Where you lead we will follow

Hello family and friends, loved ones around the globe.

I hope your week has not been downcast and dreary but full of sunshine through the day and a canopy of stars at night, but if not, never lose hope. There’s a new day coming.

Here we are in Hawaii situated on what is called the Big Island or the ‘Island of Hawai'i’ in the small town of Kailua-Kona.

We spent the first couple of days learning about the history of Hawaii. We were taught how to respect the Polynesian people, their culture and their land, what was forbidden and what was acceptable. How important were these teachings as we are foreigners here.

At a ceremony the following day gifts from many nations of the world were given to the Hawaiian elders to pass on to their communities. We gave a soft child’s toy, a bear from Bern, the capital of Switzerland. I wanted to bring chocolate but it would have been more like Nutella on arrival. ‘We’re not in Kansas anymore’ as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz would say.

The Hawaiians are people of the land and sea and treasure their natural resources from both. We were blessed with island food - purple yams and beef stew cooked in the leaves of the taro plant. We were also introduced to games and music and traditional dancing (the hula). Yes Sandor and I both waved our arms, gyrated our hips and stomped our feet in an effort to follow their instructions.

The song they taught us, was about a surf rider waiting on the wave that would take them to shore. Quite appropriate for YWAM as it was a vision in the year 1956 that Loren Cunningham had of waves crashing on the shores carrying young people to all the nations around the world bringing with them the hope and light of the gospel . If you’ve never read “Is that really you God” do yourself a favour and watch your faith grow.

Sandor and I know how blessed we are to be a part of this mission again even at our season of life. Thank goodness we have eternal spirits.

“Na ke Akua e ho‘omaika‘i iā ‘oe.”

Translation: May God bless you

Psalm 24:1 (NIV):
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;”