Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we have seen in the news, Hawaii recently suffered the country's deadliest fire in 100 years. As I write, we know that over 90 persons have died. The number of deaths is expected to rise. The city of Lahaina on the island of Maui was destroyed. I heard this morning that the destruction from fires includes 2,700 homes and buildings, along with Holy Innocents Episcopal Church.
I reached out to Fr. Chris Golding, our former Associate Priest, who now serves as chaplain at Seabury Hall on the island of Maui. Thanks be to God, Fr. Chris, Julia, and their children Phoebe and James are safe. Please keep them in your prayers as they are dealing first-hand with the aftermath, and this is no doubt a very difficult situation for children - and even more so with the beginning of the school year!
Many are asking how they can help. Below are links to several options for making financial contributions that will make a big difference in people's lives:
I encourage everyone to give to one or more of these as generously as you can.
And I ask that you continue to hold Fr. Chris and his family, and everyone affected by this tragedy, in your prayers.
O God, our refuge and strength, our help in times of trouble: have mercy on the lands damaged by fires. Have mercy on the lands where the weather has destroyed livelihoods. Protect those who evacuate houses. Comfort those who mourn. Inspire the fortunate to give generously to those in need. And strengthen those who rebuild hope so that entire communities may face the future without fear. Amen.
Fr. Bryan
The Bishop of Hawaii’s Pastoral Fund
https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/1530960
Episcopal Relief & Development Disaster Fund
https://support.episcopalrelief.org/maui-wildfire-2023/?ID=WS23-DRR_230812DPADS0100
American Red Cross of Hawaii
https://www.redcross.org/local/hawaii.html
Maui United Way Fire & Disaster Relief - According to Fr. Chris, this is the best giving option for the larger Maui community.
https://mauiunitedway.org/disasterrelief
Seabury Hall Community Crisis Fund – This fund will provide direct emergency assistance for Seabury Hall families, many of whom lost homes and businesses.
https://seabury.givepulse.com/event/329738-Seabury-Hall-Community-Crisis-Fund
