Aloha: Cedarville Students' Love Flourishes in the Ashes of Maui

Two million people visit Maui, Hawaii, each year.

While the majority of the visitors are attracted to Maui by its stunning beaches, towering waterfalls, and vibrant sunsets, 14 students from Cedarville University came to the island for a different reason - to help residents rebuild after the devastating wildfires that swept across the island in August in 2023.

The fires, the deadliest in Hawaii's statehood, left more than 100 dead and destroyed over 3,000 homes. For many on the island's west side, recovery remains a painful and ongoing process.

Cedarville's team of 14 students, led by Col. (Ret.) Gregory Thompson, professor of criminal justice, and Dr. Patrick Oliver, associate professor of criminal justice, made it their mission to bring comfort and aid to those suffering in the wake of the disaster.

Despite the geographical distance - over 4,000 miles separate Cedarville from Maui - an unexpected series of connections came together. These divine appointments created a tapestry of faith and provision that led the team to the island.

"There were so many providential connections from people here at Cedarville to Maui," said Thompson, reflecting on how the team's journey unfolded. "We were in awe of God's faithfulness to answer so many prayers for this trip every step of the way."

A key part of the trip's success was Thompson's personal connection to the Hawaiian Islands. As a JAG officer in the United States Air Force, Thompson lived on the island of Oahu for six years before he joined the faculty at Cedarville two years ago. During his time living in Hawaii, Thompson had developed ministry connections through his local church and through his service as a leader in Men's Bible Study Fellowship on the islands of Oahu, Maui, and the big island of Hawaii.