Spiritual Care in the Wake of Disaster: PHM’s Response on Maui
On August 8, 2025, Pacific Health Ministry’s (PHM) Rev. Amy Crowe joined the ELCA Lutheran Disaster Response Program Manager, Zaya Gilmer, at a memorial paddle out in Maui. Later that day, during the noon remembrance event, several PHM members –-Rev. Anke Flohr, Chaplain Elaine Morin, and Alita Charron– joined Rev. Amy, who serves as the Maui Disaster Recovery Spiritual Care Coordinator, and Ms. Gilmer at the County Building to sit with and support the community as they gathered to honor the victims of the Maui Fires, which devastated the island two years ago. With the wind sweeping through the crowd, many were reminded of the same fierce gusts that fueled the deadliest wildfire in the United States since 1918 (Carli, L. 2023. National Fire Protection Association).
PHM has been providing spiritual care services and Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) courses on Maui in response to this devastating event. Rev. Amy continues to offer spiritual care to survivors and spiritual caregivers themselves. We thank the ELCA’s Lutheran Disaster Response, whose support provides spiritual care to those affected on Maui and helps train spiritual leaders to offer ongoing support to their congregations.
PHM is one of eight community groups being funded by the ELCA’s Lutheran Disaster Response, alongside A Cup of Cold Water, Feed My Sheep, Maui Rescue Mission, Na Kiaʻi of Maui, Kelawea Mauka Makai, Kihei Youth Center, and Maui ʻOhana Strong.
During the remembrance event, leaders, including Senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz, Representative Jill Tokuda, Governor Josh Green, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen, and many others, expressed gratitude to the people of Maui, who continue to come together to rebuild. “Every day is a struggle,” said Tamara Paltin, Chair of the Disaster Recovery, International Affairs, and Planning Committee on the West Maui County Council. She continued, “We are at this point in recovery today not only because of the government help, but because many community groups that rose and came together to fill the gaps. People don’t belong in categories.” She also expressed gratitude to the numerous community groups that stepped in to fill the gaps and ensure services.
On Sunday, August 10, we joined other Lutheran Disaster Response partners at a meal prepared by Kihei Lutheran Church, where stories of resilience were shared with Ms. Gilmer. She was amazed by all we accomplished together, understanding the magnitude of the fire and the even stronger community response to heal and recover. She also shared her own unique background and personal experiences that allow her to relate to those who are suffering.
Today, PHM continues its mission of providing spiritual care, recognizing this as an essential part of our human experience. Through ongoing on-island CPE training, PHM equips leaders whose care will ripple outward into churches, temples, and broader communities. With great gratitude to the ELCA Lutheran Disaster Response, PHM is addressing the critical need for spiritual care and support as the island continues to recover.
