Responding to Hawaii’s Wildfires
The fire that devastated the historic town of Lahaina is among the deadliest US wildfires in over 100 years. As Maui residents continue to sift through the ashes, they are in need of our prayer and support. The following organizations are providing various types of relief. We will continue to update this list as we receive additional information.
Samaritans Purse “Our DC-8 cargo jet airlifted a volunteer team and 17 tons of relief supplies from Greensboro, North Carolina, to Maui, Hawaii, on Tuesday, Aug. 15. Among many other items onboard were solar lights, cooking kits, hygiene kits, and plastic tarp to provide immediate relief to survivors of the deadly wildfires. The plane also carried tools and equipment that will help our volunteers sift through ashes to recover valuables and treasured mementos for devastated homeowners.” To sign up to receive updates about volunteer opportunities on Maui, visit spvolunteer.org. Contributions are being accepted here
The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team is also on the ground ministering to the spiritual needs of people who have suddenly found themselves in displacement centers due to the fires. These chaplains are also assisting local law enforcement offices with a variety of duties. So far, there have been two reported salvations. Please pray for the suffering people of Maui and for Samaritan’s Purse and Billy Graham Rapid Response teams as they extend the comfort and hope offered in Jesus Christ.
Harvest Christian Fellowship Greg Laurie’s church, Harvest Kumulani, is located on West Maui. The church building was unharmed by the fires but the church family has been dramatically affected. They have set up the Harvest Maui Relief Fund They are there as a community of believers to bring hope, relief and the gospel to the hurting people of the island of Maui at this critical time.
The Salvation Army The Salvation Army provides food, emotional and spiritual care to survivors of the Maui wildfires. The Salvation Army has been providing feedings, food distribution, safe havens and other services at their local community centers.
Mennonite Disaster Service: Currently praying, monitoring and assessing the needs. “MDS has been communicating with its partner organizations—including the Federal Emergency Management Agency and National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster—about potential long-term needs on the ground in Maui. “Please pray for emergency responders as they continue to face an unprecedented situation in their communities,” said MDS Executive Director Kevin King. “As we assess needs, please be aware that, particularly in the aftermath of a wildfire, MDS may not send volunteers for another nine to 12 months, as fire cleanup and relief operations will be unfolding during that time. ” Look for updates at mds.org.
