People Helping People

In the aftermath of the wild fires that have destroyed the town of Lahaina on the Island of Maui and left incredible devastation, destruction, and death, there are emerging stories of a hurting community rising up to help each other.

Will Cain recently reported on his podcast one such story about two women Andrea Fausett and Ciera Leavitt.

With a lack of communication and the seeming failure of local, state and federal assistance to quickly address the dire needs in Lahaina, these two women decided to do something.

Ciera lives on the East side in Kahului, which is open and began buying supplies and flying them to the closed West side. Christian Martin was their first pilot.

Andrea, who lives on the West side,  has been getting names of people who needed help and delivering shipments across West Maui. What began as a single run has now grown into dozens of planes, helicopters and volunteer pilots and people buying and distributing food, water and other necessities that has increased to 9 different locations.

When Will asked the ladies who have 5 children between them who was behind their efforts, they laughed and said, “We didn’t ask anyone. We just decided to help. We hope we didn’t do anything wrong, since the West side is closed.”

Will Cain called these ladies “heroes.” And one of the “most inspiring” stories he’s ever covered.

“What’s your title?” Will asked. Not military personnel. Not logistic experts. Not Red Cross volunteers. No. “We’re just Moms…We’re just people that wanted to help,” they said. “That’s our title.”

Andrea and Ciera remind us that you don’t need a title to help. To do good. To make a difference.

You don’t need to join a group to help a neighbor in need.

You don’t need the elders’ permission to visit the sick. Take food to shut ins Or contribute to a worthy cause.

You don’t have to wait for your small group at church to meet and mow the yard of an elderly member, or wash the dishes, or clean the house.

You don’t need any colleges degrees, fancy titles, or special training to do good.

I’m reminded of three largely unknown and unheralded men in the Bible that the apostle Paul complimented and commended.

“I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied. For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men” (1 Cor. 16:17-18).

Paul didn’t say what they did. Nor does it appear this was a collective church program. It was something they just did on their own. But it met a pressing need. It made Paul happy. It refreshed his spirit. And it encouraged the Corinthians. What was their title? Just humble servants of God doing good.

I also think of the long list of names in Romans 16, people who Paul recognized. Most, if not all, are unfamiliar and unrecognizable to us. But they labored for the Lord. Served the saints. And did what they could do. The list is headed by a woman named Phoebe, who you may remember. Paul said “she was a helper of many.”

Helper. The was Phoebe’s title. And the rest of the 29 people mentioned.

Helper. That was the title of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus.

Helper. That was Andrea and Ciera’s title.

What about you? Are you a helper?

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Gal. 6:10).

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

Note: If you wish to contribute to fund supplies for the people of Maui, you can contribute to Will Cain’s GoFundMe page.

Also the local Rotary District (which I support and recommend) is soliciting funds to meet this need. Click here to donate.