Issue 16 | Winter 2024

ISSUE 16 | WINTER 2024 | K AUAICHRISTIAN.ORG

2731 ALA KINOIKI • KOLOA, HI • 96756

The Language of Fun

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Written by Tony Leair rowing up in the church and around youth

it like jail? How many pizzas does this youth event really

ministry, there was always a question of what

need? (Never enough!) Was the youth pastor really

the youth pastor was even doing in the youth

mature enough to share God’s word? Or was he just

ministry. Parents were worried about it, teens were

absolutely bonkers crazy?

curious, and littles were chomping at the bit to be old enough to attend. Why are people drinking cans of

I’m not sure if I got any good answers to my questions

Mountain Dew through dirty socks?

until I interned at a random church on the island of

Why is the youth pastor choosing to drive many many

Kauai when I was 21 years old. There I met two men

hours with a van full of kids to random destinations to

(absolutely brilliant and mad scientists Ward Niccore and

paint strangers’s houses? What even is a lock-in and is

Justin Bundschuh) who were doing so much more than entertaining the teens at youth group.

They were on mission to speak the language of

I saw Ward and Justin do the craziest things during

teenagers, and to use that very language to share

my internship at KCF. They weren’t illegal necessarily,

the good news of Jesus Christ. That language is the

but they were definitely more fun and interesting than

language of fun.

I was used to in church. They were radical in their creativity and approach, and the students absolutely

Every teenager that I’ve met speaks the language of

knew that they were loved by the way Camps and

fun. Teens are full of energy, looking for the next place

youth nights where stacked with fun. In the same way

to challenge themselves and to test the boundaries of

that they pulled zero punches with fun, they spoke the

life. They are innately exploring the world around them

gospel pure and true. They were totally unashamed

driven by this need for experience and learning.

of the story of Jesus and the beautiful life that follows from living in his freedom rather than in the world.

Quite often when I am meeting with my young adult volunteers and Anchor House Interns, I like to challenge

I was inspired to say the least.

them to have a missionary mentality with the teens of Kauai. If we as a leadership team were dropped into

We have continued utilizing the language of fun with

Cambodia with the mission to share the gospel with

the teens of Kauai. And they understand it. We try not

Cambodians, how would we go about doing so? Well,

to take ourselves to seriously (See our latest Shoreline

we would need to learn the language that the people

logo - thanks Jesse) and we try to create events like

spoke, and figure out how to integrate in their lives.

mattress surfing or tarp surfing that allow kids to

We would learn what is important to Cambodians, and

be kids, and push them to challenge what they are

begin to meet them on a shared experience in order to

comfortable with. It’s not always safe, but neither is the

share the good news of Jesus.

world. In fact, the world is incredibly dangerous with the lies that are being promoted and the freedom that

In a lot of ways, the teenagers of Kauai can be as

is promised but can never be delivered. The world sets

foreign as Cambodians. As generational gaps widen

all sorts of shiny traps for teens, when God just wants

between baby boomers, Gen X, millennials, Gen Z, and

them to be free.

the absolute aliens that come next, it has never been more essential to find common ground. This is where

We want to meet teens right where they are at, speak

the language of fun comes to the rescue.

a language that makes sense to them, and then share with them the greatest news to ever be shared. I had a friend once share with me that every generation that is born is another unreached people group, and I love that our church continues to engage and pursue God’s children through the language of fun.

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When it Rains it Pours Written by Leah Enns

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his past spring, rain flooded our little toddler

the next thing that needed to be done. It was a big

room, covering the carpet and toys, leaving the

project: the old carpet had to be ripped up and new

characteristic mold and mildew residue of Kauai

carpet laid down, but before that could happen, all the

flooding. We knew we needed a new carpet installed, but

toys— including the enormous and cumbersome play

in the weeks that followed, there was preschool, high

structure— had to be removed. I knew I couldn’t move

school, and Anchor House graduation, the departure of

that alone, nor did I know anything about carpeting.

our beloved Children’s Director, Jenna and her family,

Thankfully, there were other people who did!

VBS, missions trips, and so many other things.

I sounded the alarm, When it rains, it pours.

and assembled a team of movers who

At the beginning of

could transport the

August, I stepped into

toys, including one

the role of Director of

person who had been

Children’s Ministry,

around when they

and picked up where

first assembled that

the intern leaders

cumbersome play

had left off. There

structure. It took

were volunteers to

under two hours,

be recruited, closets

and the room was

to organize, rooms to

cleared. That same

clean, other ministries

team ripped up

to collaborate with,

the carpeting and

and most importantly,

baseboards in just a

kids to love on for

little bit more time,

Jesus.

and as they finished, a few more willing young men came by and offered to bleach mop the cement floor

All in a day’s work.

underneath. We were all eating pizza by the end of the evening.

I was cued into the carpet situation in a random conversation, one day, and realized it was probably

When it rains, it pours.

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As we ripped off the baseboards, we also ripped off

room. I say we, because in the grand scheme of things,

pieces of the existing paint and parts of drywall. The

I was just an administrator who found the helpers. Each

green hills of the toddler room weren’t rolling anymore.

person acted using their talents and truly showed me

It was clear we couldn’t just stop at removing the

how the body of Christ is meant to operate.

carpet; we would have to repaint the room. (When has a project ever gone faster than you thought?) I’m by no

If you have a chance, give Romans 12 a read this week. A

means a painter, but I knew a few people who were!

beautiful thing happens when we live wanting to give our

They graciously volunteered their time and talents to

lives to God as a sacrifice — He transforms us into a new

patch the missing drywall, prime the walls, and paint

person! He uses those special traits that you’ve had for a

them a new light blue. Another person with enormous

while and fits them together into His body for a purpose.

talent was able to take my one screenshotted vision of a

And when you link up with those other members of the

sunrise and enlarge it to take up the whole wall.

body, stuff gets done, and His kingdom comes on earth.

What talents do you have? How are you serving His body

You could say the sun came out.

with them?

So in two weeks, we had disassembled, emptied,

When it rains, it pours.

cleaned, primed, painted, and reassembled that entire

A Little Slice of Heaven

An Anchor House Student’s First Impression

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Written by Mieka Schneidereit ometimes it hits me. It’s already been a month

heads around the fact that

of living in paradise yet it still sometimes hits

I was sending myself on

me that this tropical island is my reality for the

a 6-hour plane ride, to a

next 9 months. All summer long it was constantly “I’m

place I’d never lived in, full

leaving September 4th!”, “September 4th is the big

of people I’d never met, for

day!”, “My plane is September 4th!” Then to my surprise,

9 months. Yeah, now that

September 4th actually came and it hit me: Oh… I’m

I lay it out like that, it does

leaving my family for months. My friends. My home…

sound crazy. But they are

That realization came through tears that fell from

missing the biggest factor

my face onto my mother’s shoulders as I hugged her

as to why I chose to do this,

goodbye at the Vancouver airport.

and it is that I didn’t. I didn’t choose Anchor House. The

I had so many emotions running 100 km/h in my head

Lord called me here, and as

(oh sorry, that’s my Canadianness showing. I meant to

a follower of Christ, I heard

say 60 mph…). I was scared! I didn’t know the first thing

Him, sacrificed my personal ambitions, and pursued

about what Anchor House was going to be like, yet I was

that calling. That is how I miraculously had peace on my

sitting on a plane bound for Hawaii. From an outsider’s

plane ride. I had peace knowing that God wanted me at

point of view, this seems a little unusual. A lot of my

Anchor House for a reason. I had peace knowing that He

non-believer friends back at home couldn’t wrap their

had it all under control.

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As the plane took off, I was met with the most

submerged in the warmest vibrant blue ocean water or

breathtaking view of the skies, the ocean, and the

while sitting in the cozy soft sand, eating sandwiches

clouds. I shed a tear of joy that turned my nervousness

you made earlier that day. That’s what I did, and I ended

into excitement, and I could hear the Lord tell me,

up making some pretty awesome friends. I kept thinking

“Mieka, I am so excited for you and for what I am

that things couldn’t get better, and that’s when the Lord

going to reveal to you this year.”

gave even more. He just keeps giving. When God told me he had a fun week planned for me, He meant it!

Walking out of the Lihue airport was surreal. Even though I was self-conscious about what kind of “first

It was much more than just the fun activities that made

impression” I would give off, that worry left me with

the first week of being here special. Yes, the late-night

every fellow student and RA I met. As many of you

beach visits, warm drives to view the canyons, and bike

readers know, there is a significantly high amount

rides to the shops were all experiences that will stick

of girls here at the Anchor House this year. How was

with me forever, but what really stuck out was the joy

Anchor House able to get so many girls this year? Who

I felt emanating from the students of Anchor House.

knows. But how was Anchor House able to get the 21

As the week went on, Christ-centered conversations

kindest and sweetest girls on the planet?? That is a

were sparking left to right. Something I learned during

miracle in itself.

those conversations is that most students here don’t come from a community full of believers. It is extremely

When I arrived at the house, everyone was so eager

unique to be surrounded by people who know God’s

to meet and instantly show each other love. I’m not

love and joy, and who aren’t ashamed to talk about it; a

talking about the kind of meet and greet you give

community that is not quick to judge, but who support

someone your mom wants you to meet after church,

each other and are quick to love, listen, and pray.

I’m talking about the kind of greeting that consists of a hug, followed by a genuine get-to-know-each-other

From an outsider’s point of view, it would be a no-

conversation. How many young adults do you know who

brainer as to why anyone would love Anchor House. It

aren’t afraid to approach a stranger and get to know

seems obvious that the Hawaiian lifestyle, daily beach

them? I think we all knew that we would be one big

visits, warm bike rides, shops, and scenery would

family by the end of the year, so we cut to the chase and

make Anchor House the Bible school of paradise. But

instantly acted like one. I experienced what it was like

truly, it is the community that made my first week here

to be welcomed with open arms, and then witnessed

something to write about. I look at the palm trees, at

others feel the same way.

this house, at this group of hilarious young adults who already feel like family to me, and all I can do is thank

They say doing life-threatening activities creates

God for this opportunity.

significantly stronger bonds between people. Maybe that’s The Anchor House’s secret for having such a close

The Lord called each student here for a reason. We

community because boy did we immediately dive into

are all here because we all have a heart for God, and

the deep end (both physically and metaphorically). I

I thank Him for putting together this beautiful group

don’t know if it was the Spirit of the Lord that filled me

of people who all strive to be like Jesus. It’s the kind of

with such a sense of adventure, but I would never have

beauty that only the Lord can orchestrate. The word

thought that I would be eager to go cliff jumping or leap

“beauty” is defined as a thing or person (in this case,

off waterfalls into a freshwater pool full of hazardous

a community) possessing qualities that give great

rocks that are just asking for an injury. Exploring the

pleasure or satisfaction. We know that satisfaction is

island and spending every day at the beach was unreal.

found only in Jesus. Everyone here possesses Jesus in

Sometimes we would go twice or even three times a day

their hearts. That is why the Anchor House community

during the first week! If you are getting to know new

is so beautiful. We embody a little slice of heaven.

friends, I highly recommend conversing at the beach, 6

The late E.G. Von Trutzschler was a pioneer Youth Pastor and founder of ministry to the poor across the border in Tijuana Mexico that still reverberates today. In addition, he was a mentor and friend to many of the KCF staff.

The following is his short but brilliant purpose statement for his life, one that all of us should adopt as our own as well.

I

Why I Am Here have a rather simple philosophy as to this life. I see

I can give shelter to those who are without.

my time on earth as very brief and radically different

I can even love my enemies and forgive those who

from my future forever life with God. Because of this,

violate me.

I have come to a rather logical conclusion. I’m here on earth to do things for God that I can never do for Him

In Heaven there will be no sin or darkness, no sickness,

in Heaven and I only have a short time left to do them.

no hunger, no want or pain, no enemies of any kind just

Here is some of what I can only do on earth that I’ll never

eternal joy, thanksgiving, praise and worship of almighty

be able to do in Heaven. This seems both pleasing to

God forever. It makes sense to me to do what I can for

God and fulfilling to me.

God while I’m here on earth so my time in eternity will be more of a joy for myself and others.

I can share the Gospel with those who have never heard.

I can teach those who don’t know.

In Heaven there will be no clocks or calendars, we won’t

I can light the darkness and give hope to the hopeless.

be wearing watches; there will be no time as we know

I can encourage the discouraged and faint hearted.

it. On the other hand, here on earth, we only have a few

I can dry the tear of a crying child.

precious moments to accomplish our unique and divine

I can love the unlovely, unloved and unlovable.

calling.

I can give someone who is thirsty a cup of cold water.

I can feed those who are hungry, help heal those who

Please excuse me to do the urgent, that which can only

are sick, give shelter to those who have none and give a

be done here and now.

blanket to those who are cold.

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A Part of the Process

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Written by Jon Enns

reat stories are always a process. I think of the

I met Kylie way back in 2012 when I moved here to teach

character arch of Luke Skywalker (prior to the

at Bandwagon Music Center. She was about to enter

sequels) or a Wizard-in-training or the chronicles

middle school and wanted to learn how to play the

of halflings attempting to destroy magical jewelry. The

song “I’m Gonna Be” by the Proclaimers (“and I would

words and pictures needed to relate these stories take

walk 500 miles, and I would walk 500 more…” — one of

up large sections of our lives. Just watching one of the

those songs you play to intentionally get them stuck in

three LOTR movies is nearly a four hour event. Or you

someone else’s head. Kylie has always been a bit of a

can spend a month reading 3,407 pages of wizardry by J.

prankster… go figure). She was an Edge and Shoreline

K. Rowling.

staple through middle and high school. We were always crossing paths because of our involvement in music and

But even before that investment, there’s another story

youth ministry.

behind the stories. When I think about a Master Jedi or Gandalf the Grey or Harry Potter or Frodo Baggins, my

Stephen, I met in 2018 via introduction on a Sunday

mind often wanders to all of the imagined hours, days,

morning from Rick Bundschuh. We were about to have

months, and years leading up to the pinnacle moments

a young adult’s camp, and Stephen and his twin brother

we read or watch. There was so much that had to

Nathan had come to KCF looking for a church home..

happen BEFORE any of those stories turned into the

This was one of those contexts before we knew, where

stories we know and love.

God connected the dots we didn’t know existed. They needed a community, and we needed them in our

Perhaps your favorite stories are of real-life figures

community, even if we didn’t know it yet. We hung out

you see on television or in your life. Lately, I’ve been

at a young adults camp and then started attending the

watching Scotty Scheffler’s rise on the PGA tour. The guy

same Bible studies and men’s groups together.

seems unshakeable and has credited much of that to his faith in God and his strong relationship with his wife

Kylie and Stephen started hanging out during the

and family.

pandemic and got married in August 2023, just nine months ago. The wedding was at KCF. My wife Leah and

Today, I want to introduce you to Stephen and Kylie Von

I had the privilege of helping them through premarital

Allmen: two real-life people who are inspiring me. These

pastoral counseling.

are some close friends of mine, and they have been for some time. Our story of friendship and involvement in the church family took some time to develop, in what one might call “average” ways.

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Fast-forward: Stephen and Kylie have continued to live out following Jesus by participating in the church. They’re now lead volunteers for our slides and live stream setup. They’re still involved in weekly Bible studies and adventures. They take the initiative to further smooth out the tech things we do every week. Kylie and Stephen are becoming some of the best volunteers any church or pastor could ask for. And the best part is, they do it with a smile, knowing the goal has always been God’s story in the midst of theirs.

That story is the best of them all. His story is still working its way into the Von Allmens, like it does in you and me. Their hopes and expectations keep them focused on how heaven is being built on earth; they’re living into being God’s image bearers.

They’re sculpting and crafting the world around them to ooze His kingdom. It doesn’t look perfect or completely put together every week, but the process is continuing and they’re growing into His likeness.

It’s like LOTR or Star Wars or the PGA tour but in real life.

It’s messy, the roundabout-way, and has a whole lot of bumps in the road. But with eyes fixed on Jesus, this process puts us in the middle of a story so much bigger than what we could imagine — a story for which the whole universe is waiting for the conclusion.

The world needs more stories like Kylie and Stephen’s story. These kinds of stories bring us inspiration and hope that God’s kingdom is coming.

KCF’s goal is to connect people with God, and to make His story known. If that’s something you’re into, we want to invite you to join us like these friends have done. God’s given you gifts and talents, abilities that need to be shared. Please connect with us so we can connect you to what God is doing here!

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Get Up Off Your Gift Called To Serve Written by Dean Smith “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and power for ever and ever.”

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I Peter 4:10-11 (NIV)

It ain’t good for us to be alone.

n a beautiful, mid-September, Sunday morning,

I need you in my life.

much like most mornings in Kilauea on the

It may seem ok, just as it is.

Island of Kauai, Steve Thompson, Pastor, began

But it will be way better, if you get up off that gift.”

the teaching portion of worship with an inspiring,

Get up off that gift…”

upbeat, and contemporary song entitled, “Get Up Off That Gift”. Here are the lyrics:

The Bible texts, the worship, the song, and the teaching Get Up Off That Gift

all relentlessly and unavoidably called the people

“I need you. You need me. We’ve been called to this.

attending KCF North this day to “Get Up Off Their Gift”

How we ever gonna change the world, if we won’t

and serve the Lord Jesus and His Church.

get up off that gift?

Get off your gift.

KCF is a wonderful church of earnestly, Jesus-seeking,

Let me show you what to do.

Bible grounded and caring people. This being said, it is

Cause, if you’re wondering if there’s room for you,

a typical church where much of the work is done by a

no need to be scared.

few of the people. This particular Sunday was the time

You’ll make it no matter the weather.

to give others the opportunity to enjoy the blessings

You ain’t gotta do anything by yourself.

received when a person deploys their gift for God’s

We’re better when we’re together.

purpose. It is, after all, a Christian’s calling to repent,

Get up off that gift.

believe, receive and use their gifts, skills, time and

So if you hear my voice, don’t let these words fall on

finances for God’s glory and the advancement of

stone.

the Gospel.

We want a better future, but we can‘t have it alone.

I need you to survive.

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After the service everyone enjoyed an “All Crew Church

Sunday, there are new people on the Worship team,

Potluck” dinner. (One way to grow a church is to have

serving at the Coffee Cart, leading a new Men’s Bible

people gain weight!) During the meal representatives

Study, adding energy and creativity to the Women’s

from several of the current and perspective KCF North

Ministries, Sunday Set Up Crew, and other service /

ministries informed and invited listeners to commit

ministry areas. One very special person is having his sit

to serving in accordance with their calling. People

down, Hawaiian, steel, slide guitar repaired to be used

were not asked “if” they would serve. They were asked

in future worship!

“which” ministry they would serve. Sign-up sheets were provided to everyone and collected.

The early Church grew as a blessing resulting from early believers obediently serving and sacrificially using

During the next two weeks church folk followed up with

their gifts. We have generations of previously obedient

personal calls and meetings to ensure people were

Christians to thank for our having the opportunity to

assigned and trained to follow through on “getting off

know Jesus and make Him known. The future of the

their gift.” Everyone was contacted. Attendees were

Church and believers into perpetuity rely, in part, on

given a “Feedback Form” providing the opportunity

your obedience today. Dave Ramsey, Financial Advisor

to assess the experience and give input about the

and Author, states, “Giving is the most fun you can have

gathering for future improvement.

with your money!” Likewise, serving is the most fun you can have as a follower of Jesus. It’s easy. “Get Off Your

This may seem as though it was an intimidating, maybe

Gift”. Ask God, How can I serve you today? Then, go

threatening, experience for some. However, feedback

and find your place of ministry. Get ready to receive the

was universally positive and suggested we do it again

blessings of obedience through deploying your service

in the new-year. After all, we were just providing an

for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

opportunity for people to be obedient to God’s Word and receive the blessings from using their gifts in

“Do not neglect your gift which was given to you…”

service to Jesus. Also, as a result of “Get Off Your Gift”

(I Timothy 4:14) You are called to serve.

There Are No Good Churches in Houston Written by Dain Spore

B

ack in 1993, I joined a church that I thought

town. It also happened to be where my only Christian

was so old, stale, and full of old people that I

friend attended. The fact that the church was named

remember specifically thinking “Well, I’m not

“Jeffreys Bay Christian Fellowship” seemed like a good

going to grow my faith here, but at least I won’t lose

omen, so it is not surprising that on my first Sunday in

my salvation!” I’m sure God in heaven had himself a

town, that was where I was found myself. But what a

big old belly laugh at that thought. As it turned out, not

disappointment! To begin with, the song selection was

only did I grow in leaps and bounds during my 8 months

mostly hymns from the Charles Wesley era. The most

there, but that church played a vital role in why I find

contemporary song of the morning was “As the Deer

myself as a Bible-teaching pastor today.

Panteth”. The preacher didn’t use any object lessons or visuals, and was kind of an older, fiery, Baptist-

1993 was the year that I left the young, hip and vibrant

style preacher. But worst of all, the congregation was

church at Kauai Christian Fellowship to head down to

perfectly divided between senior citizens and young

South Africa for the summer, hoping for some good

families with babies. If they ever had a “singles ministry”

waves and fun church to fellowship with. At that time

in that church, the average would be 85.

there was only one English speaking church in the 11

I literally was the only young adult in the congregation

for a coffee the next day, to which I agreed.

that morning. So, you can see why I was thinking the way I did. But like so many things in the Kingdom of

The next day we were well into our americanos, and into

God, if you are willing to step out in faith, big surprises

the story of their first few years together as a married

are waiting for you, and that is exactly what happened.

couple, how they had moved to Houston together due to a career change. During a lull in the conversation,

Whilst I endeavor to keep this story short, suffice to

I asked them what church they were attending. Their

say that within a month, I found that I had become

answer was so startling that I never forgot it, and it is

more involved in that church than I had ever been

in fact the reason I wrote the article. The wife began by

at KCF. I realized that between music practice (did I

saying “Well…we tried a few churches but…” Seeing

mention I had become worship leader?), two Bible

that she was lost for words, the husband stepped in

studies, volunteering at the Children’s ministry mid-

to finish her thought. “You see, there just aren’t any

week meeting, the Saturday prayer meeting and Sunday

good churches in Houston”. Trying to maintain my

morning service, I was at a church event six days a

composure, I stumbled through an answer that was

week! And here is an interesting thing I learned during

something like “Oh! Really? Wow, that’s surprising. I,

that time. It turns out that old people are kind of cool(!).

um, er…” and then I think I rambled on to some topic

They have a lot of wisdom, and time and patience to

about how it is important to find a good church, and

teach a young man like myself some things about living

then before we finished, I made them promise me that

in faith. And did I mention that they love cooking for

they would make another effort to find a church in

young single guys? But best of all, it was there that I

Houston that they felt that they could attend.

was first encouraged and invited to preach on a Sunday morning which put me on a journey to becoming a

But dear reader, think about that statement! It has

pastor and has me writing this article that you hold in

echoed around in the chambers of my brain for over

your hand. Which is why, 15 years after I returned here

15 years now. There are no good churches in Houston?

to Kauai, I was astounded to hear the statement that is

A quick Google search will tell us that there are over 2

the title of this story.

million people in the city of Houston alone, and another 7 million in the outer suburbs. The number of churches

By 2008 I had been a full-time pastor at KCF for almost

combined in both city and suburbs is just under eight

ten years. I was married with two kids and was well

thousand. Eight thousand churches! Do you see where

on my way down the path to become one of those

I am going with this thought? I know the lesson here is

“old people” you just read about. One day while I

super obvious, but do you think the problem with that

was greeting people at church, this young couple

young couple’s inability to find a church to attend in

approached me and said “Pastor Dain! It’s us! We’re

Houston was due to do the available options? Or was it

back!” For a moment I was startled and began racking

perhaps, just maybe, their own unwillingness to commit

my brain about who these people were. At KCF we meet

to a local church body? And it boggles one’s mind to

many visitors every week, and often greet returning

consider what were the qualifications they were looking

visitors. We call them our “extended Ohana”, and in fact,

for in a church, that could not be found with eight

many of you reading this article are part of that family.

thousand to choose from.

In addition, we often perform weddings for visitors

I could now compare their statement with the story I

because Kauai is such a “Destination wedding” location.

told you at the beginning of the article, of how I only

So taking a bit of a chance I said “Oh yeah! I married

had one church available to me in the small South

you guys, right? How is married life treating you?”

African town I lived in, and how God taught me the

As it turned out, I had guessed correctly, and they

value of being uncomfortable but willing to learn could

reminded me of what a great time we had during the

open vast new horizons in one’s faith journey.

wedding, and they asked me if I would like to join them 12

But instead, I want to tell you another story, about

early church at Ephesus “For we are God’s handiwork,

another young couple, because I want you to hear what

created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God

they said, and how we can all be challenged to consider

prepared in advance for us to do.” (Eph 2:10) If we put

where we attend church, and how we view our role

these two ideas together, than our motivation to join a

there.

local community of believers is not only a command, but God is placing us there, not as consumers to be fed, but

In 2019 I was doing pre-marital counseling with an

as contributors who serve. Let me wrap up this article

awesome young couple, both who had grown up as

with two challenges for you.

part of the KCF youth group. The groom-to-be had recently returned from China where he had served as

The first is obvious, but not likely. If you ever find

an “underground” missionary, and I was vaguely aware

yourself moving to a new city and have the opportunity

that he was attending a church on the east side of the

to go “church shopping”, may you be challenged to

island. The Bride-to-be was currently attending KCF with

not consider yourself as a consumer, looking for a

her parents. When we arrived at the spiritual portion of

home that suits your needs. But instead, see yourself

the premarital curriculum, I asked them which church

as a servant looking for a place to serve. And yes, I

on the island they would be attending. I assumed they

understand it is important to find a church that teaches

would be attending KCF because their friends and family

the Word of God, has decent music, and obviously,

were already here, plus, there has been a burgeoning

good coffee! But to paraphrase John F. Kennedy, your

group of young-marrieds around the church, which

attitude should be more along the lines of “What can I

made me think they would be an obvious fit.

contribute to this church” than what they can do for you.

I was surprised then when they named a small, somewhat fading church from a fading denomination.

Finally, did you know that wherever you attend right

“That church?!” I exclaimed. I wanted so badly to point

now, you are needed? That God has specifically placed

out all the deficiencies of “that” church and how KCF

you in the church you attend because you are needed

was far superior, but I wisely refrained from doing so,

there? As you read this article it is likely getting close to

and instead asked incredulously “Why?” And it is the

the New Year, a time when many churches (including

answer the groom gave me that I want you to spend

KCF) will challenge the members of their congregation

some time considering. “Well,” he started, “We just

to sign up for the various ministries that are needed to

feel like they need our help, and that we could

fulfill their calling to bring the good news of Jesus Christ

be really useful there”. For a moment, nobody said

to the local community. And quite frankly, we need all

anything, as his statement hung in the air between us. I

of you! Whether you are part of a large, thriving church,

leaned back in my office chair and stared at the ceiling

a small startup that meets in a cafeteria, or even an

while I contemplated this. Finally, leaning forward I said

older, fading mainline church, your participation is both

to them “And that might be the best reason I have

needed by the church, and expected of you by God.

ever heard in my life for joining a church!”

And if you honestly desire to serve God, but simply When reading the New Testament, you can’t help

cannot find an opportunity serve in your home town, in

but notice two major themes. First, God desires that

your local church, may I suggest moving to Houston? I

we become part of the local community of faith. The

hear they might need some help down there…

author of Hebrews warns the believers in Rome to not “give up meeting together as some are in the habit of

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served,

doing” (Heb 10:25). Secondly, everybody, (and I mean

but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for

everybody) is expected to use the talents He has given

many.” (Mark 10:45)

them to serve in His Kingdom. As Paul wrote to the 13

Why I Am a Christmas Mutt

B

Written by Rick Bundschuh

y early September Costco had already started

So, in this sense I may be in the same Yuletide boat as

putting out Christmas products.

most people...except for the maniacs and their evil twin the Scrooges.

To be honest, I had mixed feelings about it. Part of me was saying “Woah boys, one holiday at a time” while the

I find it ironic that I find so much joy in this holiday

other part of me felt a jolt of childish giddiness at the

considering what I actually know about the origins of

thought that the Christmas season was almost upon us.

what we call Christmas...or as it used to be called “Christ Mass”.

I suppose this is because I am a bonified “Christmas Mutt”...which is related to but quite different from a

I know that the idea of celebrating the birth of Christ is

Christmas maniac.

not something that was practiced by the early church. I know that many of the traditions we have are retooled

A “Christmas Mutt” plays by the rules and waves

pagan rituals. I am aware that the Puritans hated the

goodbye to the holiday once it is over. A Christmas

debauchery that came with the Christmas so much that

manic keeps their tree up for half the year and never

they threw it overboard and would fine anyone who was

removes the lights from their house. A Christmas Mutt

caught hanging up a decoration.

has the self-control to not crank out the Christmas songs or start decorating until the day after Thanksgiving.

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I realize that much of the holiday is driven by

That is why I round up the Anchor House students and

commercialism and that unbelievers have tried to wring

invade shopping areas humming Christmas Carols

out of Christmas any connection to the birth of Christ.

on Kazoos and passing out free “instruments” that

And of course, I know that Jesus was not actually born

are stamped with an invite to the KCF Christmas Eve

on December 25th and that the shepherds, wisemen

Service. (And I have to admit, I love to see the joy on

and angelic host did not all show up together at the cow

the faces of strangers as they figure out how to use the

shed where He was born.

primitive gadget they have been given and join in the humming).

But I don’t care.

That is why I love to see the happy faces of friends, I will happily take any excuse to celebrate that fact that

visitors and “Christers” (Those who only find their way

God stepped into the world. And not only celebrate, but

to church on Christmas and Easter) at the Christmas Eve

use Christmas themes to target any small crack in the

Service.

hearts of those who have not yet met the Savior.

It is why I am a “Christmas Mutt”.

That is why I wrote “The Mask” (with my son Mason, another Christmas Mutt) and “The True Story of Saint

So, whether you are reading this short treatise during

Nick”.

the season or long after, may the One who stepped into the world to pull you and I out of the mess we are made

That is why I choke up watching It’s A Wonderful Life

for ourselves also insert His joy into your heart...not just

each year.

on Christmas, but every day.

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Kauai Christian Fellowship 2731 Ala Kinoiki Koloa, Hawaii 96756