Interesting times
News outlets following Hurricane Hilary, hours before its land arrival downgraded its strength and noted the last time a tropical storm made landfall in Southern California was in 1939. A state of emergency was declared for our readiness to support response and recovery. People were warned by local officials to stay off the roads and avoid non-essential or unnecessary travel. Using the latest weather’s forecasts, our congregations responded in a myriad of ways and best served their community’s needs. During the tropical storm, a 5.1 earthquake shook the Los Angeles area, and built the growing concern for wildfires. State officials were quoted as saying, “it’s certainly interesting times.”
While, two weeks ago, these events were pale to the images in our minds and hearts from the wildfires that devastated Lahaina, Maui. Having now been reported as 100% contained (Hawaii News Now) since the blazes began on August 8, 2023. Understandably, there are growing questions and concerns about the local and state’s officials’ warnings, support, response, and recovery. This article is not to directly raise a juxtapose between each state’s efforts in their warning systems of disasters. Let’s hold in tension there is a vast difference between each state, economically. We can be proud of response and recovery efforts from all-around toward the common interest of our sibling.
The PSWR has three congregations on Oahu, unaffected directly. But, still affected, as the Aloha spirit connects, grows, spreads and shares in our siblings’ needs. We do well to continue in our prayers for them. Also, we don’t forget all the good we must and can do in response. I’m grateful for the covenant we share with these and those ties that bind us to one another. We can continue to support these response and recovery efforts with donations to Week of Compassion, our relief, refugee, and development mission fund. As it has faithfully done for years, it works with partners to alleviate suffering throughout the world.
I would be remiss to not acknowledge, amid these disasters, there are stresses, anxieties, and concerns our pastors and clergy are navigating. I am so proud of the congregations who are taking notice, encouraging, and supporting their pastors’ sabbaticals. I know we all need to do more to care for those who support/s and lead/s the church and humanity, in these, “certainly interesting times!” May our statement of faith encourage and empower us, “In Christ’s name and by his grace (as) we accept our mission of witness and service to all people (including our pastors and clergy).”
Hope to see you at our upcoming Regional Gathering.
With hope, gratitude, and prayers,
Richie