Prayer is a powerful ministry—calling on God to do what only He can do in the lives of those who have lost so much. Will you pray for the people of Maui, that God would work in their hearts and provide the lasting peace and comfort that only He can bring?
Residents and chaplains worshipped God together in the lobby of a Maui hotel. It was a much-needed time to focus on Jesus Christ in the midst of extreme suffering and devastation.
God is opening doors for ministry in many places throughout Maui—including, gas stations, resource distribution centers, and in residential homes. Chaplains are sharing the Good News with many hurting people.
A chaplain talks with a woman as they survey some of the immense damage. Wildfires broke out two weeks ago and overtook more than 4 square miles of Maui.
This woman told chaplains she owned nothing of real value except for a poi pounder—a stone tool used to pound cooked taro root into poi, a native starch and the main staple of the traditional Hawaiian diet. Her late brother made it and gave it to her years ago. She beamed with joy when her husband found it in the ash and rubble. “Mahalo Ke Akua!” she said, which is translated “Thank you, God!”
Chaplains have been ministering to people at the Napili marketplace on Maui where a distribution center was set up to offer basic necessities. Here, they have had an opportunity to encourage residents and first responders—praying with them and listening to their stories.
The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team has prayed with over 400 people on the island, sharing the comfort and hope of Jesus Christ.
During difficult times, chaplains are able to comfort victims and let them know that they are not alone. God is always ready to receive us with open arms, and He wants to have a personal relationship with each of us.
Despite great tragedy and loss, God is providing many opportunities to share His love with those who are suffering.
The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is offering emotional and spiritual support in Maui, Hawaii. Seventeen chaplains are serving the community after deadly wildfires killed more than 100 people.
More than 800 people are still missing after the nation’s deadliest wildfire in over a century.
The flames destroyed over 2,000 homes and businesses and obliterated the historic waterfront town of Lahaina.
Surrounded by the charred aftermath of the wildfire, chaplains pray with a Maui resident.
Thousands of lives were turned upside down in an instant as the fire ravaged the island. The flames took many residents by surprise, forcing some to run into the ocean to survive.
As Hawaii residents grapple with immense pain and grief, a listening ear is sometimes the best encouragement. Crisis-trained chaplains are reminding those hurting that they can find hope in Jesus Christ—even in their suffering.
