A Pastoral Visit to Lytton

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Jane Alexander, Assisting Bishop, Territory of the People

On Thursday July 21st, I was blessed to be able to visit in the Lytton area to speak with folk after the evacuations and losses connected to the Nohomin Creek wildfire.  The community has rallied together in amazing ways; Rev. Angus and pastoral elders Pauline, Ernie, and Amy are keeping in close touch with folk tending to needs both physical and spiritual.  Deputy Chief John and Chief Janet are busy listening and supporting the community.  I ask you to pray especially for those on the ground in leadership, for their continued health and strength as they care for their neighbours.  We pray for those who have lost their homes on the westside, for those still displaced in Lilloet and in Cache Creek.  We give thanks for all those providing community meals and ways for people to come together.  We pray for those fighting the fire for their safety and strength and for their families who worry about them.

We know that there will be pastoral needs for months to come since this fire has reminded folk of the trauma of the Lytton fire last year.  As a Territory, we continue to stand in solidarity and provide all the support we can.  The Fire Fund is still receiving applications for immediate help, and we have made sure there are emergency funds on the ground.  Contact Angus, Pauline, or John or send us an email at office@territory.anglican.ca and we will put you in touch.  In addition, I was able to visit in Kanaka Bar to see amazing progress on new housing, in Lytton First Nation to see continued work on their new housing, in Boothroyd, a pit stop in Ashcroft and in Lilloet to dream of future ministry.

~ posted to The Territory of the People website on July 22, 2022