September 25, 2021 (Saturday) - 8:00 pm PT

The “Wind Fire” that was bearing down on the mountain community of California Hot Spring, home to the Bates and Woodruff families, has calmed greatly.  Both families where able to arrive home late Friday, to the great encouragement to grandpa Bates, other family and neighbors. 

The neighbors report that on Thursday morning the roar of the fire was very ominous and they began packing to leave.  The danger was clearly present.  However, after the prayer requests starting going out the conditions began to change.  By this morning (Saturday), the fire has not advanced at the same pace.  With the fire about 4-5 miles up mountain, the Fire equipment and teams are poised to build necessary breaks around the community if needed.  Although the smoke and falling ash create very poor air quality, the livestock and domestic animals are secure at this point.  It seems the imminent danger has been greatly reduced.  

Please pray that the fire will “lay down” and will advance no further.  Due to the very steep and rough terrain, the next prayer is for rain to extinguish the fire, otherwise the fire will burn until the winter rains come. 

The Bates and Woodruff families Praise God for His favor and the prayers and support offered by all.  They literal feel your love and support at their back.  

September 24, 2021 (Friday) -1:30 pm PT

Dear Friends,

Our beloved members from the Bakersfield Congregation:  John & Maryann Woodruff and Dan & Debbie Bates reside in California Hot Springs (northeast of Bakersfield).  There is a wildfire about 6-7 miles from their homes and ranch.  With rough terrain and erratic winds an evacuation order has been announced for California Hot Springs.  

The Bates and Woodruff’s have left the Feast and are headed home today.  They hope to be on site by morning (Saturday).  There are fire breaks to build around buildings and equipment, and cattle to move to safety.

Dan’s father, Merrill who is in his 90’s is currently at the ranch with John Woodruff’s dad, hopes to remain at the ranch until the family can evacuate together with Dan, Debbie, John and Maryann.

This homestead has been in their family for over 99 years.  

Please pray for the entire California Hot Springs mountain community: 

• that the fire will stop and not approach the valley
• smoke will clear 
• cattle can be safely moved and saved
• the houses, buildings, farm & construction equipment will be spared

Thank you for your prayers on behalf of these two families and the California Hot Springs community!