Reflection on Time in Maui

My time on Maui was a brief two weeks, but we hit the ground running as soon as we landed. There was an abundance of work to be done. In contrast to Oahu, much of our work was physical labor. Requiring a different type of labor comparatively. Our primary ministry on Maui was fire relief in Koola and Maui, additionally partnering with local churches to develop community centers.

During our first few days, we worked at a homestead, nursing saplings to donate towards fire restoration projects! We planted over 200 trees! From guava to lilikoi to banana trees! I met a wonderful couple who was passionate about getting involved in their community and had been a huge encouragement to my endeavors! A local church, Living Way, blessed us by welcoming us into the church family. Here, we had the opportunity to repaint the church and an apartment building behind the property. Our team learned incredible lessons on relationships, connections, aloha, history, culture, service, hospitality, and so much more.

Then we went upcountry to Koola, where there had been a devastating fire in August that burned underground through January. We moved debris, cleared sticks, and laid wood chippings to prevent mudslides since most of the Koola was along the mountains. Hearing the Uncle we were working for talk about how the fire affected the mental health of his family following the fire was devasting. There was a common theme of frustration towards the lack of resources and hands available to serve. Later, we spoke to many neighbors and I walked away filled with a shocking deposit of hope. After moving so much debris and still seeing so much debris left to move. I was feeling a little overwhelmed. It had been six months, and there were still so many acres untouched since the fire. No word on resources making it upcountry and at every corner were so many reminders of what had happened. I spoke to anyone I could who lived nearby. I wanted to listen to them if they wanted to share anything. I was humbled by this and reminded of God’s sovereignty because everyone I spoke to maintained the brightest smile and was persistent in reminding me of how incredibly grateful they are for a God who blesses, redeems, and restores.

There was an abundance to do in Maui. We worked at food distribution centers, helped decorate and paint temporary housing units for displaced families, worked at a food distribution center outside of Lahina, cleared out a warehouse to house storage units for school supplies, and were even invited into the heart of Lahina to clean out a church, backed with an incredible testimony.

Lahina Baptist church found itself in the heart of Lahina, with a new young pastor, partnered with his wife and four little kids who had just signed on to take over the church. The family moved to the island shortly before the fires a few houses down from their new church. The pastor shared with us that when the fires quickly broke out, he held little hope that his church would stay standing, but he prayed fervently, forced to leave the property to grab his family and quickly escape the area. To his surprise, the entire church property was untouched leaving literal perfect property lines. The fire touched all sides of the property lines, yet the grass stayed green and the church stood firm. It was incredible hearing and seeing it. This truly built my faith along with everyone else who saw the property lines. Speaking to the pastor he shared his hope for the church. In years to come, as people begin to rebuild and return to the land, he hopes to have a stable and safe space to hold and help anyone on their journey back home. This includes plans to convert part of the church into a home for those in need. It was an honor to be invited to such a space where we could hear such a powerful testimony and refresh our memory on the importance of being light bearers just like this family.

Maui had so many incredible and powerful stories. Despite only being there for two weeks, we saw so much and were blessed to have been able to serve in so many ways. I am incredibly grateful for this time to learn from others and grow in my working capacity and capability.