Nine months after the devastating wildfire in Maui, the community is still reeling from the effects of the destructive blaze. Pastor Greg Laurie, along with other volunteers, is organizing an outreach event called “Hope for Lahaina” to provide both physical and spiritual assistance to those in need on the island. The event aims to preach a Gospel message and offer encouragement to those who are trying to rebuild their lives after losing everything in the fire.
Laurie explained that there is a “lingering sadness” on the island as some residents have left altogether due to the aftermath of the fire. The event, named after Lahaina, stands for Holding On with Patient Expectation. The community is seen as a symbol of hope, represented by a massive anchor and a famed Banyan tree that survived the wildfire. Laurie emphasized that hope can anchor individuals in tumultuous times and that a relationship with God through Jesus Christ can bring beauty out of ashes.
Harvest Maui, where Laurie’s church is located, has been able to provide practical help to the community thanks to donations from across the country. They have offered food, clothing, school supplies, housing, mental health support, and assistance to local schools and first responders who were impacted by the fires. The rebuilding process has been slow, and children are now bussed long distances to school as their original schools were destroyed.
In addition to physical assistance, Laurie has focused on meeting people’s spiritual needs through weekly worship services, Bible teachings, and biblical trauma counseling. He expressed the importance of spiritual help during such difficult times and emphasized that Harvest Maui is committed to supporting the community for the long term. The situation in Lahaina is likened to the story of Lazarus in the Bible, where Jesus brought hope and changed everything by raising Lazarus from the dead.
The “Hope for Lahaina” event on April 28 will provide a platform for Laurie, former “American Idol” contestant Danny Gokey, and worship leader Leeland to share a message of hope and encouragement with the Maui community. Despite the challenges faced by the residents of Lahaina, Laurie remains optimistic that with faith and community support, they can overcome the devastation caused by the wildfire and rebuild their lives. He believes that through a relationship with God, individuals can find strength and purpose in the face of adversity.
