BE THERE with Lutheran Church Charities Supporting Maui Families Affected by Wildfires
GIVE BELOW
|
|
Maui Wildfire Victims Honored With 100 Hearts Of Mercy & Compassion At New Memorial Site
Thank you for your generous support and for BEING THERE with LCC to show the love and presence of Jesus to the people of Maui. Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) and Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School in Kahului have come together to assist with service planning and establishing a new memorial site in Maui for the victims of the recent wildfires. With the support of our generous donors and the hard work of our volunteers, we were able to create a beautiful and meaningful tribute to those who lost their lives in the fire. 
|
Emmanuel worked with LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer and Project Manager Tim Laabs to prepare, assemble, and place 100 Hearts of Mercy & Compassion at the memorial site, located off Hokiokio Place, just one block from the entrance into the Lahaina community, which is currently restricted for resident access only.
The team of volunteers gathered at the memorial site last Saturday morning for scripture, song, prayers, and a moment of silence in remembrance of each heart bearing the name of a person who died in the fire, as well as Psalm 34:18, "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Several community members found the heart with their loved one's name and signed a message of love onto the heart.
"To see this long row of Hearts and Crosses creates a deep impression of both the magnitude of life lost and yet also the hope that we have in Jesus," Rev. Chris Singer shared.
"Listening to the stories from family members of those lost in this fire was an incredible experience. It was heartwarming to hear their words of thanks for honoring their loved ones and to feel our love and care for them," Tim Laabs said.
The memorial site serves as a reminder of the love and presence of Jesus in times of tragedy.
We thank you for your faithful prayers and support as we continue to assist the Maui communities affected by the wildfires in their long recovery process.
The team of volunteers gathered at the memorial site last Saturday morning for scripture, song, prayers, and a moment of silence in remembrance of each heart bearing the name of a person who died in the fire, as well as Psalm 34:18, "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Several community members found the heart with their loved one's name and signed a message of love onto the heart.
"To see this long row of Hearts and Crosses creates a deep impression of both the magnitude of life lost and yet also the hope that we have in Jesus," Rev. Chris Singer shared.
"Listening to the stories from family members of those lost in this fire was an incredible experience. It was heartwarming to hear their words of thanks for honoring their loved ones and to feel our love and care for them," Tim Laabs said.
The memorial site serves as a reminder of the love and presence of Jesus in times of tragedy.
We thank you for your faithful prayers and support as we continue to assist the Maui communities affected by the wildfires in their long recovery process.
Posted: Tuesday, November 7
Hearts Of Mercy & Compassion Memorial Dedication This Week In Maui
LCC President/CEO, Rev. Chris Singer, along with HMC Project Manager, Tim Laabs, have arrived in Maui on Tuesday, November 7, to work with Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Kahului to prepare and place 99 Hearts of Mercy & Compassion at a memorial site uniquely chosen for this purpose in Lahaina.
Leif Sjostrand (Congregational President), Russell Wilson (Head Elder), and Diane Wilson (Church Secretary) from Emmanuel have arranged for volunteers and newly trained Maui LERT team members to assemble the crosses and add names to the hearts for those who lost their lives in the Maui wildfires. Friday morning, volunteers will move the hearts and crosses to the memorial site located on Hokiokio Place in Lahaina, between the Lahaina Bypass and Honoapiilani Hwy.
Saturday morning, November 11th, volunteers specifically trained to offer comfort and hope to those visiting the site will return to the memorial site with Pastor Singer. The Dedication Ceremony honoring the lives lost will take place at 10:00 a.m. Attendees are invited to write messages of hope and healing on the hearts, which will then be presented to the families.
Thank you for your faithful prayers and support for all of the communities affected by the wildfires who are now facing the long process of recovery. BE THERE with LCC to show them the love and presence of Jesus!
Leif Sjostrand (Congregational President), Russell Wilson (Head Elder), and Diane Wilson (Church Secretary) from Emmanuel have arranged for volunteers and newly trained Maui LERT team members to assemble the crosses and add names to the hearts for those who lost their lives in the Maui wildfires. Friday morning, volunteers will move the hearts and crosses to the memorial site located on Hokiokio Place in Lahaina, between the Lahaina Bypass and Honoapiilani Hwy.
Saturday morning, November 11th, volunteers specifically trained to offer comfort and hope to those visiting the site will return to the memorial site with Pastor Singer. The Dedication Ceremony honoring the lives lost will take place at 10:00 a.m. Attendees are invited to write messages of hope and healing on the hearts, which will then be presented to the families.
Thank you for your faithful prayers and support for all of the communities affected by the wildfires who are now facing the long process of recovery. BE THERE with LCC to show them the love and presence of Jesus!
|
Posted: Tuesday, October 10
Thank you for your prayers! Yesterday, after traveling over 4,000 miles, 120 hearts and crosses arrived safely at Kahului Harbor in Maui and will be transported to Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Kahului, Maui. Lutheran Church Charities Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry and Redeemer Lutheran Church, Fort Collins, Colorado, delivered the hearts and crosses to the Orphan Grain Train ministry in Norfolk, Nebraska. |
|
Posted: Tuesday, October 3
Last week, Lutheran Church Charities Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry delivered 120 hearts and crosses to the Orphan Grain Train ministry in Norfolk, Nebraska, which are now on their way to Maui.
LCC will return to Maui to partner with Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Maui, and Our Savior Aiea, Hawaii, during the week of November 5th, when they will prepare Hearts of Mercy & Compassion with the names of those deceased, followed by deploying a group bringing the hearts, along with comfort and care, to this community. Please pray for the successful arrival of these 120 hearts and crosses to our partners in Maui.
Additionally, as the island re-opens to tourism, many of those displaced have received notice that they must vacate current government-sponsored hotel locations. Many are moving in with extended family and friends or will be relocating off the island. This situation will create a greater need for human services in other areas throughout the island.
Lutheran Church Charities continues to partner with the California-Nevada-Hawaii District of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod and Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Maui to identify and direct all support to these needs.
Thank you for your faithful prayers and support for all of the communities affected by the wildfires during the long recovery process. BE THERE with LCC to show them the love and presence of Jesus!
Last week, Lutheran Church Charities Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry delivered 120 hearts and crosses to the Orphan Grain Train ministry in Norfolk, Nebraska, which are now on their way to Maui.
LCC will return to Maui to partner with Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Maui, and Our Savior Aiea, Hawaii, during the week of November 5th, when they will prepare Hearts of Mercy & Compassion with the names of those deceased, followed by deploying a group bringing the hearts, along with comfort and care, to this community. Please pray for the successful arrival of these 120 hearts and crosses to our partners in Maui.
Additionally, as the island re-opens to tourism, many of those displaced have received notice that they must vacate current government-sponsored hotel locations. Many are moving in with extended family and friends or will be relocating off the island. This situation will create a greater need for human services in other areas throughout the island.
Lutheran Church Charities continues to partner with the California-Nevada-Hawaii District of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod and Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Maui to identify and direct all support to these needs.
Thank you for your faithful prayers and support for all of the communities affected by the wildfires during the long recovery process. BE THERE with LCC to show them the love and presence of Jesus!
|
|
Posted: Tuesday, September 26
Rev. Chris Singer, LCC President/CEO, and Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, continue to work with Emmanuel Lutheran Church leaders as they navigate the Maui wildfire recovery process and minister to those affected. They meet weekly on Zoom with church and school leaders.
Last week, the leaders reported that they are continuing to supply the community distribution sites in Lahaina and Kula based on specific requests. They have also been able to provide gift card assistance to eight teachers from Main Prep Academy in Lahaina who totally lost their homes, as well as other families referred to them from the family assistance center
Rev. Chris Singer, LCC President/CEO, and Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, continue to work with Emmanuel Lutheran Church leaders as they navigate the Maui wildfire recovery process and minister to those affected. They meet weekly on Zoom with church and school leaders.
Last week, the leaders reported that they are continuing to supply the community distribution sites in Lahaina and Kula based on specific requests. They have also been able to provide gift card assistance to eight teachers from Main Prep Academy in Lahaina who totally lost their homes, as well as other families referred to them from the family assistance center
Hearts of Mercy & Compassion for Maui
Through a strong partnership with Orphan Grain Train, LCC will be sending 120 Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) to Maui.
Thank you to Tim Laabs, HMC Project Manager, and our HMC volunteers and partners who cut wood, painted, glued, packed, and are driving the hearts and markers to Orphan Grain Train’s facility in Norfolk, Nebraska, from Fort Collins, Colorado, and from Northbrook, Illinois.
More updates to come once they arrive in Maui. Please pray for clear shipping channels and delivery to Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School.
Through a strong partnership with Orphan Grain Train, LCC will be sending 120 Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) to Maui.
Thank you to Tim Laabs, HMC Project Manager, and our HMC volunteers and partners who cut wood, painted, glued, packed, and are driving the hearts and markers to Orphan Grain Train’s facility in Norfolk, Nebraska, from Fort Collins, Colorado, and from Northbrook, Illinois.
More updates to come once they arrive in Maui. Please pray for clear shipping channels and delivery to Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School.
|
|
Posted: Tuesday, September 5
Lutheran Church Charities is continuing to support Emmanuel Lutheran Church leaders as they navigate this recovery process and minister to those affected by this devastating fire.
Becky Soppe, MS, LMHP, a GracePoint team counselor from Omaha, Nebraska, specializing in family and youth ministry, is now in Maui, providing spiritual and emotional care on behalf of Emmanuel Lutheran Church at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The Hawaii VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) assigned this shelter to Emmanuel to serve families staying there.
Becky led spiritual and emotional care training to Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) certified volunteers so they would be knowledgeable and comfortable ministering to survivors.
She has also been available to meet with Emmanuel students and staff as requested. She arrived last Wednesday and will be available until this Friday. Her expertise has been invaluable to Emmanuel and survivors.
Becky Soppe, MS, LMHP, a GracePoint team counselor from Omaha, Nebraska, specializing in family and youth ministry, is now in Maui, providing spiritual and emotional care on behalf of Emmanuel Lutheran Church at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The Hawaii VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) assigned this shelter to Emmanuel to serve families staying there.
Becky led spiritual and emotional care training to Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) certified volunteers so they would be knowledgeable and comfortable ministering to survivors.
She has also been available to meet with Emmanuel students and staff as requested. She arrived last Wednesday and will be available until this Friday. Her expertise has been invaluable to Emmanuel and survivors.
|
|
|
Providing Tuition Assistance for Emmanuel School Families
Lutheran Church Charities is providing tuition assistance for Emmanuel Lutheran School families that are now struggling to make their payments due to loss of income from the fire destroying their place of business.
In addition, many families have taken in and are supporting other family members who have lost everything, increasing their household size and expenses. Emmanuel did not want to lose any family at a time when they need the most support.
Your generous donations make it possible for the school to operate effectively, providing continued education and ministry to struggling and hurting families.
Emmanuel Lutheran School has also continued to provide requested items needed to the community distribution points for survivors in Lahaina and Kula, Hawaii.
In addition, many families have taken in and are supporting other family members who have lost everything, increasing their household size and expenses. Emmanuel did not want to lose any family at a time when they need the most support.
Your generous donations make it possible for the school to operate effectively, providing continued education and ministry to struggling and hurting families.
Emmanuel Lutheran School has also continued to provide requested items needed to the community distribution points for survivors in Lahaina and Kula, Hawaii.
Posted: Tuesday, August 29
116 Confirmed Deaths; Hundreds Still Missing
12,000+ People Displaced; Families Left Homeless
12,000+ People Displaced; Families Left Homeless
On Tuesday, August 8, a firestorm fueled in part by fierce winds from the Category 4 Hurricane Dora’s 140 mph winds triggered raging fires on the island of Maui. Hard hit is the historic town of Lahaina, a popular tourist destination and economic hub. The wildfires also impacted the communities of Kihei and Kula.
As of this week, the death toll from the Maui wildfires climbed to 116. On Friday, the FBI released the known names of 348 people confirmed missing to the public, and there are still many unknown others. This has been very difficult for the people of Maui to read and process who has been lost. Authorities are continuing to search the community by grids and the harbor waters for remains. This is the deadliest United States wildfire in more than 100 years. 3,000+ homes, businesses, schools, government, and cultural centers are destroyed.
An estimated 12,000 people are displaced. This wildfire caused more than a loss of homes and land, but a loss of identity, loss of heritage, and a loss of ohana (family) as known here. These fires have affected everyone on the Island of Maui directly or indirectly, and all are suffering and mourning their losses. With businesses destroyed, there is also a massive loss of jobs, income, and tourism.
As of this week, the death toll from the Maui wildfires climbed to 116. On Friday, the FBI released the known names of 348 people confirmed missing to the public, and there are still many unknown others. This has been very difficult for the people of Maui to read and process who has been lost. Authorities are continuing to search the community by grids and the harbor waters for remains. This is the deadliest United States wildfire in more than 100 years. 3,000+ homes, businesses, schools, government, and cultural centers are destroyed.
An estimated 12,000 people are displaced. This wildfire caused more than a loss of homes and land, but a loss of identity, loss of heritage, and a loss of ohana (family) as known here. These fires have affected everyone on the Island of Maui directly or indirectly, and all are suffering and mourning their losses. With businesses destroyed, there is also a massive loss of jobs, income, and tourism.
Lutheran Church Charities received an invite from Rev. Michael Lange of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod California Nevada Hawaii (CNH) District, CNH District Disaster Response Coordinator (DDRC) Phil Zabell, and Leif Sjostrand, Congregational President from Emmanuel Lutheran Church & School in Kahului on Maui to assist this congregation in how to respond effectively in their community from this devastating disaster.
Rev. Chris Singer, LCC President/CEO, Jeanette Singer, and Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, have been serving in Maui. In the last two weeks, they have met with Russell Wilson, Head Elder, Diane Wilson, Church Secretary, and Josh Rempfer, Emmanuel Lutheran School Principal, many times to assist them in determining the best way to help their community in the recovery process.
Lutheran Church Charities and Emmanuel Lutheran Church were invited by the Hawaii VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) to provide spiritual, emotional, and trauma care to displaced residents staying in hotels. Rev. Rod Hall, Licensed Counselor, and Rev. Mark Hannemann, President/CEO of GracePoint Institute for Relational Health, have continued to minister to these displaced residents. This ministry will continue with professional counselors provided by GracePoint Institute for Relational Health at the request of the CNH District.
Rev. Chris Singer, LCC President/CEO, Jeanette Singer, and Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, have been serving in Maui. In the last two weeks, they have met with Russell Wilson, Head Elder, Diane Wilson, Church Secretary, and Josh Rempfer, Emmanuel Lutheran School Principal, many times to assist them in determining the best way to help their community in the recovery process.
Lutheran Church Charities and Emmanuel Lutheran Church were invited by the Hawaii VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) to provide spiritual, emotional, and trauma care to displaced residents staying in hotels. Rev. Rod Hall, Licensed Counselor, and Rev. Mark Hannemann, President/CEO of GracePoint Institute for Relational Health, have continued to minister to these displaced residents. This ministry will continue with professional counselors provided by GracePoint Institute for Relational Health at the request of the CNH District.
Emmanuel Lutheran Early Response Team in Action
Recently trained Emmanuel Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) volunteers will provide spiritual and emotional care at hotels and other places of business at the request of the Hawaii VOAD.
So many people just need and want someone willing to listen to their story, offer a hug, a prayer, and the hope that can only be found in Christ. They are also able to provide a gift card to the family to use as needed.
So many people just need and want someone willing to listen to their story, offer a hug, a prayer, and the hope that can only be found in Christ. They are also able to provide a gift card to the family to use as needed.
Parents Housing Extended Family Trust God Will Provide
This week, Kathy O’Day was able to minister to a service technician who came to the home she was being housed at for this deployment. He shared that he has three adult married sons. One son, his wife, and four children lost their entire home and all their belongings in Lahaina. His son was not at home when the fire broke out and was trying desperately to get back to his family, as his wife does not drive. She eventually found a ride out with another family in a very crowded car. His son was very grateful but is now very silent and feels lost.
Another son lost his belongings in a rental in Lahaina. They are now all living with their parents. His third son is a police officer who has been searching for remains and then notifying relatives of their loss, affecting him greatly. He is very worried for all of his family but trusts that God will provide.
Kathy gave him gift cards and offered a word of prayer. Overcome with emotion, he expressed his gratitude with a big hug. Emmanuel members will continue to follow up with this family.
Another son lost his belongings in a rental in Lahaina. They are now all living with their parents. His third son is a police officer who has been searching for remains and then notifying relatives of their loss, affecting him greatly. He is very worried for all of his family but trusts that God will provide.
Kathy gave him gift cards and offered a word of prayer. Overcome with emotion, he expressed his gratitude with a big hug. Emmanuel members will continue to follow up with this family.
Helping Displaced Residents through Food Pantry
|
After meeting the first week with food pantry leaders from Emmanuel and Wailuku Union Churches and a community distribution site in Lahaina, the first shipment of requested goods arrived from Orphan Grain Train (OGT), a Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS) Recognized Service Organization led by Rev. Ralph Schmidt on the Island of Maui.
Within 24 hours of its arrival, Emmanuel Lutheran Church members divided the cargo and delivered everything to three distribution sites. Another large shipment will be arriving in the coming weeks to help serve families in need. |
|
|
|
Lutheran Early Response Team Training for Our Savior Lutheran Church in Oahu
On Saturday, August 26, Deaconess Kathy O’Day provided LCMS Basic Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) training to fifteen congregation members at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Aiea on the Island of Oahu.
As church L.E.R.T. volunteers, they received spiritual and emotional caregiving ideas to assist Maui residents and provide support to Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School leadership and families during the immediate and long-term recovery process.
As church L.E.R.T. volunteers, they received spiritual and emotional caregiving ideas to assist Maui residents and provide support to Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School leadership and families during the immediate and long-term recovery process.
On Sunday, August 27, Rev. Rod Hall, his wife, and Kathy O’Day were warmly welcomed at both services. Nancy Gowan, Pastor Mitch Gowan’s wife, and Kayla McGowen, Director of Christian Education from Our Savior, presented LCC with a generous donation to support Maui families in need.
|
|
Providing Tuition Assistance for Emmanuel School Families
Lutheran Church Charities is providing tuition assistance for Emmanuel Lutheran School families that are now struggling to make their payments due to loss of income from the fire destroying their place of business.
In addition, many families have taken in and are supporting other family members who have lost everything, increasing their household size and expenses. Emmanuel did not want to lose any family at a time when they need the most support.
Your generous donations make it possible for the school to operate effectively, providing continued education and ministry to struggling and hurting families.
In addition, many families have taken in and are supporting other family members who have lost everything, increasing their household size and expenses. Emmanuel did not want to lose any family at a time when they need the most support.
Your generous donations make it possible for the school to operate effectively, providing continued education and ministry to struggling and hurting families.
You Can Continue to Be There with LCC
The congregation of Emmanuel and the people we have met and minister to extend heartfelt “Mahalo nui” for prayers and financial support sent on their behalf.
The greatest need is for financial donations to help the people of Maui. They do not have the ability to take in any more donations of items. If you are so moved by this disaster, please donate generously so that we can help survivors with this unfathomable loss.
The greatest need is for financial donations to help the people of Maui. They do not have the ability to take in any more donations of items. If you are so moved by this disaster, please donate generously so that we can help survivors with this unfathomable loss.
Posted: Tuesday, August 22
As of Tuesday, the death toll from the Maui wildfires climbed to 114, with hundreds still missing. Authorities are continuing to search the community by grids and the harbor waters for remains. This is the deadliest United States wildfire in more than 100 years. 3,000+ homes, businesses, schools, government, and cultural centers are destroyed.
A local family shared, “Hawaiian cultural belief is that the land is not ours. God gives us the land to take care of it, and if we do, it will take care of us. Lahaina was the original capital and where all of the original Hawaiian culture was preserved. Family, or Ohana, is everything, and all share what they have, tend the land carefully, and preserve our history by passing it down through generations.”
This wildfire caused more than a loss of homes and land, but a loss of identity, loss of heritage, and a loss of ohana as known here. Everyone on the Island of Maui has been affected directly or indirectly by these fires, and all are suffering and mourning their losses.
An estimated 12,000 people are displaced, with people in shelters that will be closing soon, placed in hotels by the American Red Cross for the next 45 days, or living in their vehicles, tents in the park, on the street, or with family and friends. With businesses destroyed, there is also a massive loss of jobs, income, and tourism
A local family shared, “Hawaiian cultural belief is that the land is not ours. God gives us the land to take care of it, and if we do, it will take care of us. Lahaina was the original capital and where all of the original Hawaiian culture was preserved. Family, or Ohana, is everything, and all share what they have, tend the land carefully, and preserve our history by passing it down through generations.”
This wildfire caused more than a loss of homes and land, but a loss of identity, loss of heritage, and a loss of ohana as known here. Everyone on the Island of Maui has been affected directly or indirectly by these fires, and all are suffering and mourning their losses.
An estimated 12,000 people are displaced, with people in shelters that will be closing soon, placed in hotels by the American Red Cross for the next 45 days, or living in their vehicles, tents in the park, on the street, or with family and friends. With businesses destroyed, there is also a massive loss of jobs, income, and tourism
|
|
Lutheran Church Charities received an invite from Rev. Michael Lange of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod California Nevada Hawaii (CNH) District, CNH District Disaster Response Coordinator (DDRC) Phil Zabell, and Leif Sjostrand, Congregational President from Emmanuel Lutheran Church & School in Kahului on Maui to assist this congregation in how to respond effectively in their community from this devastating disaster.
Rev. Chris Singer, LCC President/CEO, Jeanette Singer, and Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, arrived in Maui on Thursday, August 17. They immediately met with Russell Wilson, Head Elder, Diane Wilson, Church Secretary, and Josh Rempfer, Emmanuel Lutheran School Principal, to discuss what they were experiencing and hoping to accomplish during our stay.
Rev. Chris Singer, LCC President/CEO, Jeanette Singer, and Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, arrived in Maui on Thursday, August 17. They immediately met with Russell Wilson, Head Elder, Diane Wilson, Church Secretary, and Josh Rempfer, Emmanuel Lutheran School Principal, to discuss what they were experiencing and hoping to accomplish during our stay.
“I want to thank you for helping LCC ‘Be There’ with those who were suffering and in need from the wildfires in Maui. The loss and grief was described as a dark cloud hanging over Maui,” shared Rev. Singer.
“I heard stories of survival from displaced residents receiving free meals who lost their properties. One adult son who had been visiting his parents raced to their home with the fire bearing down onto their neighborhood. His parents were not in the house and, with just mere minutes, he grabbed a few photos that he could carry and ran to a safe distance onto the beach and watched his parents’ home burn. His mother and father recounted the details to me through tears. A hotel worker shared that their home was burned to the ground and that his wife and children were now being housed at the hotel where he worked.
There were so many stories shared with our ministry team, who sat with each person in their grief. Our very presence alone brought so much comfort. Each person was moved to gratitude that could only be expressed by tears as we told them of the outpouring of financial support, the hundreds of prayers being lifted on their behalf, and LCC’s commitment to continue to be there through ongoing support of their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.”
On Friday, we met with the school staff. Rev. Singer led devotions and explained LCC’s role and partnership with Emmanuel. Rev. Rod Hall and Jeanette Singer, Licensed Counselors, offered individual emotional and spiritual care opportunities to them and their students. Pastor Rod and Jeanette were invited to visit and talk to students in three classrooms. The children expressed many things they had heard from their parents and were reassured to “have faith in God.” Several staff members were also ministered to privately.
“I heard stories of survival from displaced residents receiving free meals who lost their properties. One adult son who had been visiting his parents raced to their home with the fire bearing down onto their neighborhood. His parents were not in the house and, with just mere minutes, he grabbed a few photos that he could carry and ran to a safe distance onto the beach and watched his parents’ home burn. His mother and father recounted the details to me through tears. A hotel worker shared that their home was burned to the ground and that his wife and children were now being housed at the hotel where he worked.
There were so many stories shared with our ministry team, who sat with each person in their grief. Our very presence alone brought so much comfort. Each person was moved to gratitude that could only be expressed by tears as we told them of the outpouring of financial support, the hundreds of prayers being lifted on their behalf, and LCC’s commitment to continue to be there through ongoing support of their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.”
On Friday, we met with the school staff. Rev. Singer led devotions and explained LCC’s role and partnership with Emmanuel. Rev. Rod Hall and Jeanette Singer, Licensed Counselors, offered individual emotional and spiritual care opportunities to them and their students. Pastor Rod and Jeanette were invited to visit and talk to students in three classrooms. The children expressed many things they had heard from their parents and were reassured to “have faith in God.” Several staff members were also ministered to privately.
Reaching Those in Need through Food Pantry
Last week we also met with food pantry leaders from Emmanuel and Wailuku Union Churches and a community distribution site in Lahaina to discuss how to get the needed food, hygiene, and paper products to distribution sites for survivors in need.
Orphan Grain Train (OGT), a Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS) Recognized Service Organization led by Rev. Ralph Schmidt on the Island of Maui, will be partnering with Emmanuel Lutheran Church to provide requested items to designated sites. A shipment will arrive in Maui this week for those in need.
Tears of gratitude appeared on cheeks as all discussed the deeper ministry that occurs through relationships started through meeting one’s basic physical needs.
Orphan Grain Train (OGT), a Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS) Recognized Service Organization led by Rev. Ralph Schmidt on the Island of Maui, will be partnering with Emmanuel Lutheran Church to provide requested items to designated sites. A shipment will arrive in Maui this week for those in need.
Tears of gratitude appeared on cheeks as all discussed the deeper ministry that occurs through relationships started through meeting one’s basic physical needs.
Providing Spiritual, Emotional, and Trauma Care
|
Lutheran Church Charities and Emmanuel Lutheran Church were invited by the Hawaii VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) to provide spiritual, emotional, and trauma care to displaced residents staying in hotels. Rev. Rod Hall and Rev. Mark Hannemann, President/CEO GracePoint Institute for Relational Health, have been ministering to these displaced residents.
This entire team of servants has been ministering to those affected by this disaster at distribution and feeding centers, hotels, and other community businesses and sites, as well as first responders and National Guard soldiers. |
|
|
On Sunday, Reverends Chris Singer, Rod Hall, Mark Hannemann, and Ralph Schmidt led the worship services at Emmanuel. Rev. Singer delivered a message of hope to those assembled. When asked to consider what Jesus might be asking them, the congregation shared: "Do you trust Me?, Do you believe in Me?, Do you love Me?"
Rev. Singer shared Matthew 15:21-28 and Jesus’ recognition of a faith that is trusting even when the “WHY” is not answered and God appears silent. During Bible Study, Pastor Mark Hannemann leaned into this as he instructed on Christian Care and the fact that the “WHY” question should be replaced with “WHAT” does Jesus want for us through this.
Rev. Singer shared Matthew 15:21-28 and Jesus’ recognition of a faith that is trusting even when the “WHY” is not answered and God appears silent. During Bible Study, Pastor Mark Hannemann leaned into this as he instructed on Christian Care and the fact that the “WHY” question should be replaced with “WHAT” does Jesus want for us through this.
|
|
Inspiration from a Sunday School Student
Rev. Singer was inspired by the faith demonstrated by so many as each one actively worked to care for the other. Emmanuel Lutheran School’s principal shared a story that inspired him the most as it came from the heart of an elementary student during Sunday school.
“Me and my brother went to Lahaina to go help out the people stuck there. All you could smell was smoke if you rolled down your windows or through the AC vents, it was tragic. We gave water to all the people who were living on the beach. We gave them water to drink and to shower, and we gave them food to eat, but the one thing they were looking for was hope and happiness, which is what we did. We had made them so happy that they cried tears, and they were hugging us so hard that it was hard to breathe. After that, we went home and we prayed for them so they hopefully could rebuild what they had lost.”
“What amazing faith,” shared Rev. Singer. “May each of us have our eyes and hearts open to the grief around us and respond with the mercy, compassion, presence and proclamation of Jesus!”
“Me and my brother went to Lahaina to go help out the people stuck there. All you could smell was smoke if you rolled down your windows or through the AC vents, it was tragic. We gave water to all the people who were living on the beach. We gave them water to drink and to shower, and we gave them food to eat, but the one thing they were looking for was hope and happiness, which is what we did. We had made them so happy that they cried tears, and they were hugging us so hard that it was hard to breathe. After that, we went home and we prayed for them so they hopefully could rebuild what they had lost.”
“What amazing faith,” shared Rev. Singer. “May each of us have our eyes and hearts open to the grief around us and respond with the mercy, compassion, presence and proclamation of Jesus!”
Lutheran Early Response Team Training for Church Members
Sunday afternoon, Deaconess Kathy O’Day provided LCMS Basic Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) training to twenty congregation members and school staff from Emmanuel. They learned what they could do as church L.E.R.T. volunteers to assist their community during the immediate and long-term recovery process, and received spiritual and emotional caregiving ideas. Deaconess O’Day will lead another Basic L.E.R.T. training at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Aiea on the Island of Oahu on Saturday.
|
|
The congregation of Emmanuel and the people we have met and minster to extend heartfelt “Mahalo nui” for prayers and financial support sent on their behalf.
The greatest need is for financial donations to help the people of Maui. They do not have the ability to take in any more donations of items. If you are so moved by this disaster, please donate generously so that we can help survivors with this unfathomable loss.
The greatest need is for financial donations to help the people of Maui. They do not have the ability to take in any more donations of items. If you are so moved by this disaster, please donate generously so that we can help survivors with this unfathomable loss.
Posted: Monday, August 14
|
93 Confirmed Deaths and Rising
3000+ Maui Structures Destroyed; 86% Residential 12,000+ People Displaced; Families Left Homeless Search & Rescue Continues “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2 |
As of late Saturday, the death toll from the Maui wildfires climbed to at least 93, with expectations that will reach in the hundreds.
This is the deadliest United States wildfire in more than 100 years, as authorities work to identify the victims and sift through the burned communities of western Maui. 3,000+ homes, businesses, schools, government, and cultural centers are destroyed. An estimated 12,000 people are displaced, with people sleeping in shelters, vehicles, stores, on the street, or with family and friends. With businesses destroyed, there is a massive loss of jobs. |
BE THERE BY WORKING THROUGH
LUTHERAN CHURCH CHARITIES
LUTHERAN CHURCH CHARITIES
I received an invite from Rev. Michael Lange of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod California Nevada Hawaii (CNH) District, CNH District Disaster Response Coordinator (DDRC) Phil Zabell, and Leif Sjostrand, Congregational President from Emmanuel Lutheran Church & School in Kahului, Maui. Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, is working with Russell Wilson and Diane Wilson, church secretary, to coordinate LCC’s presence in Maui.
|
Our hearts break with Maui at the loss of life and the destruction brought on by this natural disaster. Yet our hearts are full with the hope of Jesus’ mercy and compassion. Together with your support, LCC will be there to provide the help, comfort, and encouragement needed right now.
On Wednesday, August 16, I will be deploying with Kathy and my wife Jeanette to Maui to minister to their community in this disaster. Emmanuel Lutheran Church is currently without a pastor as they await for an answer to a call they have issued. The school principal, head elder, and congregational president have all asked for leadership assistance from LCC in addition to the invite from the CNH District President and DDRC. |
|
Kathy will conduct Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) training and advise the church leaders on how best to work with FEMA and national and community voluntary organizations active in disaster (VOAD) for long-term recovery. Jeanette, as a certified coach and ministry partner volunteer, and I will focus on care ministry in shelters, congregational preparedness training for disasters, and food ministry through the church alongside two other congregations. Follow-up trips are expected to provide on-going spiritual care, and all LCC Ministries are on standby and ready to serve as needed.
The devastation is catastrophic, and there is a tremendous need for spiritual, emotional, and trauma care for everyone impacted and the first responders who are heroically dealing with the remaining wildfires, conducting search and rescue operations, and recovering lives lost.
The devastation is catastrophic, and there is a tremendous need for spiritual, emotional, and trauma care for everyone impacted and the first responders who are heroically dealing with the remaining wildfires, conducting search and rescue operations, and recovering lives lost.
URGENT FINANCIAL DONATIONS ARE NEEDED TO HELP INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES WHO ARE SUFFERING AND IN NEED
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:2
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:2
|
The greatest need is for financial donations to help the people of Maui. They do not have the ability to take in any more donations of items. If you are so moved by this disaster, please donate generously so that we can help survivors with this unfathomable loss.
Thank you for your faithful prayers and support for all of the communities affected by these wildfires as well as for the local first responders and LCC staff and volunteers that help during the long recovery process. Be there with LCC to show them the love and presence of Jesus! |
Lutheran Church Charities is ready to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence, and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need. We only go where we are invited and we never charge those we serve.
Serving Together in the Comfort of Jesus!
Rev. Chris Singer
President/CEO
Lutheran Church Charities
President/CEO
Lutheran Church Charities
LCC works in coordination with the Disaster Response national and local districts of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod.