The evening air was crisp as members of the First Light Community Church gathered in the fellowship hall. A warm glow from the hanging lights bathed the room, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. The discussion for the evening was led by Madelyn, a long-time church member known for her wisdom and ability to weave faith into everyday life.

“Before we begin, let’s take a moment to appreciate where we are,” Madelyn said with a smile. “Lawrence is a special place. It’s home to the University of Kansas, full of artistic and cultural energy. We see it every day on Massachusetts Street—the shops, the galleries, the life that pulses through this town. It’s a place where the university and the community merge, creating something truly unique. And yet, even in a place as vibrant as Lawrence, we still need to be reminded of God’s presence and purpose.”

She paused, letting her words settle before continuing. “Tonight, we’re going to talk about healing, faith, and how God moves through us, even when we don’t expect it. And to start, I want to ask a question: How many of us have felt a shift in our spiritual journey lately? Maybe you’ve sensed that God is calling you to something greater? Or maybe you’ve felt lost, unsure of what’s next?”

A murmur spread through the room as hands slowly raised.

“Good,” Madelyn nodded. “You’re not alone. God has been stirring something deep within His people. There is a healing anointing upon us—one that is increasing, one that is rising. The Spirit of God is moving in ways we may not fully understand yet, but He is calling us to rise, to use our voices, to release His words. And when we do, healing will pour out—not just in our personal lives, but in this city, in this region, even in the nations.”

A hush fell over the room as Madelyn continued, her voice steady and passionate. “Look at the stories we know. Eric Liddell, the runner from Chariots of Fire, knew that God had a purpose for his talents. Even when faced with opposition, he remained steadfast in his faith. Joseph, in Egypt, was given wisdom by God and placed in a position of authority to save a nation. These stories aren’t just historical—they are reminders of what God does when His people are willing to follow Him.”

She turned to an elderly woman in the front row. “Margaret, you’ve shared before about your experience with healing prayer. Would you mind telling us about a time you saw God’s power at work?”

Margaret smiled, her eyes twinkling as she recalled the memory. “Well, years ago, I prayed over a young woman who was sick. She was weak, discouraged. But as we prayed, I felt something shift in the room. The presence of God was so strong, and within days, she was completely healed. It wasn’t about me—it was about God working through me, through prayer, through faith.”

“That’s exactly it!” Madelyn exclaimed. “When we are willing vessels, God moves through us. Sometimes, we doubt. We feel unworthy, unprepared. But God doesn’t call the perfect—He perfects the called.”

A younger man in the back raised his hand. “Madelyn, I’ve been struggling with feeling like I don’t hear from God as clearly as I used to. How do we navigate those moments when our faith feels… silent?”

Madelyn nodded thoughtfully. “That’s a great question. And you’re not alone in that. The Lord has shown me that many of us have been in an intense battle—a battle that tries to cloud our clarity, make us doubt our ability to hear Him. But let me remind you of this: Jesus Himself faced silence in the wilderness. Elijah, after his great victory, heard God not in the wind, not in the fire, but in a still, small voice. God has not stopped speaking. We just need to slow down, remove distractions, and lean in.”

She took a deep breath. “And sometimes, we need to act in faith before we feel the confirmation. Think of the Israelites standing before the Red Sea. The waters didn’t part until they stepped forward. Our obedience activates His miracles.”

The room was silent for a moment, everyone processing the words. Then, an older man, Pastor Jim, stood. “Madelyn, this discussion reminds me of something we read in Romans 8:11—’The Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you.’ If that same Spirit is in us, then we have access to the same power that raised Christ. Isn’t that incredible?”

“Yes!” Madelyn agreed. “That is exactly the truth we need to hold onto. When we feel weak, when we feel uncertain, we need to remind ourselves: the Spirit of God LIVES in us. And when we pray, when we worship, when we step out in faith, we are releasing His power into the world.”

She looked around the room, her eyes locking onto each person. “Church, we are in a time of great transition. We are seeing promotions into positions of influence, the rise of new voices in the church, a deeper hunger for God. We are seeing first fruits of a new move of God, and we have the opportunity to be part of it.”

A young woman near the front, Emma, spoke up. “So what do we do next? How do we step into this?”

Madelyn smiled. “We stay close to Him. We surrender our fears, our doubts. We speak life, not death. We pray for healing, we walk in faith, we remember that we are not called to comfort—we are called to transformation. And most of all, we trust that He who began a good work in us will bring it to completion.”

The atmosphere in the room shifted. People were no longer just listening—they were receiving. Something had been ignited within them, a renewed sense of purpose.

As the discussion came to a close, Pastor Jim led a final prayer. “Lord, we thank You for this time, for this town, for this community. You have placed us here for a reason. Let Your Spirit move through us, let Your healing flow, and let us be bold in our faith. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

The sound of “Amen” echoed through the hall as people stood, hugging one another, some wiping away tears. This was more than just a discussion—it was the beginning of something deeper, something powerful.

Madelyn smiled as she watched. God was moving in Lawrence, Kansas, and this was just the beginning.

This Sunday, the congregation gathered in Sioux City for a lively and thoughtful Sunday School meeting, led by a lady named Lainey. As the fourth-largest city in Iowa, Sioux City stands as a unique hub of culture and history, and the community gathered here was no different. With the city’s rich history, from its days as a major stop along the Lewis and Clark expedition to its role as a central regional hub in western Iowa, the residents of Sioux City understand the importance of their history and the deeper journey they are all on together.

Lainey, with a warm smile, stood before the group, ready to delve into an important teaching on the power of faith, obedience, and the importance of community. The room was filled with the soft murmur of excited voices as the children settled in their seats, eager to learn and share. With the sunlight streaming through the windows of the modest church building, the air was filled with a sense of peace, mixed with a curiosity that felt palpable.

“Good morning, everyone,” Lainey began, her voice carrying easily across the room. “Today, we are going to talk about the incredible power of obedience and faith in God. We’ll use examples from the history of our own lives and the Bible, connecting them to the place we live in, Sioux City.”

Lainey shared how Sioux City, sitting between Omaha, Nebraska and Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has always been a place where journeys begin and end. Just as the Lewis and Clark expedition made a significant stop in Sioux City, we, too, are on a journey of faith. She reminded everyone that our faith journey can take unexpected turns, but if we remain obedient and trust in God’s plan, we are always led to where He wants us to be.

“Faith isn’t always easy, is it?” Lainey continued, giving the children time to reflect. “Sometimes we face challenges that make it hard to trust God’s plan. But just like the explorers who traveled across unknown lands, God has mapped out a journey for each one of us. He calls us to follow Him, just as He called His disciples, and like them, we have to trust Him every step of the way.”

The children listened intently, some nodding in agreement, others deep in thought. Lainey paused, giving them a moment to digest what she had just shared.

“Just as the Lewis and Clark expedition ventured into unknown territories, we must step into the unknowns of life with God’s guidance,” Lainey said. “We might not always understand where He’s leading us, but He’s always with us. Even when we feel lost or uncertain, we have to trust in Him and keep moving forward.

She then invited the children to open their Bibles to Hebrews 11, known as the “Faith Chapter.” Lainey wanted to emphasize how people throughout the Bible demonstrated faith in God, even when the path ahead seemed unclear.

“Let’s take a look at Noah,” Lainey said, as she read aloud from Hebrews 11:7. “By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.”

The children were quiet as they listened to the story of Noah, reflecting on how he trusted God even when everyone else around him mocked him.

“Can you imagine building a huge ark, trusting in a promise from God, when everyone else thought you were crazy?” Lainey asked, her eyes sparkling with energy. “Noah didn’t let fear or doubt take over. He obeyed God’s direction, and in doing so, he saved not only himself but his entire family. This is what faith and obedience look like in action.”

The children seemed to absorb this lesson deeply, and some of the older ones raised their hands, eager to share their thoughts.

“We can trust God like Noah, even when things seem impossible,” one of the older children spoke up. “He has a plan for us, and we just need to follow Him.”

Lainey smiled, proud of the insight. “Exactly. And it’s not just about following directions; it’s about trust. God has a plan for each of us, just like He had a plan for Noah. Sometimes that plan might lead us to places we don’t expect, but it’s always for our good.”

After a brief pause, Lainey pointed out how Sioux City itself could serve as an example of this journey. “Sioux City has witnessed so much history. It was once a major stop along the Lewis and Clark expedition, and now it stands as a bustling city between Nebraska and South Dakota. Just like the explorers of the past, we are called to continue our journey, not in isolation but as part of a larger community.”

With the nearby Fourth Street Historic District, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, and the Sioux City Railroad Museum, Lainey reminded everyone how these landmarks serve as reminders of the faith and perseverance of the people who built this city. Whether it was the pioneers who stopped here along their long journey or the modern-day residents who work together to keep the city thriving, everyone has a part to play.

“We all have a role in God’s plan, just like those who built Sioux City,” Lainey said. “When we trust Him and work together in obedience, we can build something beautiful—both in our lives and in the community.”

Lainey invited the children to think about their own contributions, no matter how small they seemed. “What can you do this week to follow God’s lead?” she asked them. “How can you trust Him in the little things, even when it’s hard? Remember that no task is too small when done in faith and obedience.”

As the lesson came to a close, Lainey encouraged everyone to reflect on their personal faith journeys and remember that they are never alone on their path. God’s guidance is always with them, whether they are traveling across the state of Iowa, or stepping into a new phase of life.

Before wrapping up the meeting, Lainey led the group in a prayer, thanking God for His faithfulness and asking for strength to trust and obey Him in all things.

“Lord,” Lainey prayed, “we thank You for this beautiful day and for the chance to gather together. Help us to trust You, even when the road ahead is uncertain. Just like the explorers of the past, help us to follow Your lead with faith and obedience. May we be a light in our community and reflect Your love to everyone we meet. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

The meeting concluded with a sense of unity and purpose. The children left the Sunday School room, chatting amongst themselves about the lesson they had learned. Sioux City, with its rich history and vibrant community, had once again provided a backdrop for a powerful lesson in faith, obedience, and the importance of trusting in God’s plan.

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