On the first Sunday of January this year Veryl Henderson and I sat with the one remaining family of the KahaluuBaptistChurch and prayerfully decided that it was time to close its doors until God brought a new pastor to lead in a restart of the church. We recognized and affirmed the ministry that the church had carried out since its beginning in 1958. Present that morning were Russell and Renade Kaneakua who had faithfully served KBC for more than twenty years. Tearfully, they recounted many events of God’s activity through the years. It was a blessed moment as we thanked God for the past victories and released the future of Kahaluu Baptist into the hands of the Lord. We prayed for a rebirth of ministry in that community according to God’s perfect timing and plan.
Since that January meeting, God has clearly called out Jason and Emily Hew, along with their daughter Aubrey, to begin serving in July. In preparation for their arrival, the Oahu Baptist Network of churches responded to a request for help to refurbish the parsonage and clear brush from the grounds.
On Friday, June 11th a team of three men from Molokai, Mike Inouye (Pastor at Kaunakakai Baptist Church), Ed Medeiros, and Howard Simms (also from KBC, Molokai) joined with others from the OBN to entirely replace the roof on the parsonage. They completed the task in one day!
While they were replacing the shingles on the roof, another group of workers began clearing the overgrowth of shrubs, trees, and grass. Fifteen (15) faithful workers put in a twelve hour day.
On Saturday, eighty (80) workers from at least sixteen (16) OBN churches came together and continued the process. Ten of those workers repainted the interior of the four bedroom two bath parsonage.
The entire experience was heart warming as I watched a very diverse group come together to accomplish the central task of preparing the church facilities for ministry. The Hew family will arrive about July 10th. The exact restart date has not yet been set but we anticipate early fall. Please pray for the KahaluuChurch at they follow God’s leadership in reaching the Kahaluu community.
I am truly grateful to all who came to assist in the restart. I want to express sincere thanks to Pastor Gary Yafuso who has faithfully planned and coordinated this work effort for a fresh ministry start. He continues to give 110% of himself in leading our OBN work efforts. As you have opportunity, take a moment and let him know how much you appreciate all he does to assist our OBN churches with repair to their ministry facilities.
Remember, we will have one more work day from 8am to 4pm at Kahaluu Baptist on Saturday, June 19th. Come and go as you need.
