Greg Laurie’s Harvest Kumulani Reach Out to Maui’s Fire Survivors: MAUI, Hawaii The death toll from the Maui wildfire has risen to 115, with hundreds more still missing. CBN News returned to Lahaina to see how Christians are assisting people in their recovery.
It’s been over three weeks since the deadly flames raced through Lahaina, and the smoke rising from the ashes can still be smelled. Many residents are still crying, and the terror of what they escaped is all too real.
Eha Aveado, a Lahaina fire survivor, tells us, “I came outside and opened the door, and there was nothing but black smoke.”
The 41-year-old and his two teenage sons lost everything in the fire, including two small boats and all of their fishing gear, which was more than a hobby for Eha.
“I taught my boys how to live off the land,” he explains.
When Operation Blessing learned of Eha’s loss, they stepped in with brand-new fishing poles, spears, fins, masks, and more.
“It gives us a sense of normalcy again,” he says.
Harvest Christian Fellowship Pastor Greg Laurie walked through the ashes of Lahaina during a recent visit to his Maui church, Harvest Kumulani.
“The church is here for such a time as this,” Pastor Greg says. “And I think there’s hope for the people here, but the hope is in God, and you know, hope actually grows in the garden of adversity, and I believe that with our church reaching out and other believers living as they should as Christians, we will be able to bring help and hope to the people of Maui.”
Kumulani Chapel members David and Christiane Mello, owners of Round Table Pizza in Lahaina, have been giving out free pizza and prayers since the fire.
“We try to touch everybody who comes in and bless them as they leave,” David says.
For many Mauians, the road to recovery will be a long one, but it’s being made easier, one hug, one prayer, and one pizza at a time.