Hawaiʻi is experiencing its worst flooding in more than 20 years after back-to-back storm systems drenched the state. Some areas received more than 30 inches of rain within five days’ time. Floodwaters have washed out roads, causing ongoing transportation disruptions, including repeated flight delays and cancellations. More than 5,000 people were evacuated north of Honolulu, and thousands lost power. On the island of Hawaiʻi, Kahului Church of the Nazarene sustained roof and interior damage. Recovery across the state is only beginning.

Despite uncertainty due to the floods, last week’s spring break children’s camp (hosted by the Hawaiʻi Pacific District Church of the Nazarene) was able to proceed on the island of Oʻahu. The camp served 66 children and was staffed by adult and youth volunteers from four islands.

“Just one day before camp was set to begin, relentless storms, flash flooding, and power outages forced us to cancel our Sunday church service and left us unsure if camp could even happen,” shared Kaulana Hussey, a member of Windward Church of the Nazarene on Oʻahu.

“Then, just two hours before the final decision, the power was restored ... the weather cleared just enough for every activity to take place. Though the grounds were a little muddy, hearts were still transformed, reminding us all that while storms in life will inevitably come, God remains constant, faithful, and is able to work powerfully through both the uncertainty before and the blessings after.”

Jamie Kalama, a pastor at Molokaʻi Church of the Nazarene, helped direct the camp.

“We talked about being a ‘Superhero of Compassion’ where we learned that compassion is LOVE in action. By living compassion, we are learning to be like Jesus,” she shared.

“The camp, ending just one day before the second storm devastated our island communities, prepared our campers to see and participate in love in action,” said Pua Kekaula Kānealiʻi, pastor at Molokaʻi Church of the Nazarene on the island of Molokaʻi and director of the camp.

Travel disruptions following the event left several participants unable to fly home for several days due to continued storm conditions.

On Maui, the congregation of Pukalani Church of the Nazarene (Puka Naz) is responding to urgent needs following the floods. This type of compassionate reaction has become the norm at Puka Naz since wildfires devastated parts of Maui in August of 2023. The church has prioritized caring for their neighbors through a tiny home community for those facing housing insecurity called Compassion Village, a community water station, food distributions, a community garden, counseling services, and more. Much of this work continues to support people still struggling after the fires.

This time around, church volunteers partnered with the county to support a shelter for unhoused people and worked with local aid organizations to operate a shower and laundry trailer. A total of 240 crisis care kits have been distributed, and the church deployed its Mobile Compassion Center to deliver supplies to hard-hit communities. At the same time, several church members have begun cleanup of their own homes after being directly impacted by flooding, fallen trees, and damaged roads.

A mission team from Shawnee Church of the Nazarene in Kansas arrived on Maui last week to serve at the Compassion Village, but quickly found their plans had to change.

“Arriving in paradise in the midst of a record-breaking flood quickly shifted our focus,” explained team member Starla Rowell. The group assisted at the county shelter, supported the laundry trailer, and served in other practical ways on the church campus and in the community.

“That was a huge help in a critical moment,” shared Dylan Nails, Associate Pastor and Director of Housing at Puka Naz.

“We went to Maui to serve communities still healing from the devastation of the fires, but while we were there, heavy rains brought unexpected flooding,” said Emily Gwaltney, Youth Pastor at the Shawnee church. “It was a powerful reminder that for many residents, recovery isn’t a single event; it’s an ongoing process.”

The church’s disaster response systems, honed after the fires, enabled a rapid response to this crisis. That preparation made a significant difference in delivering aid in a timely way, ensuring those in need immediately received essential support.

Pastor Emily remarked on the agile nature of the church’s activities during and after the floods.

“What stood out was how quickly the church was able to respond because of its experience during the fires,” she said. “[They were] already organized, equipped, and ready to meet urgent needs again. Even in the midst of back-to-back disasters, the resilience of the people and the way the community and the church continues to come together, support one another, and rebuild with hope was deeply moving.”

“The need is still ongoing,” Pastor Dylan shared. “But we’ve seen God continue to provide and sustain both the people and the work here.”

Pastor Jamie also noted the ways community members assisted one another in the aftermath, in many ways reflecting what the children learned at camp.

“Honestly, despite all of the challenges, we have been witness to many real-life superheroes of compassion this week,” she said. “May we all find ways to be (and notice!) superheroes of compassion.”

The churches in Hawai’i ask the global church to join them in praying for all those impacted by these storms.

Learn more about this disaster here.

Learn more about Compassion Village at Puka Naz here and here.