The Church's Call During a Disaster: Steadfast Love During Unsteady Times

Carla Cavlcanti and Kim Aasland will share how they help their respective churches live beyond their walls. They both believe in being a compassionate presence woven into the daily life of the neighborhoods they serve. There is the belief that "A truly missional church steps outside its sanctuary and into the streets, homes, and gathering places where people live, work, and struggle." They are called not only to preach love but to embody it—through presence, partnership, and practical support.

During a disaster, this calling becomes even more urgent. Churches are often among the first to respond, offering safety, resources, and emotional and spiritual care when the ground beneath a community has literally or figuratively shifted. They both have had  the opportunity to stand with survivors in their grief, their uncertainty, and their rebuilding—to be a source of stability, compassion, and hope. Loving people well in a disaster means listening deeply, showing up consistently, and offering whatever they can: food, space, comfort, care, connection, and the assurance that no one walks this road alone. We welcome them to Resiliency Within where they will share their reflections as we approach the holiday season.

Carla Cavalcanti is a Community Pastor at Vintage Church Pasadena, devoted to loving people toward Jesus and cultivating meaningful community. A Liberty University graduate with a background in Theater Production, she brings a behind-the-scenes dedication to making things happen.

Originally from the East Coast, Carla has lived in California for six years. A survivor of the Eaton Fire—after losing her Altadena home—she stepped into a central leadership role in Vintage's fire-relief efforts and brings deep empathy, strength, and firsthand understanding to those she supports.

Fierce, extroverted, and community-minded, Carla is a natural connector, a devoted dog mom to Winston, and someone who thrives in authentic conversation. She values relationships deeply and considers it an honor to walk alongside people with compassion, presence, and hope.

Kim Aasland is an Altadena resident, Eaton Fire survivor, and the Fire Response Coordinator at Epicentre Church. Her life has been defined by movement, resilience, and a deep commitment to community. Raised across the Arctic Circle, Turkey, Nigeria, and Italy, Kim developed a global perspective shaped by constant adaptation.

She holds a BA in Sociology/Anthropology from Carleton College and an MA in Public Policy from the University of Minnesota. Kim spent sixteen years in Kazakhstan teaching history and religion while raising her four children. Now rooted in California, she has served as both a history teacher and school administrator.

In her role at Epicentre Church, Kim is dedicated to supporting fire survivors and helping her community heal and rebuild with compassion and strength.