This trip has had many learning experiences for each of us. Today we met Pastor Dean to spend some time in prayer. We prayed
1. for God to do great things in Hawaii
2. for the right leader to step up to help start a church in South Kona
3. for land to put a church in South Kona
4. for people to stay true to their commitments within the church.
South Kona has around 12,000 people, only 7%-8% have been reached evangelically. After we went back to the schools to prayer walk. Several of us on the team had never prayer walked before.
We then headed to a coffee farm called Kona Joe. We continued to learn about the coffee making process as well as the Hawaiian Culture, traditions, and religion. We were taken to an ancient burial ground set in a cliff next to the ocean called "the end of the world" and reminiscised our calling to bring the gospel "to the ends of the earth". We walked around not only praying for the people who believe in madam Pele (the volcano "goddess") of Hawaii but marveling at God's awesome and amazing design of the ocean.
That night we had a time of fellowship with local believers who we've quickly become good friends with. We are very thankful for your prayers.
Tuesday -
Today we saw different parts and cultures of the Big Island. We first went to an unbelievable black sand beach, saw a few Sea Turtles and quickly learned that touching them or even getting as close as 10 feet to them was illegal. We also quickly learned that taking black sand from the beach was frowned upon.
From there we went up the world's largest active volcano and prayer walked around the visitor center where we learned more about Pelé, Hawaiian cultures, and religions. It was spent being emerged in Hawaiian culture as well as trying to understand why people felt such a devotion to Pele.
Wednesday -
Today we journeyed to the other side of the island, Hilo. We went to the University of Hawai'i at Hilo and partnered with BCM (Baptist Collegiate Ministries) where we prepared and served their weekly free lunch. We had great gospel conversations with believers, skeptics and seekers alike.
The night ended with a panel presentation back at Kona Baptist where members as young as 7 to their 70's asked questions about missions and discipleship. It was a great time of mutual learning, fellowship and sad goodbyes.
We are so challenged to appreciate but look beyond the beauty of the island to see real needs and potential for God's mighty work.
See you all soon! #Shaka