Perserverance Through the Fire: Advice from Mesquite Heat Residents to Hawaii Families
On August 8, 2023, in an unprecedented Maui wildfire, strong winds wrought havoc and destruction upon the island. According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Dora, which was passing 500 miles to the south of the island chain, was partly to blame for wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour and the loss of power. Fire claimed Lahaina Town, including Front Street, a popular historical and dining region. Sadly, the popular mecca for tourists was burned to the ground. The fire was catastrophic and described by numerous sources as Apocalytpic. At the time of posting, the most recent death toll has risen to 80, with many lives still unaccounted. Several fires are still not contained, and search and rescue are combing through the area.
When I first learned of this fire, some of my first thoughts were for new friendships I recently developed on a medical mission trip in Oahu. I first thought of our beloved new friends, Missionaries Brad and Esther of Harvest Family Life Hawaii and Pastors Eddie and Faleiva Hunt of Christian Faith Center.
Although we served on a different island than Maui, we were there only weeks ago, and I was ready to return when I heard the tragic news. I served with my daughters on a group mission trip, and I felt such sadness about what my new friends and family were going through. Although the wildfires in Maui are at a much greater magnitude, with debilitating loss of life, I also had a flashback of my own traumatic feelings when I received a call about a wildfire tearing through my parents’ (and my childhood home).
At the time of posting, it has been approximately 15 months since the Mesquite Heat fire devastated Hidden Valley and the surrounding View community. It is still a miracle to comprehend that in spite of an 11,000-acre wildlife which burned over 20 structures, amazingly there was no loss of human life.
Angels were indeed surrounding the community and protecting our loved ones and friends. Even though many lost homes and structures, we can still see the small miracles that occurred and know that the angels encamped around them.
The residents and families are immensely thankful for the fast-acting deputies and firefighters. Their families are wholeheartedly thankful for the leadership of Sheriff Ricky Bishop, his deputies, firefighters, and the countless volunteers. Six deputies were honored for their heroic work in the evacuation of the Mesquite Heat fire in the View community. Those brave deputies were the first to head straight into danger to evacuate families.
The Maui fires are on a much larger scale, including the on-going rise in loss of life, and I am not comparing the Mesquite Heat fire to the heart-breaking loss of the Maui fires, but I do understand the emotions faced when going through a community fire. I wanted to check-in with the Mesquite Heat survivors to see how they are doing and wondered about any recommendations they had for fire victims.
Dr. Pearl Merritt shared, “We are thankful to be alive. No amount of planning will prepare you for a disaster. When we left our house, ashes were falling around us. We later realized we did not take our two Emergency back packs full of emergency supplies, but we managed without them. Human life and animal life is precious. Nothing else matters.”
She also emphasized how a catastrophic event often bonds a community. She explained, “A year after the devastating fire that destroyed the valley, we found hope in our church community. We have banded together and realize we are stronger.” The community outreach was largely orchestrated by the pastor and member of the View Baptist Church. Dr. Merritt shared that since the fire, they formed various committees, including the Spiritual Team and Crisis Team. She added, “We have realized it is more blessed to give than receive. The material things do not matter. They are just things. People matter.”
Throughout this week, I have checked in with our friends, who are Missionaries in Oahu. Pastors Brad and Esther, of Harvest Family Life Hawaii, hosted our group for the recent medical missions’ trip we took earlier in the summer. Pastors Brad and Esther reported, “It’s been devastating. We’ve spent the last few days coordinating with churches and agencies on Oahu and Maui. Our state is suffering but also so many stepping up. The way God is working is amazing!”
There are many opportunities to give to the people of Hawaii. I have researched them, but I also wanted to check in with my friends for recommendations of trust-worthy organizations. Please see contact below for Harvest Family Life Hawaii.
Harvest Family Life Hawaii:
https://hflhi.networkforgood.com/projects/188695-careportal-giving-for-keiki-and-ohana
Pastors Eddie and Faleiva Hunt also reported that Lahaina Baptist Church was also affected by the fires and recommend giving to them at the link below:
I also recommend the American Red Cross, as they were also a tremendous support following the Mesquite Heat Fire.
Mark 9:41 (NIV):
“Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.
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Be Blessed,
Dr. K
