“In the beginning of last week we were struck by the news of two great wildfires in Portugal – one in the central and northern area of the Portugal mainland and another in Madeira.
On account of the weather conditions both of them spread rapidly leaving behind great material losses, casualties and the death of at least one person in the mainland and three in Madeira.
Taking into account the dimensions of these tragedies the EUD got in contact with the local leaders of our church in those territories to better understand the situation. As we did so, we became very impressed by the great solidarity manifested by the people and the various organizations and institutions – private and state owned – that are operating in the ground in behalf of those affected by this tremendous disasters.
We praise the Lord for this manifested spirit of service and willingness to help, since this is a facet of true love, which comes from God. We praise Him also as we realize that this same spirit of service and selfless love towards the needed has been greatly manifested, in various manners, by our brothers and sisters, the Pathfinders (Adventist Scouts), and other residing in these affected areas of Portugal.
Our most heartfelt sympathy goes out to all those who have been affected by this enormous tragedy. We pray in a very special way for all the ones that have been injured or lost their beloved ones on account of these raging and erratic fires in Portugal mainland and Madeira.”
