Issue 15 | Summer 2024

ISSUE 15 • SUMMER 2024 | K AUAICHRISTIAN.ORG

2731 ALA KINOIKI • KOLOA, HI • 96756

W

elcome to this edition of our KCF News Magazine.

As you will see, many of the articles are framed around the Anchor House School of the Bible. The reason for this is that what has been taking place since we opened the doors in September of 2022 has been nothing short of spectacular, both for our church family and the students we have come to know and love. As this edition goes to press, it looks as if the 2024-25 school year will be filled to our maximum of 40 students. But you may have a young person in your family or church who might, down the road, benefit from being part of this great experiment in Spiritual Foundation building. If so have them check out the Anchor House website and get their registration in early! www.anchorhousekauai.com

Who Are You...Really?

Written by Dain Spore

A

s the two teenage girls jumped into my car

I felt emboldened to ask them their unabashed opinion

and breathlessly exclaimed “Good morning

about their time at the Anchor House Bible School. How

Uncle Dain!” I never in a million years would

was it going? Was it worth their time? I asked them to

have expected to have a conversation that

not hold back but to share freely. Happily, their answers

morning that would lead me to reflect on the role of

were very positive, and if I were to paraphrase their

the Anchor House in the lives of our students, cause

answers it would be, “This is the best thing that has ever

me to meditate on the “theology of identity” as Paul

happened to us.” I was very glad and edified to hear this,

presents it in scripture, and finally, give me a topic for

and so then I asked a rather banal question, expecting

this newsletter edition. But you never know through

a simple answer. “So, are you looking forward to going

what medium God might choose to illuminate you to His

home for Christmas break?” I asked. Both of them replied

greatness. If He was using two nineteen-year-old girls

without hesitation, “Nope.” Was it because they would

today, I would have to be all ears.

miss their new Anchor House friends? “Nope.” Was it because they didn’t want to leave the warm Hawaiian sunshine for the cold mainland? “Nope.”

It was early December when I was asked at the last minute to lead worship at our North Shore campus, and I was sorely lacking a bass player and a backup singer.

“Why,” I asked, “don’t you want to go home?” It was the

Pastor Rick suggested a couple of the Anchor House

answer to this question which is the purpose of this

students who would be able to help me out. Emma was

article, and again, I am going to paraphrase their answer:

an extremely talented musician who could hold down the bass, and Abigail (who insisted on being called

“We like who we are here, more than who we were back

“Aba”) was a talented singer. The only catch was “They

home.”

can’t drive, so they will have to ride with you.” Hmmm… this could be awkward, I thought. It’s an hour drive to

I hope you are as struck by this response as much as I

the North Shore campus and I was dreading spending

was. It was such an intriguing answer that for the next

that much time with two teenage girls. I’m a grown man,

week I asked the same question to numerous Anchor

pushing 60 years old for crying out loud! What are we

House students and was nonplussed at how many of

going to talk about? Tik Tok? As it turned out, we had a

them had a similar response. “I like who I am here. I don’t

great conversation that ended with the girls making a

want to go back to the way I was. I don’t want to go back

statement that both shocked me and opened my eyes

to who I was back home.” What an incredibly self-aware

to an issue that was critical for Anchor House students

concept! We ended up having some great conversations

specifically and “all believers everywhere” (Eph 6:18).

about this and even had a special meeting on the last day of class, but I will share that story in a minute.

It started when, on the way up one of the girls asked me how I had become a pastor. I ended up telling them my

For the last few years, whenever a kid from the KCF

entire testimony, the good, the bad, and the awful. They

youth group decided to attend Capernwray Bible School

in turn told me their testimonies, and perhaps because

after high school (an experience very similar to the

of my transparency, they didn’t hold back on sharing

Anchor House), I traditionally would take them out to

their stories, which were, quite frankly, grittier than I had

lunch before they left, to give them a little pep talk to

anticipated. Therefore, after the morning service (which

prepare them for their year in England.

went quite well, thank you God!), on the way back south 3

One of the things I used to tell them is this: “Going

Many people struggle to become who God has called

to Capernwray, where nobody knows you, is a great

them to be because they are stuck in a rut of what social

time to reinvent yourself.” And then I would challenge

scientists call a “feedback loop.” You are a certain way,

them to write down the things about themselves they

and so people treat you like that person. But because

would like to change. While it is true that moving to a

people treat you like that person, you stay that way.

foreign place is a great opportunity for personal change

Additionally, many people have had difficult childhoods

(getting out of the social ‘feedback loop’ is a well-

where they were told lies about themselves like “you are

known phenomenon), I realized that I was theologically

a loser,” “you will never amount to anything,” etc. Others

incorrect. Getting out of your “comfort zone” and

have been deeply wounded by an unkind comment from

facilitating change isn’t really “reinventing” yourself, it is

somebody and that comment has become “imprinted”

allowing Christ to conform you more perfectly into “who

on them. This is why Paul says in Romans 12 “do not be

you really are.” Let me explain.

conformed to the way of the world” which, from the Greek, implies being “stamped” by external forces. But

The Scriptures teach us that because we all possess a

when you allow God to speak to you and you hear the

sinful nature, we are all “diminished” versions of our true

truth of who He has called you to be, He breaks that

selves. Think of how Paul thought of himself in his letter

feedback loop and allows you to fully become who He

to the Church in Rome when he goes on a long diatribe

designed you to be. You become “transformed” from the

about how he does the things he doesn’t want to do and

inside out (Rom 12).

doesn’t do the things he knows he ought do (paraphrase of Romans 7). He rightfully acknowledges that there is

Are you aware of what He has called you to be? Here are

a battle going on within his soul. He uses the analogy

just a few examples:

of the “inner man” and the “outer man.” The inner self is who God created us to be, the redeemed soul who

He declares that we are made in His image (Gen 1:27),

“delights in God’s Law,” is also being “renewed day by

which gives us immediate and undeniable value. He

day” (2 Cor 4:16) whereas the outer self, representing

calls us “greatly loved” (Dan 10:19), heirs to His Kingdom

our sinful nature rendered powerless by the cross (Rom

(James 2:5), held safely in His grip (Phil 3:12). He calls us

6:6), is even now “wasting away” (2 Cor 4:16). The basic

His children and instructs us to call Him “daddy” (Mat

premise therefore of “sanctification” is the gradual

6:9). He says that our salvation is guaranteed (Rom 8),

growth of the “inner self” so that we become who God

our hope is secure (Heb 6:19), and finally, like Gideon, He

created us to be. Or even better, we become who he has

has created us specifically for what He planned for us to

already called us to be.

do (Eph 2:10). In the light of all this, no wonder we prefer who we are when we are fully walking with Christ in the

Consider Gideon. It is almost comical how his story

Kingdom of God, then when we are dragged down by

begins. When God calls on him to lead Israel into battle

our own sinful nature and succumb to who the “world”

against the Midianites, His first words to Gideon are,

says we are. This is why Emma and Aba can say, “We

“The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” Mighty warrior!

like who we are here (victorious, walking with Christ in

Do realize that up to this point he has done exactly

His Kingdom) more than who we were at home (defeated,

nothing as a fighting man. In fact, he immediately (and

struggling with their flesh in the world).”

persistently) tries to weasel out of doing what God calls him to do. But with that opening statement, God has

In response to this statement, we decided to have a

already declared to Gideon who he really is before God,

special meeting with the Anchor House students on the

and now it is only a matter of process for Gideon to

last day of class before they went home for Christmas

become what God created Him to be, a mighty warrior.

break. We discussed all these things; the theology of

And indeed, Gideon becomes a mighty warrior.

identity, seeking to be who God called us to be, and 4

believing that our true self is who He has declared us

Maybe it is time for all of us to “get out of our comfort

to be. We finished by receiving Communion together.

zone” a little bit so that we might reflect on how we

The students really seemed to grasp these ideas. In

might become the best version of ourselves, the one

fact, they insisted that this meeting become part of the

who God created us to be. We all need to attend the

annual curriculum at Anchor House. This should be a

Anchor House!

challenge for all of us. Where has your sinful nature led

In the end, it was a great lesson taught to me by a couple

you? Who have you become because of it? Who has the

of teenage girls who I thought were the least likely

world led you to believe you are? Have you ever thought

people to teach me anything. But it only goes to prove

to yourself, or told somebody else “that’s just the way I

the truth of what Jesus said over 2000 years ago:

am”? Is that really who God has called you to be? Or do you need to spend a little more time with him in prayer

“From the mouths of children…You have prepared praise.”

and reading the truth about who you are in His Word?

(Matt 21:16)

The Turning of the Tides Written by Sarah Hill

W

hen I think about the changing tides,

to be still and rest, I realized that I had been striving in

I think about the re-alignment that is

my own strength to grow the youth ministry back up.

taking place within the ocean. For a

Now, Here I was after an incredible summer run with the

surfer, knowing what to expect with

kids, laid up and unable to provide them with anything

the tides can be key to a good session. In the ebb and

to do. About two weeks into recovery, I received a text

flow of the seas transition, you find yourself at the

from a student who had faithfully been involved over the

mercy of what the ocean is doing. There is nothing you

past two years, but who had also adamantly proclaimed

can do in your own strength to change it. If you want

she did not believe in God. Over those two years we

to surf and the tides are in transition, it means waiting

would have many talks about faith, and religion, but also

patiently on the ocean’s timing for change to happen.

a gentle understanding that she just did not believe. I remember before having surgery, my last summer hurrah

I have given much thought over the past year to the ebb

was a waterpark trip we do corporately as a church.

and flow of the tides, and how for me, it has become a correlation to life and ministry. In August of 2023,

We spent three days on Oahu with a bunch of our junior

I found myself at the mercy of my body and the slow

high kids, getting to know them a little more, and really

healing process that needed to take place after having to

honing in on what it is to walk with Jesus. I noticed a

have a pretty major surgery. As I teetered between the

transition happening with my unbelieving friend, she

need to get better, but also the urgency of returning to

seemed to be hanging on every word shared by our

youth ministry I was frustrated that I could not quicken

team. I knew God had been moving, and when she had

the process. I think what frustrated me most was that

reached out and texted me, she said she wanted me

ministry “post COVID” had hit a lull, and the exciting

to know that she had just given her life to Jesus, and

growth we saw when youth ministry was the ONLY thing

wanted to thank me for all I had done in helping her on

happening for kids during COVID was no more. Forced

her journey.

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She will never know what that text meant to me on my

church. Each kid has a story, one kid has come from a

healing journey. God was reminding me that His timing

JW background. He refused to go to his family’s church

is everything in the process of change. Even though

and was on a not-so-good path. After being invited to

I was laid up, He was working. Although there is an

Edge, he begged his family to let him come. Knowing

ebb and flow to youth ministry, remaining faithful is

he needed help, they reluctantly agreed warning him of

everything! If we walk in discouragement because our

what we would tell him. God is changing this kid, who

numbers are low, we will miss seeing how God is moving.

also is a professed “unbeliever.” Two weeks ago as I

I began taking the countless hours of rest, and turned

talked about grace being freely given and not earned,

them into prayer power, praying for each kid that came

this kid raised his hand and said, that is the first time he

to my mind. It gave me so much peace to know there

heard it explained like that.

was power in that!

He said his whole life he was told he had to earn his Returning to youth ministry was a slow start for sure.

faith, and he felt what I shared actually made sense to

I remember committing to the Lord to be grateful to

him. I had another new junior high kid tell me last week

be back, to be faithful In the calling, and to trust the

that Edge is really helping him grow closer to God, and

working of Him. With a very small team of helpers

he is now reading his Bible every night because of it! I

(which I am so thankful for), we began the faithful,

share these stories not reflect on myself, I share them

steadfast rebuilding. What God has done over the

because we can all face the ebb and flow of our faith

past seven months has been unbelievable, and oh-so

journey.

encouraging. When I returned, we had maybe 4-5 kids coming to the high school group. I decided to move it

Seasons that are fruitful, seasons that are hard, seasons

to my house because I felt God tell me the kids needed

of much, and seasons of drought. What we do in those

a home setting. I do not have a large home, but I knew I

seasons is key. The tides are always changing, and what

could welcome high school kids with a safe, loving space

I have found as a sure footing in over 20 years of serving

they could feel welcome in. Today we are jam-packed

is, remaining faithful is the only option! Don’t miss what

with 25+ kids each week, and growing. My home has

God has ahead because the changing tides seem hard in

suffered some broken things, but I would give up all I

the moment! He is working in the unseen places.

have to keep seeing kids’ lives changed. This summer as we gear up to do a north and south high school Mexico

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let

missions trip, all the kids coming from the North Shore

nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the

are brand new to the youth ministry!

work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

We have seen very exciting things happening with the junior high and have seen huge growth there as well. We are averaging 50+ kids every week as we meet at the

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Relationships Written by Nate Scribner

I

have been married seven years now, and it’s easy

few bad boyfriends or girlfriends, or crushes that never

amidst the routine of life and the familiarity of

solidify, that relationship salvation we were hoping for

being married to forget how special it was to meet

seems like a pipe dream, a lost cause. We give up on it.

my spouse and what a profound miracle it was for

Or we blame ourselves. Or we blame God. The shame

me at the time. I grew up believing that finding a spouse

and guilt compound as we see the commercials, romantic

and getting married would be an easy and natural thing.

comedies, social media posts, and seemingly perfect

I’m the fifth of eight children, and growing up, I was the

couples flourishing around us.

best man for my older brother’s wedding when he was 20 years old. I was eight. Someone else had to sign the

Within six months of the conclusion of our first year at

marriage license. My oldest sister was married not long

the Anchor House, there were three weddings. All the

after at 18. In fact, in my family, I am the exception to the

husbands and wives in the weddings were students or

rule of getting married young; I got married at twenty-

RA’s which, out of a group of thirty people, seemed like

nine. Gasp! My poor parents had no idea what was

a lot.

going on and what was wrong with me.

However, that first year included a few rocky moments What is the right way to do it? Work hard in your

guy-girl relationship-wise at the school. Within the

twenties, have a solid career, and then once you’re

first few weeks, there seemed to be couples popping

financially stable, get married? That was my tactic in a

up everywhere and as a first-time Dean, I was pretty

way. Or, maybe we need to wait until we find that perfect

nervous.

person and the feelings all come together because it’s “destiny”? Also, my tactic.

As a staff, we had to ask questions like:

Paul says in 1 Corinthians, “Are any of you single? Don’t

Should we allow these 18 and 19-year-olds (who we barely

look for a spouse…” I think that one is right up there,

know) to go off by themselves on dates?

neck in neck with “love your neighbor as yourself” in a

Should we allow them to be alone together in a car?

competition titled: “The Most Difficult Scriptures to Obey

Should we allow them to hold hands?

as a Young Person in the West.”

Should we be allowing dating at all?

Isn’t this about getting close to the Lord?

Our culture seems to believe that the perfect romantic relationship equals salvation. All will be resolved. All will

Yes, I have had to break up students making out. It’s

be healed if I just meet the right person. Then after a

super awkward and it stinks. I made an announcement 7

asking the students to refrain from public displays

Why wait? The important thing is not age or money or

of affection last year when there seemed to be a

experience or even the magical feeling around “the one.”

relationship frenzy going on, and several students thought I was personally attacking them. This is a

The important thing is whether you’ve both made Jesus

sensitive issue for people, and it’s my job to insert myself

the number one priority in your life. That’s it. Are you

in the middle of it. Yay!

both following Jesus in a similar direction? If this is the main thing, I’m not surprised that many students and

Maybe you think we’re being too strict. Maybe you

RA’s have found a spouse at our one-year Bible college.

think we’re being too lenient, but the Bible says nothing

Should I say, “Don’t come to the Anchor House to find

about this beyond “Don’t have sex until you’re married.”

a spouse”? I’m not sure. If you come for that reason, it

Who am I to make these rules? In the Bible, marriages

would be similar to the way many of the pastors and

were arranged. I’d like to do

leaders I know came to church

that and push it back on the

for the first time: following a

parents sometimes. All the

girl. Chances are you won’t

parents fly over for one week

find a spouse. Spouses are just

(I’m sure they’d love to come

a big something that I can put

to Kauai), have a mixer in the

a number on and quantify.

church foyer, and arrange the marriages of their kids. Imagine

But how many major decisions

if we made that the policy. Ha!

to follow Christ have happened this year at the Anchor

Funny for you to say “Nate,

House? The students are in

you’re already married.”

hours of Bible classes every

Well, this year we’ve had just

week. They’re praying and

three relationship policies.

doing devotions every day.

First, no dating at all until

They worship and play music

the second semester so you

morning, afternoon, and

can get your foundation in

evening. They’re ministering

Christ first. Second, if you’re

to kids and youth groups

dating, keep your hands off

every week. They go out and

the merchandise, no touchy,

evangelize to people on the

touchy. Third, don’t make it

street. They confess their sins

awkward for the other people

to each other. I think we’ve

in the house by becoming an

had 5 baptisms so far. Many

isolated relationship.

of them left jobs, friends, boyfriends and girlfriends,

Well, we’re on track for another year exactly like last

hobbies, cars, pets, motorcycles, snowmobiles, video

year. We’ve got two couples that seem pretty serious,

games, money, Tim Horton’s coffee, Chick-fil-A, In n’ Out

and several others that seem like they could go all the

Burger, and their families to come. They all had to give

way to the altar, and honestly, it makes me smile a little.

up something. They all had to take a step of faith. Over

I am a happily married man, and I know God had a plan

and over and over again, I see that God is true to His

for how it worked out for me. We tell our students who

promises to them. They come with nothing but faith, and

we believe have a foundation in Christ and are in what

they leave with His perfect gifts.

seem to be good relationships, “Get married young.”

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Everybody Got Benched Written by Darren Coté

I

t is Tuesday night at the Southside Sports Center and shoes are being laced up by a dozen teenagers to sixtysomething-year-olds. It’s a sticky, humid night and no one cares because the game of basketball is about to

commence…with all the good-natured trash talk, competition, sweat, and downright fun.

Two games are done and the sports pastor, Darren Coté, benches everybody. The players know that’s what we do on open gym basketball night. Pastor Darren or a sports intern (Anchor House student) will share briefly from God’s Word before the ball bounces again. So the banging Christafari reggae vibe turns off, players hydrate, and take a seat, but this night will be different. The gym pastor guy decides that the players will do the talking tonight by answering: what or who inspired you to pick up basketball and what are your thoughts on faith in God? It was endearing to hear the guys share about how a family member, especially their dad, spent time teaching them basketball. Many ballers shared how their home life was not healthy growing up, so the neighborhood basketball became a safe, healing place. Moreover, it was encouraging to hear that through basketball, especially at the KCF gym. Many friends were made and laughs were shared over the years.

Regarding the question on faith, as expected a handful shared about their faith in Christ.

This was a good exercise as it appeared this may have been the first time these Christian ballers shared their faith with the other gym rats. Beyond the two or three players who mentioned their alignment with another faith, most shared they had no faith, but were open to the concept.

The ball eventually bounced again that night, with plenty of 3-point shots, a couple of slam dunks, and even a black eye for the sports pastor, but his smile remained as the Good News of Jesus is slowly making a difference.

Sport is a universal language that can cross all social, racial, cultural, and religious barriers.

It powerfully unites people in a language they can speak. It enables relationships to be built and provides a platform to better people’s lives. In the words of Nelson Mandela: “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.” The KCF Sports Ministry understands the power and platform sports have and hopes to engage all people, no matter the age, with the gospel of Jesus Christ amid sweat and bouncing balls.

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Out of these dozen players, there were a handful

sharing. It’s an arduous, hard, and long road this thing

that loved Jesus and were just glad to have a court

is called relational evangelism. It takes time to get to

to work out and enjoy basketball. There were two

know these basketballers. It’s not an easy thing to stop

or three Mormons that were pretty consistent, but

all that exercise and all that competition and all that

the rest of them, the majority of them, were open to

fun and have them sit down after a couple of games

hearing about God but did not have any real faith or

and give them a Bible story about Jesus and make an

relationship with God. Various stories were shared of

application for them to grab onto that their lives would

players growing up who knew a little bit about God

be changed for eternity.

but faith had not been important to them. Others had no clue and didn’t grow up with any faith but they’re open. A couple of players have shared that they appreciate the inspirational talks. One dad, who jumps into games with his two sons, encouraged me to keep

Hanging with Lucien Written by Tony Leair

I

always find it fascinating to read through the Gospels and to consider what Jesus spent His time on. Was He concerned about social status, education, honoring His father and mother, His weight, His carpentry orders, and His friends?

Did he have a favorite hobby or meal that he ate? The Gospels focus primarily on Jesus’s time of ministry and his major actions.

Honestly, Jesus did things that mattered. Jesus did things that lasted. He invested in treasure that could not be stolen or broken down by moths and rust. He understood that people last longer than anything else in the Kingdom of God, and the way in which he invested His time throughout the day reflected on that.

Being a follower of Jesus, I like to take the words he says, and the actions he practiced seriously and invest in eternal things.

It’s incredible to see when seeds begin to take root and grow.

I met Lucien three or four years ago when he came to church with his grandmother and asked about youth ministry. He had recently moved from the state of Washington and was looking to have some adventures and meet new people in his new home. We were excited to rope him into the adventures of KCF youth ministry and began getting to know him.

Lucien comes from a family where mom and dad are not present in his everyday life. His grandmother, Lois, adopted him and provides a stable and loving atmosphere at home. Lucien had been through a lot in not having much contact with his mom and dad and not knowing where some of his other siblings headed off to live.

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There are lots of times when the nuclear family (mom, dad, kids) breaks down for teens, and I have a special spot in my heart for those who are in that kind of situation.

In my reading through both the Old and New Testament, I believe God has a special place in his heart for those teens as well.

Lucien came to us knowing God, and he has grown like a weed since he has committed to being a part of the youth group community.

Countless of our volunteers and paid staff have invested in this young man, and the church has really gotten behind him in his efforts to go to Colorado, Tijuana, and even Japan with our church. He goes to a Christian school in Lihue, both North Shore and Southside youth groups, and has surrounded himself with a good group of friends who are interested in pursuing Christ as well.

Recently, Lucien and I have taken specific time outside of our normal chill time to get together and discuss life. Everything is on the table. We talk about how to be a better teen at home, how to cook, how to work a job, how to navigate his love life, what to pursue career-wise, and everything in between. It has been incredible to see Lucien’s growth.

We often talk as youth pastors about the old phrase “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make them drink.” We never say that phrase when talking about Lucien. He’s hungry and thirsty for God’s Word and the fruit is surrounding this young man as he continues to take in those truths.

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My First Real Job Written by Dean Smith

“Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am!

I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

Revelation 3:19-20 (NIV)

M

y first “real” job (you know the one when

longer passage was written to the church in Laodicea

you’re getting paid by someone other

warning them harshly about the consequences of being

than your mom, dad, aunty, uncle, or

“lukewarm” in their faith. Preaching on these verses often

grandparent) was selling home cleaning and

focuses on Jesus petitioning a person to let Him in so that

health care products door-to-door. You may remember the

they can fellowship together eternally. These are valuable

Fuller Brush Company. I endured a brief, but well-designed,

messages we need to hear. However, my article today is to

training with orchestrated word tracks with the purpose

provide you with a practical strategy to keep all those bad

of getting this young, enthusiastic peddler to open the

things that knock on doors OUT! This is important because

resident’s screen door, just a crack, in order to give them

Jesus can’t come in if the house is full of “shtuff”!

their special, free gift for the month. As the unsuspecting victim, um, I mean buyer, opened the screen to grasp the

First, be earnest and repent as verse 19 directs. Most of us

spatula, bottle brush, or other treasure, I was well-versed

like to clean the house before a guest arrives. Clean the

in how to be invited into the home, sit down, and create

junk out of the living room, kitchen, bedrooms, and even

a long list of items that would meet their home cleaning

the corner of the closet where you’ve kept some things

and health needs. At the end of the visit, the buyer looked

locked away too long. Unconfessed sin takes up space

forward to receiving the order in a few weeks and I walked

where you want Jesus to be. Second, read your Bible (just

out celebrating my earnings.

three minutes per day), pray (however/wherever/whenever you talk to God), worship, and surround yourself with other

Fast forward many years to the present. There are

Christians. Your “house” will be so full of the Godly, holy

few door-to-door sales any longer. People don’t really

things that when something, somebody comes knocking

want strangers knocking on their doors, and in many

on your “door,” you won’t have room for the “shtuff.” In

neighborhoods, the strategy might even be dangerous.

fact, you will be so full of what Christ provides that you

So, now our “doors” are largely media-based including

will be equipped to step out of your home with purpose

TV, social media, email, etc. Also, there are people in your

and power to do His will. God built us so that when we

life knocking on your “door” trying to convince you of

clean house, repent, and then fill ourselves with the Word,

something, anything that they may have to offer. We are

prayer, worship, and fellowship, we cannot open our doors

taught to not open the door to strangers, which could

and entertain the evil and ungodly vendors that claw at our

include anything or anybody that has nefarious intent.

doors.

But, every day we unsuspectingly crack the door of our “Knock, knock”

lives and souls to ungodly, unholy perspectives, products,

“Who’s there?

people, and powers.

“Atch” “Atch who?”

Revelation 3:19-20 has inspired many artists to creatively

“God bless you!”

capture the image of Jesus knocking on our “doors.” The

12

Now Go Change The World Written by Rick Bundschuh

T

hey arrived on Kauai a bug-eyed collection

would have read classics such as Mere Christianity and

of young men and women, most fresh out of

The Great Divorce and would have learned how to teach

high school, from one end of the country to

the Bible to others so that it sticks.

another, including a remote island near the

Arctic Circle (with a batch of Canadians as well) and

Outside of class hours, they would have joined a

nine months later they packed their bags, wiping away

ministry in the local church to learn skills by teaching

tears, and headed into the world as agents of change.

kids and youth, leading worship, making podcasts, and producing videos.

They are the students from the 2023-24 school year at the Anchor House.

In addition, huge lessons were learned in how to love and care for others…even if they are annoying, as these

During each week they would have spent 17 hours

young people were living in a community together.

in a classroom which meant exploring the books of Genesis, Leviticus, Romans, Colossians, Philemon, 1

This hothouse of spiritual and social activity was

Timothy, John, Job, Daniel, Psalms, Ecclesiastes, Hosea,

designed for one specific purpose…to make world

Ephesians, Psalms, Exodus, and Proverbs. They would

changers. Looking back at our second full year of the

have discovered Christ in the Old Testament, explored

Anchor House School of the Bible, we can see how God

cults, science and faith, marriage, relationships, human

plowed down the opposition we were experiencing from

sexuality, discipleship, apologetics, and missions. They

the county government who objected to people

13

“sleeping overnight” at our facility and how He even

Anchor House by sitting in on lectures, in person or

provided a rare alternative place for our students to

online (we record most of the lectures and post them on

bunk each night for the first couple of months of school

the Anchor House YouTube channel), or by checking out

until we could work our way through the labyrinth of

the Below Deck Podcast made by our students (www.

bureaucracy and solve the issue.

youtube.com/@AnchorHousePodcast). And we invite you to come join us for a meal or even invite a crew of

We see the beautiful God-driven generosity from total

students over for a BBQ.

strangers that allowed students who could never afford the experience to partake and the kind gifts that help us

As a friend or member of our Kauai Christian Fellowship

chip away at the mortgage we still owe on the building

family, you are a valued part of helping us to create a

(which is thankfully the only debt the church has).

generation of young men and women who are ready and raring to go out and change the world that God puts

We see the outpouring of welcoming and aloha that

them in.

came as our congregation embraced these newcomers and made them feel part of the family.

And thank you for your kind gifts that have allowed us to start a scholarship fund for future students who may

But most of all, we see young men and women maturing

struggle financially as well as helping us whittle down

in their faith and growing in the confidence that Christ

the mortgage on our facility.

wants to and will live his resurrected life through them.

We invite you to eavesdrop on what is going on at the

I’m Picking a Fight Written by Rick Bundschuh

S

I want to out think it.

cottish Lord to William Wallace: “Where’re you going?”

My goal is to help develop and attract people who Wallace: “To pick a fight!”

know how to think well. People who are not easily rolled over by the shallow ideas and wacky arguments being

I have decided to go out and pick a fight. My opponent

posited by those in positions of influence, the media, or

in the fight is huge, a Goliath who thinks he has already

in what were formally places of higher education.

won the battle and sees any opposition as a mere bug that is easily crushed underfoot.

I want to gather a band of men and women who will ask hard questions of our culture, who will challenge the

Who is it that I am willing to pick a fight with? Who is

twisted logic, and who will demonstrate both by their

this deluded monster who is convinced the fight is over?

intellectual rationality and the result of their lifestyle

- our current modern culture.

that the pathway of values, morals, and ideas designed by and pointing to our Creator makes the most sense for

My goal is to take it down, to defeat it, to turn the tide

personal and human flourishing.

of the battle. The big question one might ask is “How in the world to you plan to do that?” Here, in no particular

I want to raise up generation after generation of men

order, is a portion of my battle strategy:

and women who are great thinkers having sifted their thoughts through the purity of the precepts of God. 14

I want to outperform it.

yet caring and women who can love deeply and who are competent and beautiful inside and out.

For every politician, bleeding heart activist or secular outfit that boasts about the good they have done for

I want to show a community not driven by the pursuit of

humanity via the millions of dollars spent...and for all

the dollar but one that is generous and satisfied to live

the hoopla, most often barely moves the needle, I want

smaller so others less fortunate can also thrive.

to show what a band of caring Christians can do that

I want this community of Faith to show the world

gets ten times more in the way of results for a fraction

what creativity in music, art, story, film, humor, and

of the cost of money, time and labor.

imagination looks like and how it is encouraged and celebrated. I want to show that those who put our

I want to show those whining about world poverty,

feet into the footprints of Jesus somehow inherit the

the number of families from all over the globe that

creativity and imagination of the Creator and start

have, without fanfare, been lifted out of destitution

telling better, more honest, and honorable stories than

because a church full of Christians on a small rock in the

those being dreamed up in LaLa land.

Pacific sponsor at least one child through Compassion

And all of this is just for a start.

International. Or those who now have a roof over their head because a group of Kauai teens spent a week in Tijuana building a house for them or the kids from the

I have come to realize that in the culture in which I live, I

coffee fields in Central America who are now getting an

am now a dangerous revolutionary. I want it overthrown

education through the Omega Task, an outfit started by

and a better system to take its place. And I know that

one of our former youth group crew.

those of us who decide to pick a fight will attract the hostile responses of the monstrous culture we are trying

I want to show how the drug problems on Kauai and

to bring down. And yes, this giant has all the size, armor,

the environment that creates it is being tackled far

and weapons that will be pitted against us and our

more effectively by the Keala Foundation than any

seemingly pathetic sling and stone.

government or combination of social aid programs.

Again, a work created by one of our own KCF members.

But if we take careful aim and depend on God, we know

I want to point to the many adults whose life trajectory

we can bring the monster down...after all, it has been

was changed for good because one of our youth

done before.

workers snatched them out of the idiot circus when they were a teenager.

I want to out thrive it.

I want to show those wrapped in modern culture that by following the teachings of Christ we “luddites” have a much better life than they will ever find by chasing the twisting and twisted thinking of the world.

I want to present to the dishonest and deceived world better, happier, and stronger families, better marriages, better sexual intimacy, and satisfaction.

I want to point to men who are strong, masculine, and

15

Kauai Christian Fellowship 2731 Ala Kinoiki Koloa, Hawaii 96756

Henny Penny Revisited

H

enny Penny had an inspiration. She decided

wheat to flour to make bread for the Father?”

that out of love and devotion to the Father

“Silly Hen! I’m off to crow with my band!” said Cocky

of the farm yard she would bake a fine loaf

Locky, “My time is much too valuable to waste on baking

of bread. (Bread baking was her strongest

bread for the Father!” And he turned and crowed down

ability). Henny Penny assumed that the other animals

the road.

in the farmyard would like to join her in serving their Father.

Henny Penny picked herself up and began to work. She ground, sifted, mixed and finally in the wee hours of the

She found Ducky Lucky paddling around his pond. “I’m

morning she pulled a magnificent loaf out of the oven.

baking bread for the Father, would you like to help me harvest some wheat?” Lucky Ducky frowned, “I’m much

Then with tears of weariness, she fell into bed.

too busy!” he replied. “I have my own business to attend

Before dawn the Father of the farmyard stood at the

to! “

foot of Henny Penny’s bed. He gently scooped her up and took her to dwell with his family in honor, leaving

And with that he paddled to the farthest corner of his

only the sweet aroma of her gift of love.

pond.

In the same night, Ducky Lucky became a prize for the “I will do it myself” said Henny Penny, and she wandered

hunters. Turkey Lurkey became a poacher’s Christmas

into the fields white unto harvest, and with some

dinner. And Cocky Locky was carried off by wolves and

difficulty (for bread baking, not harvesting was her

devoured.

strongest ability) gathered as much wheat as she could carry.

The harvest is truly plentiful, but the workers are few, pray to the Lord to send workers into His harvest.

Henny Penny struggled down the road until she met Turkey Lurkey. “Oh will you help me carry this wheat so we can make bread for the Father?”

“Not I ” said Turkey Lurkey. “My friends at the coop have invited me to a party and I can’t let them down.” And with that he scampered down the road.

With all the strength she could muster, Henny Penny plodded with her burden until she reached the door of her home. Resting on the porch, she noticed Cocky Locky strutting by.

“Cocky Locky”, she called, “Will you help me grind the

- Jesus