The outpouring of inspiration was remarkable. Nearly 80 individuals participated, offering prayers, hymns, testimonies, and passages from beloved spiritual texts. Paul compiled these messages and sent them to all those who had offered their support, as well as to the eight affected churches.

Helpful material aid was also given, and appreciated. Individuals could donate to church members who lost their homes, and The Willows offered housing to those who needed to evacuate. In the end it turned out that the spiritual support given had the most impact. “The email we sent with all the different types of inspiration really meant a lot to the churches,” Paul noted. “They felt they weren’t alone. That our movement was rallying together to help solve a problem.”

One particularly moving moment came from Altadena, where three church members lost everything in the fire. “We reached out immediately,” Paul said. “The church’s practitioner later contacted me, specifically thanking us for the metaphysical support we had sent. She felt it truly helped her in guiding and uplifting her congregation.”

Through prayer, generosity, and unwavering support, The Willows demonstrated what it means to rally together as a community in times of crisis—reaching out with unconditional love.