Joyce and Jesse: World Changers

Joyce and Jesse Spencer, surrounding Joe and I in their warm embrace, are two of the finest people we have ever known. Though they aren't flashy celebrities, everyone on Maui has heard of this couple. They have selflessly improved the lives of hundreds of people on Maui by supplying a basic human need- comfortable, attractive, affordable housing in safe and friendly neighborhoods.

On the premier island in the Pacific, where the cost of real estate is stratospheric, and is easily accessible only to people named Oprah or Eastwood, Joyce and Jesse have made it possible for the rest of us to live there. And because of the domino effect created by employing dozens of workers and sub-contractors, and creating the need for others to service all these new homeowners, many small and large businesses also benefit, as well as the Maui economy in general. Thousands of people on Maui unknowingly benefit from the generosity of these two loving, kind people, who have, by their deliberate decision, made the world an actual better place for the people around them.

There's a lot that could be said about these two-- their faith in Jesus that guides them, their long and fruitful marriage, their gaggle of bright and talented children and grandchildren, the health challenges they have overcome, Jesse's golf score, Joyce's legendary generosity--their lives are rich with stories. They have been a compassionate, loving and consistent source of comfort for us after having lost Joey. Today I'll just mention another beautiful thing that they have done for us.

Before we left Maui, they hosted a dinner in our honor with the pastoral staff of Hope Chapel. And it wasn't the usual church potluck either! It was Joyce's Southern Hospitality in all its splendour: a sit-down, linen and china, gourmet, chef-prepared dinner. Beautiful, delicious, warm and wonderful. A true night to remember, perfect for us since we are still not in a partying mood since Joey went to Heaven. It was a tear-filled night full of sincere reminiscence and heartfelt gratitude for the people we have co-labored with at Hope Chapel, who have walked our journey with us. Such a lovely gift to us from Joyce and Jesse.

Here Jesse prays for us and blesses the meal and all at the table.

The beautiful table set with flowers and china and crystal

Our gourmet salad--food this beautiful has to be photographed!

Yummy dessert with chocolate doggie pawprints (another story)

All of us especially honored by Kit and Shelly's presence,

as Kit deals with leukemia~~Joyce gives a hug.

Thank you, Joyce and Jesse, for the incredible people you are, for your kindness and compassion to us. Your lives are an inspiration and a role model for us. You walk your talk better than most of us, and you are a living example of generosity. You've used your gifts to love others and to serve God. You've changed the world for so many, including us. We love you and miss you.

Proverbs 19:17 — “He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will reward him for what he has done.”

You can see pictures of the party and guests in the sidebar.