Head, Shoulder, Knees, and Toes

Author - Jauhmar Ellick

We are the body. He is the head.

The Bible tells us the body has many members, from arms to ears, to legs and eyes. Each body member is important and has a specific job. This week, I could see Christ's hands and feet at work! And lucky for me... I WAS A PART OF IT.

It's not easy work. Sometimes, you must get dirty and pick up a centipede or two. Most people won't do that. They fail to realize that the Master Himself came to serve, not to be served! Seeing Him work within the community of Lahaina and Olinda was special. It meant a lot to me to see people working hand-in-hand, coming together at a time like this!

Both areas were affected by the fires on the island! A whole community of homes was lost, families destroyed, and many people died. No one really knows how many. Hearing the stories of people trapped in their cars, unable to escape, and their cars blowing up is gut-wrenching. People were told, "TURN BACK AROUND!" They were forced INTO THE FIRE when all they were trying to do was escape to safety. People jumped into the ocean to survive! The island of Maui is hurting and in deep pain. I'm grateful to be the hands and feet of Jesus to help where I can.

"Come and see" what the Lord had us do.

We started at a food pantry at Calvary Chapel, South Maui, helping Mrs. Coleen, Auntie Amanda, and Ms. Laurel. Faith-filled women were stepping up and being THE CHURCH! Each one of them, day by day, making a difference in someone's life! We paid close attention to detail cause we never know when the Lord might have one of us doing work like them in the future. Lord willin'!

We moved to a tomato farm owned by Joel and his wife, Jessica, in Olinda. Their greenhouses were destroyed by the powerful winds of Hurricane Dora, winds which fanned the flames of the fires. They knocked the greenhouse covering material off and destroyed their tomato plants. Part of the team helped clean up the greenhouses and make them ready for replanting. The other half of the team went higher up the mountain to see what had happened to their beautiful home. Not more than 50 yards away, a fire burned down trees and destroyed the houses of neighbors. The Olinda fire is the "forgotten fire." At 3 AM, Joel evacuated his family to safety. He then returned, helped put those fires out, and cut trees down to save their neighbor's houses along with his own! Some might say Joel is a superhero. I know I do!

At Joel's house, planting terraces needed some tending. We happily hopped to the job! Moving rocks barrel by barrel, putting a "leg day" to the test! We laid down a cardboard foundation. On top of that, we wheeel-barrowed load after load of wood chips that will decompose and enrich the soil for planting various berries, vegetables, and medicinal herbs right in front of their home! It was beautiful to see and be a part of that. We returned the next day with the rest of the team to complete the preparation of a second terrace! It took many hours, but with how we worked together, the laughs, good vibing music, and some DELICIOUS cookies, it felt like a couple of minutes! I honestly couldn't ask for anything more than being able to help a family re-make their dream!

The next day, we joined the work of another church called Hope Chapel, helping them organize clothes and hand out prayers and smiles to the ones in need. We met Jon Jon, a servant of the Lord, a staple in the community! Helping organize and put together distribution hubs for the people. Hope Chapel is one of God's most gorgeous homes. But what was even more gorgeous were the people. Everyone was movin' and groovin', helping families care for one another. It was like a well-oiled machine pumpin' out love and energy that people needed! It was full of lovely energy. I didn't want to leave.

We ended the night with Joel and his family at Flatbread Pizza. We met two of his four daughters, Naomi and Avery! They were amazing individuals with smiles as bright as the sun! Avery (my new best friend) was full of energy and laughter with a crazy side-eye game! Naomi, soon to be another best friend, was relaxed and chilled. Each one is starting a new journey in school. Avery is in her first year of middle school, and Naomi is a junior in high school. The Lord will do something special with these girls; I can't wait to see them!

Throughout this entire week, the Body of Christ was at full work. It was a great thing to see. Each body member did their specific job to accomplish the task! It's true when Paul writes, "The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12)."

See you next week!