After the widespread devastation from the L.A. fires in January 2025, community members banded together to help each other recover and rebuild. The GMA talked with Dove Award, GRAMMY and Stellar Award-winning producer and pastor of Believe LA, Aaron Lindsey, about his church’s efforts to be a support for their community as well as their work with Convoy of Hope.
How is recovery going for your community?
Recovery in our community is progressing slowly. While the fires have been contained, the aftermath has presented significant challenges. Many residents are facing delays in insurance claim processing, or their coverage is insufficient to meet the full extent of the damages. The city's rebound will take time, but we remain resilient and faithful. We believe that God will use us to transform Los Angeles into a reflection of heaven.
What are some of the blessings you’ve seen while serving your community through this crisis?
I've witnessed incredible strength of spirit among the people of Los Angeles. Even in disagreement, interactions are conducted respectfully. A particularly uplifting experience was the partnership between our church community, law enforcement, and the LA Sheriff's Department. We were able to provide resources to the Sheriff's Department for distribution to communities we couldn't directly access. This increased collaboration and shared dedication have been a true blessing.
Aaron Lindsey talks with a member of the Los Angeles sheriff's department
Tell us about your work with Convoy of Hope.
As a relatively new church of only two years, it was initially challenging to demonstrate our capacity to make a significant impact. Convoy of Hope recognized our potential and partnered with us, providing a 22-foot tractor trailer filled with essential goods. We successfully distributed these resources to the community within a week of receiving them. Our team, along with a few representatives from Convoy of Hope, also assisted in distributing goods to the Sheriff’s Department. I believe Convoy of Hope is making a powerful impact in the world by empowering churches to leave a lasting mark on their communities.
How can GMA members support the work you’re doing?
First, we need your prayers. Prayer is the driving force behind any recovery because without God’s help we can’t do it. Pray that we provide a space of hope for people who have no hope, and the spirit of peace to those who are increasingly stressed.
Secondly, we need your seed. If you feel any compassion to give to our relief efforts (or any other churches efforts in the area), please do. It is a powerful statement for the church of the living God that we are showing up in the spaces where people usually lean on the government only. We are making a statement that God’s presence is with people in their difficult moments. And not only is God's presence there, God’s people are there in tangible ways.
Finally, follow us on Instagram, YouTube, Threads, Facebook, and TikTok and connect with us if you ever want an opportunity to serve with us. If you’re in the Los Angeles area and are looking for ways to help make LA look like heaven, reach out to us at Believe LA and we would love to help get you plugged into our outreach team.
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