The Future of Broadview
(Esther 4:14)
. . . who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
On a small hill, in a quiet corner of Los Angeles, California, there’s an extraordinary place—a sanctuary for the Christian Science community and all who enter its gates. Here, love and grace are expressed in every act of care. No matter the circumstances, peace and healing are offered to those seeking refuge—a place to rest, to be restored, and to feel at home in times of need.
This is Broadview Christian Science Nursing Care – more than a place or a facility. It is a spiritual retreat where the comfort and power of Divine Love is felt. At no time was this more evident than in the recent Southern California wildfires. In the face of apparent danger, God’s protection and provision were clearly demonstrated. Broadview stood as a true testament that Truth and Love cannot be shaken.
The day the fires started, the Executive Director of Broadview called a meeting of the staff. It was a normal day but there was a clear prompting from Divine Mind. The topic? Emergency evacuations – just in case. Winds had picked up in the area and the city was on high alert for fires. Thankfully, the area surrounding the property had been cleared of brush and debris several months earlier – evidence that Divine Wisdom was already at work, guarding and guiding this special place.
During the meeting, a circle of prayer began. Little did anyone know that in just a few short hours, a firestorm would begin. As news of the fires began to reach Broadview, the staff along with board members and guests began to affirm God’s peace and sovereignty despite the chaotic picture the world was presenting. As the fires began to grow and swirl around them, the message that kept repeating itself was, “but we’re safe!” The still small voice of God proved more powerful than the winds and the fires that raged around Los Angeles.
With each passing hour, the winds blew away from Broadview. God had created a circle of protection around the property which had become a beacon of safety and refuge. This realization led the Board of Broadview to open its doors to those in need of shelter during this challenging time. Broadview was there to be a blessing to fellow Christian Scientists who had been displaced and needed a safe place to call home for a time.
In the words of a senior staff member, “We didn’t know how we would do that (provide housing) or how it would all work, but we decided to leave the logistics to God and move forward with the idea. We knew that If it was a right idea, God would work out the logistics. We left the details to God even though we didn’t know how we were going to accomplish it. Instead we decided to meet the human need in the moment.”
In one particular case, an entire family was able to be housed and continues to receive the blessings of shelter while their permanent home is being restored. In another case, a woman’s daughter reached out to find a place for her elderly mother who was forced to evacuate and needed care.