Hollywood actor shares about God's protection during the devastating LA Fires
Greg Kriek, a South African, is a Hollywood actor. His father is a part of ESCC. Here, Greg shares a testimony of God’s protection during the devastating LA Fires and His provision after:
“I just want to share a quick testimony from January 2025. There were devastating fires in Los Angeles, probably the biggest fire disaster in US history, given the scale. Roughly 180,000 people were displaced and thousands of homes destroyed in the fires.”
A Warning Before the Disaster
“A week before the fires, I felt led to go and spend some time in an area called the Palisades, which ended up becoming the epicentre of the fire. I went for a hike on a trail that I hadn’t done before. It was amazing to see that neighbourhood and city and the incredible ocean and mountain views. Afterwards, I didn’t think much more of it. Also, about a week prior to the fires, I felt led to stock up on some extra groceries.”
The First Evacuation
“Then the next week I was busy recording additional dialogue for a movie at a studio in LA and suddenly we got notifications on our phones that a fire was impending. Our initial reaction was that it was not an emergency yet and it probably applies to some [other] areas. But before we could blink we were forced to evacuate from that studio. I got to the freeway and I had moments when I thought I was going to have to abandon my car. I was praying for protection and guidance, and I managed to make it back to my home.”
A Night in a Temporary Shelter
“Then it happened again in the wee hours of the morning, amid all this chaos and drama. I had to evacuate from my home and spend the night in a temporary shelter. It felt like something from a war zone – like something you’d see in a movie.
What’s so crazy about moments like this is that it’s so hard to keep your head screwed on and to think about what is essential. It’s amazing how quickly disasters like this can strike. I was trying to speak to my loved ones as soon as I could, telling them that I didn’t know what was going to happen and also taking my important documents. But still, how can you prepare for these moments?”
Witnessing the Devastation
“After that temporary evacuation, there was another scare. What was really profound was that pretty much all the neighbourhoods and many, many homes close to where I live were completely burned. It was crazy to see the live updates of the fires on an app – and watching these fires all around me close in. In those moments, you realise that the window to escape gets smaller and smaller. I was just praying and trusting God. It’s amazing, with hindsight, how he guided and protected me.”
Hollywood’s Struggles and God’s Provision
“The big shock for everyone in Hollywood was that in addition to the film and TV industry really being impacted heavily since COVID and then, you may not be aware, but, there were major, major strikes in Hollywood that had a ripple effect. These fires were a third wave of disaster. It felt like a final blow and people were unsure of what was going to happen.
I’m so grateful to share that in addition to being protected during the fires that currently I’ve been provided with work.”
A Message of Encouragement
“I hope this serves as an encouragement. Sometimes, the fires of life will encroach and come right towards us, and just like in [the book of] Daniel, we can be protected in the fire. It felt like it was a modern retelling of that”. – Greg Kriek
“By the time the Eaton and Palisades fires were mostly contained, some 16,000 homes and properties had been destroyed.” New York Times
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. Isaiah 43:2 ESV
Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the burning fiery furnace; he declared, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here!” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the fire. Daniel 3:26. ESV
*Photo of Greg Kriek used with permission.
** Photo of fire, by CAL FIRE_Official – Palisades Fire, Public Domain
