A small group of chaplains was already in Hawaii ministering to flood victims in Kauai when Kilauea erupted on May 3, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate.

While Kilauea is known to be an active volcano that has erupted continually for many years, the latest eruptions have been unusually destructive. Lava has taken out several dozen houses, and thousands of people aren't sure if or when they'll be able to go home.

Aside from the dangers of the lava flow, unpredictable fissures have opened up in the ground, and harmful sulfur dioxide is spewing into the air in some places.

Phil and Pam Rhodes, who live in California, spent the last few weeks with Kauai residents dealing with the aftermath of devastating floods. On Mother's Day, they flew a few hundred miles southeast to begin a deployment in Pahoa, where the volcano has caused the most damage.

"I think the uncertainty of how long they're going to be impacted by it is the thing that weighs on people," Pam said Tuesday, after spending the last couple of days talking and praying with residents.

"We've had a lot of opportunity for ministry with the people in the community," she said. "They're so receptive to the fact that we're here, that we love them, that God loves them. The name of Jesus is being lifted up, so that's really great."

The Rhodeses, who are ministering along with another chaplain couple from California, said they've seen a strong sense of community and resolve among the people of the Big Island, many of whom have had ancestors living in the area for hundreds of years. But even though volcanic activity is part of life for many Hawaiians, there's still anxiety about what could happen next.

"For those who have Jesus, they seem to be putting one foot in front of the other and trusting Him," Phil said. "For those who don't, they're concerned about their food and shelter, their physical, their immediate needs. It's the end of the year at school, so families are concerned about the completion of the school year that's been disrupted."

Whenever Phil and Pam have the chance to spend time with a resident, they ask God to reveal the love of Jesus through them as they "gently come alongside people and just be here to hold their hand."

"Jesus lives in our hearts," Pam said. "And the Bible tells us that because He lives there, we can be that comfort. We want to come in with gentleness and with love and to be a comfort." (Photo credit: Billy Graham Evangelistic Association/ BillyGraham.org)

The team of chaplains has experienced what can only be called "divine appointments" during their time on the Big Island, including an encounter with a young man who suffered from a visual impairment that distorted his face. Phil and Pam were in a McDonald's when the man told Phil that people can be incredibly mean. He asked Phil what it feels like to be "normal."

"Phil touched his shoulder, and he took him and hugged him and said, 'You're beautiful in God's eyes. He sees the inside of your heart,'" Pam said.

The man knew Christ but needed encouragement in that moment. He asked the chaplains about the Bible verse that talks about God searching and knowing him. Phil and Pam identified Psalm 139, and he asked them to read it to him.

"We just got to pray with him and share the Word of God with him," Pam said. "It was just a 'God moment.'"

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

Christian Artist Stuns Music World at 14 Years Old, Uses His Gifts to Glorify Christ

Arkansas Officer Tragically Dies Saving Fiancée's Life Just Hours after Proposing

Texas Meteorologist Speaks Out after Viral Prayer: 'The Spirit of God Came Over Me'

What You May Not Know about the Now Viral WNBA Guard, Sophie Cunningham

Religious Groups Seek Exemption from NY Assisted Suicide Law that Could Mean Jail Time for Nuns

Jim Jordan Refers Jack Smith for DOJ Criminal Investigation, Alleges He Misled Congress

The US House Bans Insider Trading and Passes Voter ID

Ancient Beams Offer New Evidence of the First Temple's Destruction

New Visa Restrictions Target Left-Wing Terrorists and Extremists

Trump Ramps up Military Pressure on Iran's Regime, Targeting Area Near Pickaxe Mountain Nuclear Site

Epic Fail: Mamdani Finally Makes Humiliating Admission About His Threat to Arrest Netanyahu

How China Made and Shipped Fake Driver's Licenses to Tamper With the 2020 Election

Andy Biggs Dominates Arizona Race

DSA Unveils Platform Calling for Abolishing the Senate, Presidency, and Supreme Court

6,600 Non-Citizens Registered to Vote in NJ Due to 'Software Error,' Dem Gov. Sherrill Admits

Justin Bieber Used the Biggest Stage Ever to Worship God with 'Everything Hallelujah' at World Cup Final

Trump Education Department Defends Homeschool Parents from Hateful, Woke Podcasters

House Committee Approves Bill Allowing Victims of 'Trans' Drugs, Surgeries to Sue

Major Teachers Union That Funds Democrats Endorses 'Gender-Affirming Care' Amid Backlash to Transgender 'Medicine'

Oregon's Troubling Transgender Story; Why Are They Pumping Minors Full of Puberty Blockers?