When we see the news reports of the devastation caused by the wildfires in Maui, we want to do something. Our hearts are filled with compassion, and we want to help. You might ask, “Pastor, I can’t go because it’s so far. Plus, what do they need right now?” “How can I help?” One of the ways we can help is to connect with our global ministry partners and work together. Baptists have collaborated through associations and partnerships for centuries. Our global ministry partner is the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. The following Aug. 13th blog posted by Laura Ayala, CBF Coordinator for Global Missions, provides some ways that we can help . . .
Wild fires have become a life threat in Maui, Hawaii. For the past few days the uncontrolled fires have affected lives and property. We pray for those that have lost loved ones as well as property. We pray for the first responders and their families. We pray for the churches that have become hands and feet of Christ. Unfortunately, many have been affected also by the smoke and facing powerlessness in the midst of this disaster.
However, as brothers and sisters in Christ, we are called to solidarity and show our love through support. As you will see below, they ask for our prayers and financial support.
Please give generously at www.cbf.net/hawaii and write “Hawaii fires” in the comment field. [You may give through HRBC as well by designating your gift to “CBF Hawaii Fires.”]
The Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention shares the following update (as of 8-12-2023):
John and Gay Williams, Hawaii Pacific Baptist Disaster Relief co-directors, have represented Hawaii Pacific Baptists on Maui since early Friday morning. Here is the information they want you to know.
#1 – Kahului Baptist Church in Central Maui (Pastor Jay Haynes) is doing a fantastic job distributing supplies from their location. Besides their church distributing essential items and care, Jay Haynes and Rocky Komatsu (Waiehu Community Church) have persons who have made flatbed trucks available and have been able to take supplies to the Lahaina side and distribute them.
Other Maui County Baptist Churches are also involved in the efforts. Pray for these pastors and church leaders.
#2 – John and Gay Williams met with Pastors Ken Tanaka and Yasushi Nemoto from our newest HPBC church, Kahului Union Church in Central Maui. They are exploring Kahului Union housing Disaster Relief volunteers. The church has some showers in their bathrooms, but we would likely need to ship the HPBC Disaster Relief Shower Trailer from Oahu to Maui to support it. Would you pray for this effort?
#3 – Maui County officials contacted John and Gay Williams yesterday to request that Hawaii Pacific Baptist Disaster Relief support the effort to house first responders and essential workers. John and Gay have responded to this request and have been assisting. Disaster Relief’s Michael Fujimoto of Hawaii Kai Church is now on Maui for the next two weeks. Would you pray for this effort?
Reminder from John and Gay: Please do not send items to Maui unless they have been requested by someone official in Maui. As you can imagine, Maui County is overwhelmed with item donations.
#4 – The primary way to respond is to pray and give.
Please, pray and give. Let us support our Baptist brothers and sisters who are the on-site responders. Any questions or concerns, please e-mail CBF Global Missions Coordinator Laura Ayala at layala@cbf.net.
In Christ’s care and with thanks,
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