Hawaii Fire Relief – The Tevaga Family (Alice & Sheryl Cooper)

This week’s post focuses on tragedy, one of life’s greatest mysteries. It comes in many forms; some we see coming, while others blindside us. No matter its nature, tragedy leaves us shocked and bewildered. Questions arise that one may not usually ask, the most significant being, “Why?”

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

The above-listed verse is a powerful one. As tragedy and distasteful events occur in this life, we must remember that God is in control; He has a plan! We must not forget that as we walk with Him.

Before last week’s FWA post was completed and up on the site, I received a phone call one is never prepared to take.

My mother’s soft, frail voice told me that my 33yr old cousin, Chelsea, had passed away on her way to the E.R.

At first, hearing my mother speak, I knew bad news was on the horizon, but learning that someone so young with so many years to go was gone, needless to say, I was floored.

Chelsea was a lovely woman with a heart of gold and a beautiful soul. May the Lord wrap His healing arms around her as she rests peacefully in His Glory.

Again, tragedy is part of life. However, some tragedies affect only a few, while others involve a whole community.

“In early August 2023, a series of wildfires broke out in the U.S. state of Hawaii, predominantly on the island of Maui. The wind-driven fires prompted evacuations, caused widespread damage, and killed at least 111 people in the town of Lāhainā. Approximately 1,300 people remain missing, and the death toll from the fires could double or triple in the upcoming days. The proliferation of the wildfires was attributed to dry, gusty conditions created by a strong high-pressure area north of Hawaii and Hurricane Dora to the south.” – Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Hawaii_wildfires

The Maui fires have left many wondering what to do and where to go. They have taken everything from their community, loved ones, homes, and way of life. It’s a tragedy of catastrophic proportions.

Alice & Sheryl Cooper have considered Hawaii their home away from home for many years. They vacation there, unwind there and prepare for future LPs and shows there. In fact, as of August 2022, they also own property there. Hawaii holds a very dear, special place in their hearts.

Their love for the community is so strong that they have graciously allowed their residence (which was luckily spared from the fires) to be used as a shelter for refugee families that lost EVERYTHING.

While the temporary shelter is welcomed and necessary, these families must start at ground level, restoring their lives, homes, and communities. It’s a daunting task.

While emergency relief, missionaries, and other organizations move in to help re-establish the area, families still ponder what’s next for them, their friends, careers, homes, etc. They need help from anywhere they can get it.

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” – James 2:14-17

While we are not saved by our deeds (Ephesians 2:8-9), James shows us in the above-listed verses that they are a part of our faith.

Many have created Instagram pages, fundraisers, and donation efforts to begin relief efforts for the families that have lost EVERYTHING. We want to share one of those with you.

The Tevaga family is being sheltered at Alice & Sheryl Cooper’s residence. They are only one of the families affected by this catastrophic event. Listed below is a way to help support this family. Sheryl Cooper has approved this method and confirmed it is a legit way to help them.

Tragedies, while often unexplained, test our faith perhaps more than any other time. However, they also allow us the opportunity to search our hearts while tapping into His Love – a Love we share with all humanity (John 15:12).

May we learn from all the moments we’ve been given, even the toughest ones. There’s always a lesson to be learned and something more profound taking place than what we see on the surface.

That’s it for this week. Be well, and catch you next Friday!

Until then, keep Walkin’ in Faith and Rockin’ with Alice!