Haili Hoku: "A Kid with a Bad Start"

There really is no more shame anymore. I've heard lots of sad family stories but this is too much. It involves this girl, with some kind of chop suey background - Haole? Filipino? Hawaiian? Portugese? Japanese? - no one really knows much about her parents even. She's just a young teenager - but pregnant - you know how kids are today. She practically killed her own baby. Instead of taking care of herself like she was supposed to, she went on this long trip just about the time she was going to give birth. She spoke of some legal thing, an appointment she had to make. Then in the middle of doing this funny kind of business, the baby starts trying to come out. Instead of going to the hospital, her "boyfriend" drives her in his old junk of car to the worst part of Hilo. There he finds some calabash relative who has a "cottage" behind their house. What a dump. This relative was one of those guys who kills and cooks pigs - right in this so called "cottage." Oh the flies and the stink smell! The whole time the girl is giving birth, a mob of characters was watching a cock-fight in the back yard. It's hard to tell who made more noise, the gamblers, the cocks, or the "mother." With no doctor, or midwife, just the bungling of her "boyfriend," the girl had a baby boy. Not having any place to put the little guy the boyfriend runs out to his car and carries back this old sheet which covered his front seat. Soon the cockfighters from outside began to get quiet, almost religious. They came inside to see mother and child. One of the tough guys had tears in his eyes, another even got on his knees and prayed. These teenage parents did not have a clue what was going on. Late that night they were awakened by three men in the doorway. They claimed to get a message about this baby from their Oiji board. Skeptical yet curious, the boyfriend let the men inside. It was spooky to watch

them make a big fuss over the baby. Then they gave them some big bucks gifts - Liberty House stuff - saying they were "supposed" to. This was too much for the young parents, they got out of that place fast. They went off island to "chill out." Good thing they left when they did. Right after their car backfired its way away, HPD showed up. They carried some warrant to pick up all babies in that neighborhood. Why all the fuss about a baby? What can a baby do anyway?

"You Can't Help but Go!"

"The Christian Citizen"

"Ka Hoku O Haili" RELAUNCH!

"Ka Hoku O Haili" RELAUNCH!

 

   Our "Star" is shining again. I am excited about this re-issuing of our church newsletter. There are many great things happening at Haili and we need such a way to share. Please read AND PRAY through this newsletter regularly. We need your kokua for news about the people and programs of our church. All of us are "field reporters," so give us the "scoop"!

     We are proud of our name "Ka Hoku O Haili" THE STAR OF HAILI. From 1906 until 1944 Haili Church sponsored a Hawaiian language newspaper that which had wide acceptance and influence in the Hilo community. "Hoku O Hawaii" was one of the many project of the Rev. Stephen Desha, Sr. who served as Haili's Kahu from 1889 to 1934. Solomon and  Mealoha Anakalea worked closely with Rev. Desha in the production. When Rev. Desha became unable, the Anakalea's produced the paper themselves for fifteen years. The paper was type-set and printed by hand right at the church. It was issued weekly and ran world, national, and local news. The "Hoku" was a source of pride and identity to the Hawaiian community.

     Our Lord Jesus is "the bright Morning Star" (Revelation 22.16). Most of all I pray that Haili Church will magnify and honor Him.

"The Year of the Family"

1 Hour in 168

"Saturday Night Special?"

"Do You Know Jesus Christ?"

First Christmas at Haili

Mele Kalikimaka and Hau Oli Makahiki Hou!

(Hawaiian for "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year")

January 7, 1992

     Aloha from Hilo, Hawaii, the rainieast city in the USA. Life in Uganda got us into "African time," now "Hawaiian time" has become our life's pace. Perhaps we could argue for some

theological justification that historians doubt whether Jesus was actually born on 25 December! All this is to try and excuse our lateness. Nevertheless, we do send you our sincere "aloha" and prayers that all is well with you and yours this new year.

     

We praise God for a very wonderful 1991. Mark thoroughly enjoys the challanges and opportunities of pastoral ministry. The church family is supportive and eager to serve the Lord. Since he began in February the attendance has doubled. In April we began a second morning worship service. The Christmas season with Advent services, Cantata, and Christmas play was great. Indeed, the coming of our Lord Jesus is "good news of great joy."   

     

Another great joy for us is our three sons. They are very happily settled into life in Hawaii too. Right now they're outside racing their "remote control" cars, given by a generous uncle for Christmas. They are more "high tech" than the banana stalks and old tires they played with in Uganda, yet they still have the joy of simple pleasures together. They all attend the Haili Christian School (pre-school through 8th grade, 310 students) our church school. Our life is very centralized. We rent a church-owned house right across from the street from our church and school. Nathan, now 7 1/2, is in second grade. He enjoys reading and geography. Josiah, who just turned 6, is in first grade. He is a good helper and organizer. Aaron is in 4 year old pre-school. He is full of enthusiasm and loves to catch chameleons. All three of them are taking swimming lessons and are doing well, what do you expect for Hawaii? This spring Nathan and Josiah begin soccer league, we've got the ice packs ready for shin kicks. As you may imagine, life with three little guys is never dull. We praise God that they are healthy and happy. It's especially rewarding to hear them coming home from school memorizing Bible verses and singing praises to God. Pray for them, and their parents, to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

     

Dayna is happy to be back with her family and friends here. So far she has not lacked for "honor" as a prophetess in her own home. Rather, God has opened many doors of ministry, especially through the missions committee and in Christian education. Coming home has given her many opportunities to share her faith with old friends. This year she hopes to begin a "Moms and kids" week-day morning program at the church.

We pray this finds you and yours strong in the Lord and ready for all the Lord has for us in 1992!

Mark, Dayna, Nathan, Josiah, and Aaron Blair