08/14/2023
As rescuers continue to search for survivors from this week’s wildfires that have swept across Maui, Hawaii, and continue to burn, Nazarene churches are providing care to neighbors and vacationers in need.
Dr. Rick Power, Superintendent for Hawaii Pacific District Church of the Nazarene, shared how the fires have impacted the communities and churches in the area:
“Our state has been hit by devastating wildfires in several locations, none worse than West Maui, where the historic town of Lahaina has risen in flames. Our pastors and churches in Maui are working to respond to the disaster. Kahului Church of the Nazarene and Pukalani Church of the Nazarene have opened their facilities to shelter evacuees from affected areas. When the road to West Maui opens up, there will be a large influx of injured, houseless, and desperate people. The death toll stands at 36 and is likely to rise. Medical facilities in Maui are not equipped to deal with such a high number of severe burn cases. We are working with NCM on a coordinated response. This will be a long recovery effort. Please pray for stamina, cooperation, and limitless compassion.”
Pray for the churches on Maui today as they work to provide shelter and food, and plan for a long-term response. The Pukalani church shared that they housed 22 people last night, and received enough donations to provide hot meals to first responders and community members as they worked in the area.
