Longtime Hallmark star Kristoffer Polaha is lifting spirits amid the dire conditions in Los Angeles, as firefighters continue to battle devastating blazes that began spreading across the city on January 7, 2025.
“There are no words,” he wrote in an Instagram update that uplifted fans and fellow Hallmark stars on January 10, “but, in the face of so much destruction and chaos and horror and heartbreak, there is still hope.”
The actor, who’s raised his three sons in Los Angeles with wife Julianne, posted a hopeful update from the trenches on January 10, inspired by dear friend Jerry Cudzil, whose family lost their home in the fires.
Kristoffer Polaha Shares Bible Verse His Dear Friend Quoted After Losing His Home
In his post, Polaha told his followers, “My good friend Jerry and his family lost their home yesterday, as did many of our good friends in the most mind boggling last 48+ hours. In the middle of grieving for our friends, new fires are breaking out and evacuation orders are lighting up our phones. It really is chaos, but Jerry said to me, and I quote ‘God is so good brother. So thankful we are all safe. James 1:2-4 is my life verse. Never been more true.'”
Polaha then shared the Bible verse, writing, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
“It may feel too soon to look towards hope,” Polaha acknowledged, “especially with round two of the devil winds headed our way on Monday, but we will rebuild, we will see another day.”
The “Christmas Quest” star continued, “Thank you to all our first responders who are on the front lines of these fires and to all the volunteers who are jumping in to lend a hand. In the meantime, hang tight and stay safe out there. And love each other – now more than ever.”
Polaha concluded, “If you feel called to help, the American Red Cross is on the ground and can use your support. (Please vet before you donate and avoid scams.)”
Cudzil also posted an update with a bit of levity for his own followers, and shared that the only thing they dug out of the ashes was a small metal sign that reads, “Please excuse this mess — we live here.”
Hallmark Stars & Fans Thank Kristoffer Polaha for Glimmer of Hope Amid Chaos of Wildfires
GettyMany found solace in Polaha’s post, including friend and fellow Hallmark star Nikki DeLoach, who wrote, “Needed to read this. Thank you Kris. I’m so sorry about their home and all the devastation that abounds. I’m gutted. Thank Jerry for the reminder of hope. Such a beautiful post. Love you.”
Hallmark director and actor Antonio Cupo commented, “Beautiful message, Kris. Praying for you, Jerry and everyone affected.”
Hallmark alum Danica McKellar wrote, “A beautiful Bible verse. 🙏 I pray all those affected can get to a point where that will resonate and help to heal their hearts. 🙏🙏🙏”
Hundreds of fans have shared their gratitude and encouraging words on Polaha’s post, including one who wrote, “Jerry has his eyes on the right things. Praying for your friends and all affected. Praying for the first responders, and for the fires to be stopped.”
“Thank you for sharing about your friend,” someone else commented. “Will be praying for them specifically as I pray for all those who have lost so much in LA. It is a scary time and for Jerry to be so faithful as to quote his life verse during this time is truly an amazing testimony. Praying for God to calm the winds and send rain! Stay safe @polahaha ❤️”
Midday on January 10, CNN reported that nearly 167,000 Los Angeles County residents remained under evacuation warnings and almost 58,000 structures were still at risk from uncontained fires.
This is the second natural disaster Polaha has witnessed over the last year. After Hurricane Helene devastated Asheville, North Carolina in the fall of 2024, he returned to The Biltmore Estate, where he filmed 2023’s “A Biltmore Christmas,” to witness the recovery efforts, offer encouragement and film segments that are now streaming on Hallmark+ in tandem with the movie.
After the trip, he told EntertainmentNOW, “To see communities like that in our country galvanize, it’s amazing to see what we can do.”
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Actor Kristoffer Polaha Shares Inspiring Update Amid ‘Horror’ of Wildfires: ‘There is Still Hope’