Firefighter David Long was off...
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Firefighter David Long was off duty the afternoon of August 24, 2000. But, when he saw Francis and Katie Wattenbarger struggling to put out a fire near their family home near Horse Heaven Hills in southern Washington, he knew he had to help. The frail couple, in their late seventies, were desperately trying to save the home Francis' father had built in 1907. Nearby, Long saw Susan Price fighting the same fire that was threatening her eight dogs, two cats, two horses, and her school house home. Long swung into action. Cutting brush with a chain saw and digging ditches -- until 4 the next morning -- he saved the Wattenbargers' and Price's property. When help finally arrived late that night, it took 100 fire departments and 530 National Guard members three more days to put the fire out, which consumed 77,000 acres across three counties.
The need of these people prompted David Long to respond and help them. Jesus in our text challenges every Christian to be willing to serve others, to help them in their need, to show them true sacrificial love, Christian love.
The need of these people prompted David Long to respond and help them. Jesus in our text challenges every Christian to be willing to serve others, to help them in their need, to show them true sacrificial love, Christian love.
