Torrey Family | After the Fire
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On January 27, the Torrey family experienced a devastating house fire. We are grateful to share that everyone is safe, with only minor injuries, but the loss has understandably turned their lives upside down. Pastors have been present for immediate needs, and family members are currently providing temporary shelter as longer-term housing options are explored.
The Torrey family is known for their generosity, love, and constant willingness to serve others. Now, as they begin the long road of recovery, we have an opportunity to surround them with that same care and compassion.
If you feel called to help:
On January 27, the Torrey family experienced a devastating house fire. We are grateful to share that everyone is safe, with only minor injuries, but the loss has understandably turned their lives upside down. Pastors have been present for immediate needs, and family members are currently providing temporary shelter as longer-term housing options are explored.
The Torrey family is known for their generosity, love, and constant willingness to serve others. Now, as they begin the long road of recovery, we have an opportunity to surround them with that same care and compassion.
If you feel called to help:
- Please keep the Torrey family in your prayers.
- The Torrey's most urgent need is meals via the meal train: Meal Train
- GoFundMe
- Amazon Wishlist
- Target Wishlist
- Please drop off any donations at the Birmingham First Welcome Desk during regular hours. Note: We are pausing clothing donations (other than what is shown on the wishlists) for the time being until the Torrey's are able to move into their temporary housing.
- For other donation questions, please contact Megan Klapp or Dayna Ratliff.
On behalf of Eric, Beth, and the entire Torrey family
Words truly fall short of capturing the overwhelming love, generosity, and compassion that have surrounded our family during this unimaginable season. In the midst of loss and uncertainty, you became the hands and feet of Jesus. Through every donation, every meal prepared, every item given, every prayer lifted, every hug, kind word, ride, hospital visit, place to stay, piece of advice, and every other act of care—for all of us and even our pet—you carried us when we did not have the strength to stand on our own.
As many of you know, we sustained a catastrophic house fire early Tuesday morning. We all made it out, and when we walk through the damage, it is nothing short of a miracle. We know how truly lucky we are.
Eric sustained injuries that required care in the ICU Burn Unit at Detroit Receiving Hospital. The care he received there was extraordinary, and we are grateful that he has since been released. That said, the road to recovery is only just beginning.
To say that the outpouring of love and support has been immense and overwhelming is truly an understatement. We cannot put into words how very, very grateful we are. It has all felt surreal—like watching your life unfold as a movie.
We cannot name everyone who has helped, but please know how deeply moved, touched, and truly blown away we are.
And to our church family at Birmingham First—oh my goodness. The prayers, the love, the behind-the-scenes mobilization, and the unwavering support have been extraordinary. At a time when organized religion can sometimes receive a bad rap, this community has wrapped its arms around us and refused to let go. It has been an incredible blessing, and we truly don’t know what we would have done without it.
In one of the darkest moments of our lives, you showed us what it looks like to love as Jesus loves—selflessly, generously, and without hesitation. This love will stay with us always and for the way you walked alongside us, just as Christ calls us to do.
From the very bottom of our hearts—thank you.
The Torrey Family
As many of you know, we sustained a catastrophic house fire early Tuesday morning. We all made it out, and when we walk through the damage, it is nothing short of a miracle. We know how truly lucky we are.
Eric sustained injuries that required care in the ICU Burn Unit at Detroit Receiving Hospital. The care he received there was extraordinary, and we are grateful that he has since been released. That said, the road to recovery is only just beginning.
To say that the outpouring of love and support has been immense and overwhelming is truly an understatement. We cannot put into words how very, very grateful we are. It has all felt surreal—like watching your life unfold as a movie.
We cannot name everyone who has helped, but please know how deeply moved, touched, and truly blown away we are.
And to our church family at Birmingham First—oh my goodness. The prayers, the love, the behind-the-scenes mobilization, and the unwavering support have been extraordinary. At a time when organized religion can sometimes receive a bad rap, this community has wrapped its arms around us and refused to let go. It has been an incredible blessing, and we truly don’t know what we would have done without it.
In one of the darkest moments of our lives, you showed us what it looks like to love as Jesus loves—selflessly, generously, and without hesitation. This love will stay with us always and for the way you walked alongside us, just as Christ calls us to do.
From the very bottom of our hearts—thank you.
The Torrey Family