Maui Disaster Relief
The PCA is standing strong with Maui fire victims. PCA main office in Atlanta is sending Disaster Relief funds. Churches from the US Mainland have been inquiring where to direct their financial gifts. A financial link is established through our sister churches in Northern California (Presbytery). All funds will be directed there. PCA Pastors in Hawaii are meeting this week, talking over where to direct the funds. Who is doing a good work in Lahaina now? How might we (TPC and others) partner with them?
I wanted to pass along to you what the Atlanta office of the PCA has sent out to about 2,000 churches in the PCA. I can’t say it any better or summarize what’s underway with greater clarity -You can read below more from the PCA Disaster Relief Office. The PCA has communicated worldwide about Maui and plans to help.
Want to use regular mail? The mailing address is PO Box 333 Rocklin, CA 95677. Donations checks can be made out to Northern California Presbytery and should have "Maui" in the memo line.
From Mission to North America
To All MNA Disaster Response Friends:
A few weeks have passed since a series of wildfires broke out in Hawaii, predominantly on the island of Maui. The wind-driven fires prompted evacuations, caused widespread damage, and killed at least 115 people, leaving 850 others missing in the town of Lāhaina. As of today, only about 25% of the area has been searched. Most of the victims that have been found so far were mostly located outside or in vehicles as they attempted to flee. The proliferation of the wildfires was attributed to dry, gusty conditions created by a strong high-pressure area north of Hawaii and Hurricane Dora to the south.
The fire, driven by 80 mph winds, burned more than 2,100 acres and FEMA has estimated that 2,207 buildings have been destroyed, with a total of 2,719 exposed to the fires. Governor Josh Green announced the damage was close to $6 billion and that this is the largest catastrophe and disaster that has ever hit Maui (probably that's ever hit Hawaii) outside of wartime events. 86% of burned structures in Lāhaina were residential.
The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) has five lovely congregations in Hawaii; Trinity Church Central Oahu in Mililani, Trinity Presbyterian Church in Kailua, Hawaii Central Church in Honolulu, The City Church of Honolulu in Honolulu, and Kahikolu Church Kauai, on the Island of Kauai. The congregations are members of Northern California Presbytery and are working together to marshal relief to Maui. MNA Disaster Response is working with presbytery leaders to assist in the response. Although no PCA owned physical plant or residence was lost, many PCA members have family and close connections on Maui so are providentially positioned to offer the most help. I am thankful they have been spared and now have the opportunity to provide assistance to those in desperate need. I am so thankful that the PCA is a connectional church and that we are able to come alongside to take part in helping our brothers and sisters in Christ to help others.
How can you help now?
As for the foreseeable future no volunteer mobilization is anticipated. FEMA has asked relief organizations to not self-deploy. Critical infrastructure is non-existent, and only those highly specialized agencies working in recovery are being allowed into Maui.
Please prayerfully consider sending a generous financial gift to Northern California Presbytery. 100% of your gift will be quickly channeled to the Hawaii congregations as they demonstrate God’s love in many ways in Maui by bringing care and comfort to this devastated community. The Hawaii congregations, working as a team, will prioritize the needs and administer the funds by meeting the most urgent needs first.
The fastest and best way to help is to send a financial gift.
To do so electronically, simply click here.
If you would prefer to mail your contribution, the mailing address is:
PO Box 333 Rocklin, CA 95677. Donations checks can be made out to Northern California Presbytery and should have "Maui" in the memo line.