"Brethren Voices" - 07-01-25 (06-02-35)

''Brethren Voices,'' "FROM ASHES AND TEARDROPS - HEALING & HOPE COME TO LAHAINA" The July 2025 "Brethren Voices" features a glimpse of the Kilauea Volcano. The Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes and fire, Pele, is a central figure in Hawaiian mythology and culture. She is also considered a creator and a destroyer, embodying both the destructive power of volcanic eruptions and the creative force of new land formation. She is revered and feared by many Hawaiians, who believe she still resides in Kilauea and influences the volcanic activity on the Island of Hawaii. Fire of a different kind, visited the Island of Maui in August of 2023, as a horrific wildfire destroyed the historic town of Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii. It was the deadliest wildfire in the United States during the last 100 years. The Lahaina fire caused widespread destruction and loss of life. The start of the Lahaina fire, was speculated to have been caused by downed power lines, which ignited dried vegetation in areas outside of town. Fierce winds swept the fast-moving fire through the historic city which, was once known, as a "whaling capital." The American Redcross became involved in serving survivors of the devastation in Maui and the Church of the Brethren's, Children's Disaster Services and its volunteers were called to serve children and families. CDS provided child care for 6 weeks following the disaster. Since 1980, Children’s Disaster Services, a program of Brethren Disaster Ministries, has been meeting the needs of children by setting up child care centers in shelters and disaster assistance centers across the nation. Specially trained volunteers respond to traumatized children. Volunteers arrived in Hawaii and served for six weeks. They brought with them, two of the CDS, "Kits of Comfort" suitcases, containing carefully selected toys promoting child-led, imaginative play. They encourage children to express themselves, starting the process of healing. "Brethren Voices" captures the stories of two individuals who were involved in the fire and its aftermath. Craig Weber, as resident of Lahaina, had his home destroyed in the fire. Because of the fierce winds of August 7, 2023, he witnessed the fire spread down the West Maui Mountain, eventually engulfing a large home he had built with friends. He now lives in a travel trailer, on the same property. Soakai Taufa and his family live south of Lahaina, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. They did not lose their home. Nevertheless, his life and the lives of his family came to a screeching halt, as they were without power and had to depend on non perishable food for an extended period of time. In time, a memorial was built to honor the 102 victims of the fire, but Soakai felt a "calling," to do more, to "help the healing process for the community of Lahaina." Using the skills of his construction trade, he built a giant teardrop, out of rebar, chicken wire and covered in red lights. It stands 18 feet high with symbolic figures, recognized by all residents of Lahaina. A large "heart" in blue lights, runs through the center of his creation. His heart-felt words conclude this "Brethren Voices" program, "If someone needs help . . . Help them." Ed Groff, the producer of "Brethren Voices" stated, we never imagined that our focus would reach so many people from coast to coast. "Brethren Voices programs have been viewed on over 100 community access stations around the country. Over 200 programs may be viewed on WWW.YouTube.com/Brethrenvoices. Check us out!!!