The Rev. Gregory Douglass and covenant group/youth members.

Over the past couple of years Southern California has been hit by devastating wildfires. Last year was especially destructive. Hundreds of thousands of acres were burned, with thousands of homes destroyed and too many lives lost. Many church families and a parsonage in San Bernadino needed assistance. Clothes, food, and funds were gathered and made available as a practical means of caring for those who experienced loss and dislocation.

Still, there was more for God's people to consider and do. A flyer from the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection came across my desk. It contained information about a reforestation project to take place April 17, 2004, in the Angeles National Forest of the San Gabriel Mountains. This was one of the areas hit hard by recent fires. One section alone lost 60,000 acres of trees. The result was not only a large scar on the beautiful mountainsides but also damage to a wildlife habitat and the local watershed. Through God's grace, the land was returning to a wonderful green around remains of blackened dead trees and landslides.

I shared the project information with a few dedicated members of Monrovia United Methodist Church. Soon members from two Covenant Discipleship groups, our Youth Covenant group, and Kids Klub Sprouts volunteered to help. This was not only a hands-on way to help, but a very practical way to live out our covenant clause to "prayerfully care for my body and the world in which I live."

Plans were developed and phone calls made. Soon nearly twenty of us, ages 10-47, were headed up the mountains. Others helped support the effort by donating supplies, such as gloves and water. When we arrived, our first duties were to move some seedlings and get them ready for planting. Then we headed deeper into the forest, where hundreds of trees, from Coulter pines to oaks, were waiting to be planted.

As we arrived at the planting site, there was a mixture of hope and sadness — sadness to see so much of God's creation scarred by a fire of "suspicious origin"; there was hope as we saw all the wildflowers, shrubs, and even some trees that had begun to grow in the midst of the destruction. Knowing that we would soon be partners in restoration was a tangible reminder of our celebration of Christ's resurrection on Easter Sunday. We were given the privilege of helping God in bringing new life to this part of the world.

We soon realized that this was going to be hard physical labor. Each team was issued shovels, a bucket for water, and a supply of seedlings to be planted. At first the thought of helping restore trees to 60,000 acres seemed daunting. Looking at hundreds of seedling trees waiting to be planted was a little overwhelming. Before long, we found ourselves carrying them up the mountain. Some team members dug holes and planted, while others watered with buckets of water. We worked together to give the seedlings a new life.

Kids Club/Sprouts members from Monrovia UMC

As we dug, planted, and watered, time and numbers no longer seemed insurmountable. Finding where a 100-foot tall tree once stood, now a place prepared to receive new life, was no longer work. It was a gift from the Holy Spirit. We had been given the privilege of joining the Spirit's creative work of restoration and renewal. While trees were planted, a new beauty came over the mountainside. Hundreds of tiny new trees dotted the mountain with hope. Some concern was expressed about future fires and how well these seedlings would take root and survive. Suddenly the cool temperatures that blessed our labor turned to rain. It was as if soft prayers were being said: "Thank you, God, for helping give these new trees a fresh start and a taste of your renewing grace."

By lunchtime our group had planted more than thirty trees in steep, rocky soil. We had tired hands, wet feet, and muddy boots and gloves. All this was the result of a covenant and the weekly accountability to care prayerfully for that which God has given us. This experience served as an excellent reminder that living out our Covenant Discipleship is very practical.

Because of the mutual accountability and support experienced in Covenant Discipleship groups, Monrovia United Methodist Church has been able to do far more than anyone would have expected. From being partners in forest restoration, to feeding the hungry, to nurturing new disciples, it's all been made real and practical through the simple practice of Covenant Discipleship. Now when we look around the church and see signs of renewal, we'll also think of those small trees now growing in God's good creation. It is very rewarding to bear good fruit.

The Rev. Gregory Douglass is pastor of Monrovia United Methodist Church, Monrovia, California.