Grace Commons

This morning, we joined in worship at New Hope Maui Church. Pastor Janet shared that not only did Jesus have a triumphant entry into Jerusalem, but he also had a triumphant entry into heaven. She challenged us to look at what we value and what we place crowns on other than that crown of our King Jesus! 

After church, Pastor Dwayne gave us some declarations for our prayer walk for those affected by the fires and shared with us some Hawaiian words that we could pray for. 

I am anointed to pave new paths and create new things that have never existed before. (Joshua 3)

We found a shady spot to enjoy our lunch at Launiupoko Beach Park. We saw lots of marine life, including whales, turtles and snails. 

Aren't trees there for us to climb? 

We were blessed to have Carol (whom we met at church this morning) meet us after lunch to share her personal testimony of losing her home in the Lahaina fires. She reminded us that we need to keep our eyes forward and not look back or we may become hardened and bitter, giving us the example of Sodom and Gomorrah. 

Carol took us to her property. We stood where her home once stood. She shared with us the process of what's next and how she is hoping to rebuild.  

As we walked Carol's property and the neighborhood where she lived, we saw new growth. What a beautiful sign that the Lord provides healing and new life!

Carol also took us to where the crosses line the highway that commemorates those who lost their lives in the fire. We were able to walk and pray for those families. 

We ended our evening by enjoying dinner from local food trucks at the Maui Sunday Market. We were able to have more fellowship with our new sister Carol. 

Sweet sorrow as we pack up all the Gaylord's and help close this distribution center. All the donations will be moved to another location. Like these items, the displaced people also have moved several times. 

Half of our group went to Living Way Church to work on the dorm building attached to the church. We are scraping away the old paint and prepping for a fresh coat to be applied. 

Pastor Gregg took us to the Loa Valley State Monument, also known as Happy Valley, to share with us more about the deep roots of Christ around Maui. 

Some of us climbed to the overlook while others climbed down to enjoy the cool of the mountain streams. God's creation around us today was breathtaking! 

For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see His invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. Romans 1:20

After a day of serving, we enjoyed dinner together back at camp. 

This morning we had the honor of returning to Living Way Maui Church. Pastor Gregg shared a devotion with us this morning reminding us that we are the Special Forces that are called to serve and share the Gospel. 

Pastor also shared that we are to:

S - serve

W - without complaining

A - As on to the Lord

T - Take up our cross 

What a powerful message to start our day!

Breakfast was delicious! 

Living Way Church Maui has a dormitory where they house people in need, recently those displaced by the fires. We spent the day prepping and painting providing new life to old wood. We've received the "Aloha" welcome and an openness: A true blessing of Christian love. 

This church lives by the principle of "E Komo mai!"  Openness. We might say "my place is as yours" 

Living Way Maui makes meals to feed those who have been displaced by the fire and for those working to help with the cleanup. Each week the church makes about 1200 meals. We helped today with lots of prep. 

The church doors are always open to those in need to be fed both physically and spiritually! 

From the moment we walked through the doors of New Living Maui Church we were welcomed as a part of their family. Family pitches in and helps in every way. Washing dishes and cleaning the bathrooms were some of the tasks we were happy to help with. 

With our whole team serving at the church today, we were able to accomplish so much more! 

Some of us worked with Calvin, a missionary in Happy Valley on Wednesday. He taught us about taro, a root used in meals here in Maui. Later, these plants will brighten up those who return to Lahaina. 

We worked hard to continue the ditch that was started for the taro plants. 

We had so much fun planting Taro with Calvin and his family. Our team's highlight was watching his daughters interact with us. 

One such sweet moment was captured in this photo. 

Calvin also taught us how to make worm buckets. These worms will have a new home next to newly planted trees in Lahaina. The burned soil will be rejuvenated. 

Oskie Rice Arena partnered with us. They housed the displaced animals after the 8/12 fires. They also served the community with meals. Now they want to bring back the joy with many types of venues. This week will be a circus. 

The container is empty and ready for shelves. 

Stuff, stuff and more stuff. 

Thursday morning, most of our group meet with Pastor Kyle from New Hope Maui church. He shared with us some scripture to help prepare us to go walk around the park and share the good news of Jesus! 

On Thursday, we returned to Oskie Ranch. We’re amazed at how nice it looks after organizing. 

We’re assembling furniture today too. 

Just one more chair. 

After a long day of work. 

We're having an awesome day! Headed to whale watching. Enjoyed Haleakala and some good body boarding at Paia.

Enjoying our time on our whale watching tour! 

We are ready to see the whales!