July 11, 2026

Dear Fellow Pastors, Churches, and Brethren, 

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

We write today to inform you of a developing crisis in southern Colorado that may soon require the compassionate response of God’s people. A large wildfire, known as the Aspen Acres Fire, has been burning since late June and has grown rapidly to over 90,000 acres. It is affecting multiple counties including Custer, Pueblo, Fremont, and Huerfano, with significant evacuations in place.  

Specifically, the community of Wetmore and the surrounding areas are in the direct line of the fire. Pastor Brian Withrow and the congregation of Wetmore Baptist Church, along with many families in their community, have been impacted by mandatory evacuations. Homes, structures, and livelihoods are at risk, and the needs for shelter, food, clothing, financial assistance, and long-term recovery could become substantial in the coming days and weeks.  

As we have done in past disasters through Baptist Charities, we desire to respond through local churches with the love of Christ—providing aid with zero overhead so that every gift reaches the point of need. Our goal is to partner with faithful churches like Wetmore Baptist to deliver practical help while pointing people to the hope we have in the Gospel. 

We encourage your church to begin preparing now: 

• Pray earnestly for Pastor Brian Withrow, his family, the members of Wetmore Baptist Church, and all those affected. Pray for the safety of firefighters and for containment of the fires. 

• Prepare to give as the Lord leads. Funds can be sent to Baptist Charities. 
   

We will provide updates as more information becomes available and as specific needs are confirmed. 

Thank you for your faithful partnership in the Gospel and in “pure religion” as described in James 1:27—visiting the afflicted in their time of need. May the Lord use this trial to draw many closer to Himself and to strengthen the bonds between churches. 
 

In Christ’s service, 

Joshua Soliz  

Rodgers Baptist Church | Travis Gilbert, Senior Pastor 

P.O. Box 460639, Garland, Texas 75046 | (972) 675-4800 | www.rodgersbaptist.net