Miracles in Maui

After raging flames this past week left Lahaina mostly in ashes with more than 1,000 people still missing, Maui’s death toll is now at 111 and climbing, making it the deadliest fire in modern US history.

And yet, in the midst of the devastation, a miracle has appeared. Surrounded on all sides by the grey of entire city blocks burned to ashes, one lone lawn remains green, and Lahaina Baptist Church appears unharmed.

“Your prayers for us mean more than we can express,” Pastor Barry Campbell said on LBC’s Facebook page recently. “Based on the attached picture (taken August 11), we are sure the church building is still standing.”

The lives of all of LBC’s church members were also spared, praise God.

“Of course, many of our families have suffered the loss of their homes and all their earthly possessions. Most were evacuated and continue to need help in just about every way. Some are on the other side of Maui, or in Kihei, others escaped north and are at shelters close to Lahaina.

“Even though food and daily essentials continue to be significant needs, the focus is now shifting to short term and long term lodging for the thousands who lost their homes. Supplies are pouring in as great organizations like SBC Disaster Relief and Samaritan’s Purse are arriving on the scene. There is a wonderful spirit of love and cooperation on the island. 

“Access to the west side (Lahaina side of the island) is a huge challenge. There is basically only one way in—one two-lane road. And officials are closing it often to keep down the number of people in Lahaina and surrounding areas. The presence of more people in the burn zone makes the task of recovering bodies much more difficult.

“Even though we were originally told our Lahaina Baptist Church building was destroyed, we were amazed to learn the building is still standing. Everything around it is literally in ashes, but our building seems fine. We aren’t allowed in yet to inspect, but it looks great in pictures.

“All but two of our church families lost their homes. I would estimate that over half the residents of our communities lost their homes and possessions.

“The big question is: Where will those people live? It will take years to rebuild. Another big issue is jobs. If the hotels and resorts are closed down, where will locals work? So we appreciate your prayers and concern.”

At least 2,200 buildings were damaged or destroyed, most of those residential. Grace Baptist Church’s structure did not make it through the fire. But as members gathered together to worship in a coffee shop on Sunday, they celebrated their own miracles: a policeman telling a family to flee just in time, a car that made it out of the fire zone with almost no gas, and caring Christians who opened their homes to those who had lost everything.

Lord, please point rescuers to those who are still missing. Heal the wounded and comfort those who mourn. Do it in such a way they will know it is You. Be near and evident to every person who has suffered loss. When they cry out to You, answer them, O God. We thank You for these miracles and for the lives You have spared. You are truly a great God, and we believe many more stories of Your works in the midst of the fire will yet be told. Please bring healing now to this area so terribly devastated. Bring Christian counselors, aid workers, ministers and other believers to those in need, providing food, shelter, medical attention, comfort and healing to those who are grieving so much. Turn this terrible disaster into stories of Your faithfulness and love, and give every lost soul on the island a deep hunger for You. Awaken Maui and all of Hawaii and the mainland to Your love. Draw the lost into the places where Christians gather to worship. Open up loving Christian homes to take in those who have lost theirs. May Your Gospel race across the island like wildfire, as it did 200 years ago when thousands came to faith. Bring revival to Hawaii, Lord. From out of the ashes, bring forth new life everlasting.

Share this with others who will also pray. Let’s join with other believers throughout the world daily here at the Prayer Wall to push back the enemy’s purposes and pray forth God’s during these trying times.

Mikaela Vincent and her husband are missionaries who live by faith, trusting in God to provide for their needs as they pray for and share Christ with the nations. If you would like to help their ministry through a donation, or by finding gifts for those you love at Mikaela’s online bookstore, click the buttons below:

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