From Founding Dean Sarah B. Drummond:

 

Andover Seminary and Yale University worked together for the first time ever in 1819 when their graduates went to Hawaii as missionaries, starting congregational churches that are in many cases still active. In recent years, especially since the 200th anniversary of that mission; and a related celebration of the ministry of Henry Opukaha’iah, who attended both Yale and Andover; Andover Newton at YDS has rekindled friendships with its Hawaii partners. 

 

Therefore, it is with especially heavy hearts that Andover Newton’s community mourns the loss of human and other life, as well as the destruction of land and property, suffered in Hawaii due to wildfires. We give thanks for alumnus Lee Axtell, Navy Chaplain ministering to the spiritual needs of evacuees and rescuers; Senior Fellow George Scott, who tends the hearts of stunned and terrified students, administrators, and teachers at the Punahou School; Hawaii Conference UCC Minister David Popham, who cares for churches throughout the Hawaiian islands; and Pastor Kenneth Makuakane of Kawaiahao UCC, the church established by Yale and Andover alumnus Hiram Bingham. 

 

Although Maui and the Big Island have been most affected, we wrap our prayers around all Hawaiian people at this sorrowful time.