This Month in Church History

For the month of May I want to highlight a few key figures and events in Church History.

The first is a man named Father Damien of Molokai.

In the 1800s Leprosy found it’s way to Hawaii. At this time, many diseases where passed through the islands due to many sailors coming for rest (as in sexual activity). Those who had leprosy were sent to one of the middle islands called Molokai. They were dropped off to live in a peninsula called Kalaupapa. Father Damien wrestled with the thought of going to Molokai, because if he went, then according to the Hawaiian law, he was not allowed to return home. On May 4th he made his decision to go and stay with the people of Molokai. When Father Damien arrived, Kalaupapa was not a pleasant sight. Houses where rough looking, and people never properly buried their dead. Father Damien built many houses, and coffins, and made a proper cemetery for them. He even diverted a stream, so that fresh water could come into the town.

He had great compassion on the people. Many came to faith in Christ, and were baptized. Sadly after 12 years of being there, he soon discovered numbness in his toes. He contracted leprosy, and passed away 4 years later. Today in Hawaii, Father Damien is widely known for his compassion and work that caused a break through in relief and help that came to the leprosy colony at Kalaupapa.

One last thing to very briefly mention that happened in this month of May, is that the American Bible Society was born in May 11, 1816 in New York. The purpose of the society was “to encourage the wider circulation of the Holy Scriptures throughout the world”.

Pastor Matthew Pipke

Bibliography
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7PuqdymSdo
https://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1801-1900/damien-joined-the-outcasts-11630567.html
https://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1801-1900/american-bible-society-replaces-many-societies-11630376.html