The Spotlight Update gives a quick look at what missions personnel have been up to since they were first interviewed for our missions discipleship resources. For full feature stories, subscribe to our flagship magazine, Missions Mosaic.

 

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It’s been two years since a wildfire on the island of Maui in Hawaii claimed 102 lives, destroyed thousands of structures, and devastated the town and community.

But through the tribulation, God’s love and faithfulness has continued to be evident to North American Mission Board church planter Erik Naylor and his wife, Danni. God has provided people, places, and resources for them to stay and minister in western Maui. They and their 5 children have lived in 7 places since the fire destroyed their home and neighborhood. In a way only God can orchestrate, the Naylors have bought a burned-down lot in their old neighborhood and plan to build a house and continue their long-term ministry in the area of Lahaina.

The church plant where Erik pastors — Lahaina Baptist Church — is thriving. In the last year, attendance on Sundays has more than doubled, and church members are growing in their faith and commitment to one another.

In God’s mercy, Erik even had the privilege to see a neighbor profess his faith in Jesus as his Lord and Savior!

Through partnerships and the Lord’s blessing, the church has been able to assist in helping dozens of families rebuild their homes. Erik has had the opportunity to pray for 5 families as they were given the keys to their rebuilt homes, and the gospel was shared and a Bible presented to each family.

God is good and continually at work on Maui. Aloha!

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by Christy Dyer-Gultom