Maui’s wildfires have claimed the lives of at least 114 individuals, have actually left more than 1,000 missing, and have destroyed around 2,000 structures, but churches throughout the Hawaiian island have brought light to a dark and alarming circumstance.
King’s Cathedral– one of the largest churches on the island– has sheltered 900 people since fires broke out in the neighborhood of Kahului.
Listen to this man who just came from a meeting run by the federal government! #MauiFire #Lahaina pic.twitter.com/pZ3wExCy0K
— Badwahine (@Maui_anne) August 18, 2023
Hawaii Public Radio’s Russel Subiono reported that Pastor Shannon Marocco dealt with federal government officials in tending to the survivors by offering them “three meals per day, clothing, toiletries and 24-hour emergency treatment care.” Marocco said they are likewise getting love and assistance from generous donors across the globe:
“We had countless Amazon boxes appear to our church,” Marocco told the outlet. “We’re really praying that God would allow us to be a storehouse.”
Members of the church are now working on supplying short-lived real estate on church residential or commercial property for those who need it.
They bought 10 acres of land throughout from the church, together with lots of portable, tiny houses.
In the community of Lahaina– 23 miles far from Kahului– a couple leading their Filipino congregation have 20 members sleeping in their parish hall of Koinonia Pentecostal Church, NPR News reported.
Pastor Estrella Arquero stated in addition to providing shelter, they have food, gas, water, and even pet products for survivors.
“That is what we are called for to do,” Arquero said. “That we take care of individuals. In reality, the objective of our church is we love God, and we love individuals.”
One family from their parish– a husband and wife– had gotten away the fires in such a hurry that she put 2 different slippers on her feet.
Disgusting!! #MauiFire #BidenCorruption WTF??!!! https://t.co/2FOE0o4Oqp
— Pam Adkisson (@pamadkisson) August 22, 2023
The wildfires throughout Maui have the highest death toll in contemporary U.S. history, NBC News reported.
On Monday, President Joe Biden got here on the island to talk with survivors and view the damage, Breitbart News reported.