Church Newsletter in Honolulu

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Dear Church Family,

As we continue to grow in faith and community, it’s important to reflect on the place God has placed us and how we can make the most of it. Today, I want to take a moment to consider the unique setting in which we live—the vibrant and diverse city of Honolulu.

There’s something to say about urban living, even in a Pacific tropical paradise like ours. Honolulu is a perfect fit for families who have grown accustomed to the hustle and bustle of urban life and want to experience all that the Hawaiian Islands have to offer. With a population of 343,437, Honolulu is Hawaii’s largest city by far. It serves as the central hub for not only the Hawaiian Islands but also a connection to the rest of the country and the world. In this dynamic, fast-paced environment, we have the privilege of living in a place where diverse cultures, ideas, and experiences meet.

A Safe Harbor in the Urban Tide

When we think of the challenges of living in an urban center, safety is often at the forefront of our minds. But Honolulu stands out in this area. Compared to many other cities of its size, Honolulu is relatively safe, with a crime rate nearly 5 points lower than the national average. In fact, its crime rate is considered meager for a city of its size, which offers a sense of peace and security to families living here. It’s a reminder to be thankful for the safety God has provided, while also being vigilant in prayer for our neighbors and our community.

For those seeking a home, Honolulu offers a variety of options. The median home price is $818,700, which, while still a significant investment, may be within reach for many families—especially when compared to the steep prices in some of Hawaii’s smaller towns or beachside locations. Whether you’re renting or buying, this city provides a solid foundation for those who wish to settle here and raise their families.

Blessed with Amenities and Resources

Many of us have friends or family who visit Honolulu as vacationers, and it’s easy to see why they fall in love with this city. From top-notch shopping and dining to rich cultural experiences, there’s no shortage of activities that make Honolulu such a special place. But as residents, we also have a lot to be proud of when it comes to the practical aspects of daily life here.

Healthcare is readily available, and the city boasts a variety of public and private schools that meet the needs of all families. Additionally, Honolulu is known for having one of the best public transit systems in the world, making it easier for us to get around and explore all that our island home has to offer. With all these blessings at our disposal, we are reminded to be good stewards of the resources God has provided, making use of the amenities available to us while always keeping our hearts focused on His purposes.

Honolulu as a Mission Field

But there’s more to our urban living than just conveniences and comforts. As believers, we are called to be a light in the world, and Honolulu, with its diverse population and bustling energy, provides us with a unique opportunity to fulfill that mission. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus calls us to be the light of the world, shining brightly for all to see. And in a city as vibrant and diverse as Honolulu, there are countless opportunities to share His love with others.

In the workplace, at school, or even in the neighborhood, we have the chance to be witnesses to God’s grace and truth. Just as Jesus interacted with those from all walks of life—reaching out to the lost, the broken, and the marginalized—we too are called to engage with our community, showing compassion and extending the love of Christ to everyone we meet. Whether it’s through small acts of kindness or engaging in deeper conversations about faith, we can make a difference in the lives of those around us.

The city’s diverse population provides a rich tapestry of opportunities for ministry. People from all over the world call Honolulu home, and we, as a church, are called to reflect that diversity. We must continue to open our hearts to our neighbors, no matter their background, and seek ways to serve them in love.

Living with Purpose in the City

Urban living often means a busy, fast-paced lifestyle, and it’s easy to get caught up in the demands of work, school, and daily responsibilities. But in the midst of this, we are reminded of our higher calling in Christ. Colossians 3:23 reminds us that whatever we do, we should work at it with all our heart, as working for the Lord and not for human masters. Whether we’re raising children, working in our careers, or serving in the community, we are called to do everything with a heart that honors God.

As we experience the joys and challenges of urban living, we are reminded that we do not live for ourselves but for God and His glory. Our time in Honolulu is an opportunity to grow in our relationship with Him, to strengthen our community, and to spread His love throughout the city. We are also called to be good stewards of the blessings we have received, using our resources and talents to serve God’s purposes here on Earth.

Looking Ahead with Hope

As we continue to call Honolulu our home, let us remember that this is more than just a place to live—it’s a mission field, a community, and a city that God has strategically placed us in for His purposes. As we live out our faith here, we can be confident that God is with us every step of the way, guiding us, strengthening us, and giving us the wisdom to navigate the complexities of urban life.

Let’s continue to embrace the unique opportunities that come with urban living in Honolulu. Let us be intentional about making a difference in the lives of those around us, sharing the love of Christ through our actions and words. And as we do so, may we always keep our eyes on the ultimate goal: to glorify God and make His name known in our city and beyond.

With love and blessings,
Tilly
Newsletter Writer

Sermon Preached in Holualoa

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Good evening, everyone! What a blessing it is to be gathered here in the beautiful town of Holualoa, a place known for its peace, its rich coffee culture, and its thriving arts scene. Tonight, I want to talk about something far more precious than coffee or art. I want to talk about the authority of Jesus Christ and what that means for us as believers.

Let’s turn to Mark 1:21. It says that Jesus went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and taught, and the people were astonished. Now, astonished is a strong word. It means they were absolutely amazed, awestruck by His doctrine. But why? Was it because He used complex words? Because He quoted the greatest rabbis? No! It was because of how He taught—with authority!

Unlike the religious leaders of the time who debated theories and left people confused, Jesus spoke with certainty. He didn’t say, “Well, some scholars believe this, while others say that, so you decide for yourself.” No! He said, “This is what God says, and this is what it is!” And the people marveled because they had never heard anyone teach like that before.

Holualoa, a town built on volcanic history, reminds us of the power that shapes landscapes. But there is no greater power than the authority of Jesus Christ! And I want you to grasp tonight that His authority wasn’t just something He used in His teachings—it was evident in everything He did, in His miracles, and in how He dealt with the enemy.

Mark 1:23 tells us that while Jesus was teaching, a man with an unclean spirit cried out. The demon said, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us?” The devil himself recognized the authority of Jesus! And how did Jesus respond? Did He panic? Did He gather people to intercede for hours? No! He simply said, “Be quiet, and come out of him.” And the demon had no choice but to obey.

Church, listen to me. The devil thrives in an environment of fear, but Jesus never operated in fear—He operated in authority! And that same authority is given to us as believers. But too many Christians live in defeat because they don’t understand their authority in Christ.

When trouble comes, do you stand firm and say, “In Jesus’ name, this has to go,” or do you panic and cry, “Oh Lord, what am I going to do?” The enemy feeds off fear, but when you resist him in faith, he has no choice but to flee. James 4:7 tells us, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” It doesn’t say he might flee. It says he will!

Some of you here tonight need to stop letting the devil run your life. You need to rise up in your God-given authority and tell the enemy, “Enough is enough!” Whether it’s sickness, depression, fear, or oppression—whatever the devil is using to try and keep you bound—you have the authority in Jesus’ name to command it to leave.

Let me tell you something: The power of God is not just in His hand or in His arm—it’s in His very finger! In Luke 11:20, Jesus said, “If I cast out devils by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” The devil isn’t some mighty force equal to God—he’s a defeated foe who trembles at the presence of God’s power! If just the finger of God can cast out demons, how much more powerful is His entire hand upon your life?

Now, some might say, “Well, that was Jesus. We can’t expect to operate like Him.” But that’s not what the Bible teaches. Jesus operated as a man anointed by the Holy Spirit. Acts 10:38 says, “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power, who went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil.” If Jesus did this as the Son of God alone, we wouldn’t have a chance. But He showed us how to live as Spirit-filled believers.

So why do we hesitate? Why do we struggle with fear and doubt? It’s because the enemy wants to keep us in ignorance. He knows that a believer who understands their authority is a believer who cannot be stopped!

I’ll share a testimony with you. There was a man named Kenneth E. Hagin, a great minister of God, who had a vision of Jesus. During that vision, a little demon-like creature began making noise and trying to block his view of Jesus. Brother Hagin thought, “Why doesn’t Jesus make him stop?” But Jesus kept talking as if He didn’t even notice the demon. Finally, out of frustration, Brother Hagin commanded the creature to be silent in the name of Jesus, and instantly, it fell and the disturbance ceased.

Afterward, Jesus told him something powerful: “If you hadn’t done something about that, I couldn’t have.” Brother Hagin was shocked! He thought, “Surely You meant You wouldn’t.” But Jesus replied, “No, I meant I couldn’t.” And He showed him scriptures proving that the authority to resist the devil has been given to us, not something God does for us.

Ephesians 4:27 says, “Neither give place to the devil.” That means it’s up to us not to allow him to operate in our lives. Too many people pray, “Oh God, please make the devil stop,” when God has already given us the authority to stop him!

Holualoa, just like this town is known for its history of movement—sledding down the volcanoes—we are called to move with power and authority in Christ. It’s time to stop living in fear, stop tolerating the enemy’s lies, and start walking in the victory that Jesus purchased for us.

Tonight, I challenge you to take hold of the authority that has been given to you. Speak to the mountains in your life and tell them to move. Speak to the sickness and tell it to leave. Speak to the darkness and command it to flee. And know that when you stand in the authority of Jesus Christ, the enemy has no choice but to obey!

Let’s pray: Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, we declare victory over every attack of the enemy. We take hold of the authority You have given us, and we choose to walk in it daily. Strengthen our faith, open our eyes to Your truth, and help us to live boldly in the power of Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

God bless you, Holualoa! Walk in your authority!

Nancy had a dream about Wailua Homesteads

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Nancy had never experienced a dream so vivid, so undeniably real. It was as if she had been transported to another place, yet everything around her was familiar—the lush landscapes, the rolling hills, and the comforting serenity of Wailua Homesteads. She could feel the warm Hawaiian breeze on her skin and hear the gentle rustle of palm trees swaying in the wind. The eastern side of Kauai, known for its beauty, stretched before her in vibrant colors, and the peace she felt was unlike anything she had known.

As she walked along a narrow path, she noticed the golden hues of the morning sun casting a glow upon the town. Wailua Homesteads, a small community of just over 7,000 people, felt even more intimate in her dream. She could sense the kindness and warmth of the people, the deep-rooted love that bound the community together. It was a place where families thrived, where children laughed freely, unburdened by the fears of the outside world. The crime rates were low, and peace covered the town like a protective veil.

But as Nancy ventured further, she saw something unusual—a beautiful home perched atop a hill, overlooking the breathtaking landscape. The home stood tall and inviting, yet something about it felt sacred. She stepped closer, her heart pounding with anticipation. As she reached the door, it swung open, and a gentle voice called to her, “Come in, my child.”

Inside, she found a radiant figure clothed in white, sitting in the center of the room. A great light surrounded Him, and though His face was not entirely visible, she knew—this was the presence of the Lord. Overcome with awe, Nancy fell to her knees. The air in the room was filled with a divine fragrance, and a deep sense of love and peace enveloped her.

The Lord spoke softly yet powerfully, “Nancy, my daughter, I have shown you this place because I am calling my people back to their first love. Too many have wandered, chasing after things that do not satisfy. But here, in this place of stillness, I am found.”

Tears streamed down Nancy’s face as she listened. “But Lord,” she whispered, “what can I do? I am just one person.”

The Lord’s voice resonated like a gentle wave, “You do not have to do it alone. Just as this town is built on a foundation of love and unity, so too must my people come together. Tell them, Nancy, that I am calling them to return to me. I have prepared a place for them, a sanctuary of peace.”

As the Lord spoke, Nancy saw visions of people gathering, lifting their hands in worship, filling the streets with praise. She saw families being restored, children playing in safety, and hearts turning back to God. The town of Wailua Homesteads became a place of divine presence, where people sought refuge in the arms of the Lord. Even the Kauai Hindu Monastery, known for meditation and spiritual healing, seemed to echo the call for deeper intimacy with God.

The Lord continued, “The beauty of this land is a reflection of my creation, but true beauty is found in a heart fully surrendered to me. The world seeks after material wealth, but my people will find joy in my presence. The hills, the ocean, the mountains—they all declare my glory. Let them look beyond what they see and find the eternal riches of my Kingdom.”

Nancy’s heart burned within her. She understood now—this was not just a dream, but a divine commission. She had been shown a vision of what could be if the people of Wailua Homesteads and beyond turned their hearts back to the Lord.

Before she could speak, the scene began to shift. She found herself standing on one of the highest peaks in the area, overlooking the vast expanse of Kauai. The wind wrapped around her like an embrace, and the Lord’s voice echoed once more, “Guard what I have entrusted to you. The time is now. The harvest is ready. Go and tell them.”

And just like that, Nancy awoke.

Her heart was pounding, her breath shallow. She sat up in bed, still feeling the presence of the Lord around her. The dream had been so real—every detail vivid, every word spoken directly to her soul. She knew she could not keep this to herself. She had been given a message, and she had to share it.

The next morning, Nancy gathered a small group from her church and recounted everything she had seen and heard. As she spoke, tears filled the eyes of those listening. They too felt the weight of the message, the urgency in the Lord’s words.

“We must return to Him,” Nancy declared. “We must make this place more than just a beautiful town. We must make it a sanctuary, a dwelling place for God’s presence. He is calling us back to our first love.”

From that day on, a revival began to stir in Wailua Homesteads. People began to gather for prayer, seeking the Lord earnestly. The town, already known for its natural beauty, became known for something far greater—the presence of God among His people. Homes became places of worship, and the streets echoed with songs of praise.

Nancy’s dream had not only changed her life—it had awakened a town to the call of God. And as they answered, they found what they had always longed for—not just safety, not just breathtaking views, but the everlasting peace of dwelling in the presence of their Creator.