July 29, 2026 | LAHAINA, Hawaii (UM News)
Three years after the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century, Maui is still rebuilding. Homes are under construction and permits are in process, but recovery is measured in years — not months. Amid the challenges, one United Methodist congregation is showing how faith, resilience and volunteers can help rebuild not just their own church, but an entire community. Lilla Marigza reports from Lahaina.
Learn more
- Follow the Rev. John Crewe’s rebuilding updates blog
- You can contribute to the Lahaina United Methodist Church rebuilding fund through the church website.
- Donations also can be made to the United Methodist Committee on Relief’s U.S. Disaster Response and Recovery through Advance #901670.
The congregation of Lahaina United Methodist Church holds Sunday worship in an open-air pavilion nearly three years after the church’s 100-year-old sanctuary was destroyed by wildfire. Over three-quarters of church members lost their homes in the same fire. (Photo by Lilla Marigza, UM News)
Lilia Marigza is a multimedia producer for UM News.