On August 14, 2023, Bishop Doug Beacham shared a Disaster Declaration regarding the devastation impacting Hawaii. IPHC’s Disaster Relief USA (DRUSA) encourages all who can to help those affected by this tragedy. DRUSA National Director Rick Haug shares, “We trust that our contributions will be able to help in at least some small way to restore a sense of normalcy to the homes and lives that have been devastated.” DRUSA was developed in 1993 and strives to respond and help those in need throughout the country.
Most recently, wildfires began decimating the island of Maui on August 8. Impacted areas include Lahaini on the west coast with additional fires in the central and southwest parts of the island. The Big Island is also fighting wildfires although they have not caused any fatalities. While the fires are mostly contained, firefighting crews are still battling flareups.
The US’s largest banyan tree in Lahaini may not survive the 2023 wildfires after shading millions for more than 150 years (originally posted in The New York Times)
This wildfire is considered the deadliest U.S. wildfire within the last century with nearly 100 people dead and tens of thousands displaced. As searches continue, it is believed that the death toll will rise. Loss of life, homes, and livelihood are a reality for many in Lahaini and the surrounding areas, so DRUSA is working to raise funding for those struck by this tragedy.
The historic Waiola Church in Lahaina taken over by flames, August 8, 2023 (originally posted by Omaha World Press)
Historically, DRUSA has deployed mobile feeding kitchens to serve disaster areas. In recent years, they have distributed gift cards to storm-ravaged areas and flooded zones. Because of the distance, DRUSA is asking for financial contributions instead, and your generosity will help the IPHC minister to the survivors.
Please send donations to IPHC at PO Box 12609 OKC, OK 73157 and earmark for DRUSA/Maui Fires. Pastor Barbara Tengan of Kahului is our point person in Maui. Many IPHC leaders have taught at her church, so she will be distributing the assistance raised for this effort.
State Department of Land and Natural Resources wildland firefighters battle a fire in a grove of pines near the Maui Bird Conservation Center in Olinda Tuesday morning (originally posted by Maui News)
