"For Those Who Thirst"

 Ka Hoku O Haili - May 1993 - Kahu's Letter

 "For Those Who Thirst"

     Ever sat down to eat, not feeling very hungry, and found yourself devouring your food, only then realizing how hungry you really were? Dayna and I had the privilege of attending Honolulu '93 last week, a smorgasbord of worship, teaching, and seminars called "For Those Who Thirst," God refreshed our parched souls.

     It began with "A Call for Humility" by Dan Chun. He said that repentance and forgiveness is the first step to renewal in our lives and our churches. He cited the tragic reality that most soldiers killed in Desert Storm died of "friendly fire," shot by their own side; saying in our churches there is too much friendly fire. May God help us to "hold our fire" and humbly love one another at Haili. Next, Charles Colson's Keynote Address, was a wakeup call for the church to faithfully serve the Lord, loving even our enemies, despite America's rejection of God and His truth. Echoing Chun's call to humility among Christians, he quoted St. Augustine, "unity in essentials, tolerance in non-essentials, and charity in all things." Then the messages were woven into a stirring ballad by singer/songwriter Ken Medema, a blind man who sees more than most people ever will. A torrential downpour of blessings, and this was the first night!!

     The next days were filled with great teaching, fellowship, and worship - until my sponge could hold no more. Pastor Ralph Moore said he prays his church members will get so full of Jesus, He just leaks out - may it be so for Haili, especially me!

     Here's a statement about the church we at Haili ought to consider. Gary Dixon said, "Property allows us to meet together so that we can run programs which meet needs in people's lives so that God's purpose can be done." Notice the order of the "P's?"

The most important thing is the Purpose of the church - the "why" of what we do. What do we believe God is calling us to do and be?

Then comes the People; people must embrace and further God's purpose.

Third in importance are the Programs; the ministries and activities of the church.

Finally, the Property, is last in importance.

Surely, we are to be good stewards of it, but it is to be used (and sometimes will be abused), for God's work at Haili. Let us strive to keep these "P's" in proper order.

Finally, sorry you missed Honolulu '93? How about going to the International Christian Endeavor Convention in Kona, July 6-10. Call the office for details. You may be more hungry than you think.