A few days ago, we added something to the meals we were preparing for hundreds of wildfire survivors and volunteers here on Maui...

Fresh chocolate chip cookies.

One of our volunteers who was helping to prepare the meals for distribution took note of the cookies and asked, "Can I have one?" We handed her a fresh, warm, soft cookie. Minutes later, another request came. This too was granted. 

Soon, word spread and these fresh cookies became a topic of almost every interaction. Perhaps it was the feeling of home they inspired. Maybe the cookies represented memories of time shared with family. Perhaps they just tasted that good!

For our team, it was a reminder of the power of a simple, fresh-baked chocolate chip cookie (along with seafood stew with fresh swordfish and clams over rice with fire-roasted corn, and a Hawaiian roll) served in the midst of tragedy.

+ + Serving hope to Maui fire victims...

For the folks here, everything has been disrupted. Homes have been destroyed. Cars burned in the streets. Everyone knows someone in the community who has lost a loved one. Yet the feeling of "home" and "normalcy" of a hot, nutritious meal (with a delightful treat) can make a tangible difference for those who have suffered so greatly.

As I write, our team is already hard at work preparing for lunch from two locations that span the island. We will then start on dinner. Thousands of meals will be distributed to wildfire victims.

The Lord has placed Mercy Chefs on the frontlines of this tragedy. Will you help us provide practical relief in the form of hot, nutritious meals? Go here to sponsor 10, 20, 50 or even 100 meals for Maui wildfire victims:

Thank you so much for partnering with us to make a tangible difference in the lives of wildfire survivors on Maui. Please continue to pray for the people of Maui. And help as you can.

God bless,

Gary