John & Edie Machonis

John and Edie Machonis have been visiting and investing in Maui for 10 years. Each year they stay for several months and volunteer weekly at our Lahaina distribution during their stay. When I asked why, John told me, “A big part of the social justice ministry at our church back home is feeding the hungry.”

We have so many visitors in Maui who come to enjoy our island. But there are a few who make Maui even better by volunteering and investing their time.

John and Edie Machonis have been visiting and investing in Maui for 10 years. Each year they stay for several months and volunteer weekly at our Lahaina distribution during their stay. When I asked why, John told me, “A big part of the social justice ministry at our church back home is feeding the hungry.” Even though they are away from home they feel they need to be involved. It’s too long for them to go without serving the community.

“This is just part of who we are,” Edie tells me. “Plus, Jesus said…,” she adds making reference to Jesus’ command in John 21. Edie has been crowned the, “produce queen” by the rest of the volunteers. You will usually find her sorting and passing out the greens and getting to know everyone. John regularly hands out food and prays at the well. Either of them will gladly takes up any position on the front lines or behind the scenes. They are great sources of encouragement and compassion for all our friends and volunteers.

There are many stories like the Machonis’s. Some come for a week and some, like John and Edie stay much longer. All of them encountered Maui in a far more personal way and have helped Feed My Sheep make this island even better.