Hawaii Resident Praises God for New Home from Samaritan’s Purse

A woman gives God the glory for a place to live more than two years after her house burned down in Hawaii.

Eighty-five-year-old Eliza Nagaoka, known affectionately as Aunty Keala, smiled and hugged Samaritan’s Purse President Franklin Graham as she walked into her brand-new home in Lahaina, Hawaii, given to her by Samaritan’s Purse.

“It’s a beautiful, beautiful home,” she said. “I give God the glory.”

In August 2023, the deadly wildfire that engulfed Maui destroyed her house and took the lives of three loved ones.

Her house is one of more than a dozen new homes that Samaritan’s Purse volunteers have thus far built and dedicated on the island. In all, around 40 new homes will be constructed by the ministry.

“We’re grateful to God for the staff, the volunteers, and everybody that’s made it work,” Graham said following the dedication. “We give God the glory. We thank Him as this place begins to rebuild from the ashes.”

Please pray for those still hurting in Hawaii and for our rebuild teams as they continue to work in Jesus’ Name.

SUPPORT

U.S. Disaster Relief & Rebuild A gift to U.S. Disaster Relief & Rebuild equips us to respond to natural disasters across our nation. Samaritan's Purse mobilizes and equips thousands of volunteers to provide emergency relief to survivors of floods, tornadoes, wildfires, and hurricanes. Wherever we go, we bring comfort and the hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In the aftermath of major storms, we often stay behind to rebuild houses for people with nowhere else to turn for help.

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