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ALTADENA, Calif. () — At Hillside Tabernacle City of Faith church in Altadena, the community gathered to give thanks and honor G.L. and Jerice Kenebrew, a husband and wife and pastors at the church who are helping their city heal after the devastating Eaton Fire.
“The joy of the Lord has been your strength, and we thank you for being a blessing to this community,” said Christine Hayworth of World Vision’s Church Engagement team.
The Kenebrews are widely recognized, not only as spiritual leaders, but as community anchors in the wake of tragedy.
“We don’t just lead this church, we lead the community we’re in,” said G.L. Kenebrew. “Leadership does not fall to the ground because a tragedy has come.”
That tragedy struck on January 7, 2024, when the Eaton Fire tore through Altadena, destroying homes and forcing families to flee. As flames spread, the Kenebrews opened the doors of Hillside Tabernacle as a refuge for neighbors seeking safety.
Eventually, they were also forced to evacuate.
“It looked like an apocalypse,” recalled G.L. Kenebrew. “Fire was in the trees, on the wires everywhere, hundreds of houses burning.”
Among those impacted was Altadena resident Alexis Rodriguez, who lost her home in the fire. She found comfort and support through the church in the days that followed.
“It felt like family welcoming us,” she said. “They are also part of the people that were affected, so we share that pain but, also they brought us up.”
The Kenebrews also lost their home in the fire, but not their mission.
“Our plan is to provide all that we can – support, prayer, love, resources” said Jerice Kenebrew.
Through Hillside Tabernacle’s Care Ministry, the church partnered with World Vision to distribute food, water, generators, and financial assistance to displaced families.
One year later, the partnership remains active.
“We’re here to just celebrate … just look what God has done, but the work is not done, so we’re still boots on the ground,” said Hayworth.
As Altadena continues rebuilding, G.L Kenebrew is offering a message of resilience and unity.
“We shall rise,” he said. “We are Altadena strong, and we are not for sale.”
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