ISSUE 14 • WINTER 2023 | K AUAICHRISTIAN.ORG
2731 ALA KINOIKI • KOLOA, HI • 96756
Where Everybody Knows Your Name Written by Dain Spore
R
ecently, I drove up to Kapaa to have dinner with some old friends of mine. These were people I had known most of
my life. Some had been friends since elementary school, one was a college roommate, and though I had not seen most of them for decades, we had always stayed in touch (thank you Facebook!). To say I was looking forward to meeting them is a huge understatement, which only added to my frustration of not being able to find parking near the restaurant. Arriving at the hostess stand a full 15 minutes late, I naturally assumed that I was the last to arrive and said as much to the hostess when I gave her my name. She cheerfully said, “Oh yes, they are already here. Right this way!” I followed her dutifully through the crowded restaurant, and when we reached the entrance to a back room, she pointed to a table at the far end and said, “They are waiting for you at the last table,” and left me there.
With great eagerness, I dashed towards the back table
came forth from Jesus when he spotted the diminutive
where I could see the heads of about eight people. But
Zacchaeus in the branches. “Zacchaeus, come down
something wasn’t right. The closer I got to the table, the
immediately! For I must stay at your house today.” Imagine
more it was clear that the hostess had made a mistake.
his surprise! And great joy as well. Now imagine if, at that
Even adjusting for age, and not having seen each other
moment, he knew who it was who was inviting Himself
for decades, none of these people looked remotely
(quite literally) into Zacchaeus’ life. And yet, this story
familiar. As my momentum continued to propel me
gives us two great truths to encourage us and one great
forward, I quickly found myself standing at the head of
truth to challenge us.
a table full of strangers who stopped talking and looked at me expectantly. “Oh…sorry,” I stammered. “I think I’m
First, notice that Jesus, without any prior introduction,
at the wrong table.” I waited for just a beat, perhaps to
calls him by name. This perfectly fulfills the prophecy
give someone at the table an opportunity to break the
from Isaiah (43:1); “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you
awkwardness with a witty reply along the lines of, “Well
and call you by name; you are Mine!” Is that awesome
hey! Pull up a chair anyways,” but instead, nobody said
or what? Were you aware that the Creator God of
anything, and, in silence, I turned and walked away.
the universe has not only offered us salvation, the forgiveness of our sins (and like Zacchaeus, we have
Heading back to the front of the restaurant, I passed
many!), but He knows us and calls us by our names?
by the empty hostess stand and went exploring on the other side of the room, hoping to find my friends there. Sure enough, near the back of this room, I saw a large party of somewhat familiar-looking faces (just add 40 years to high school kids). This time, as I approached the table, and long before I had reached it, somebody shouted, “Hey! Look who’s here! It’s Dain!” Immediately there was a ruckus of chairs scraping the floors, loud exclamations of joy, handshakes, hugs, and introductions to unknown spouses and children who beamed with that unmistakable look of “I guess, if my husband/father loves this guy, I must him love him as well.” What a GREAT feeling it is to be welcomed by those who know you and love you. I tell you this story because God has been teaching me
Secondly, as that verse in Isaiah also states, He says
about this aspect of His Kingdom. Quite simply, that we
we belong to Him. I love the way the NASB adds an
are known by name, we are loved, we are welcomed, and
exclamation point to the verse so that it reads, “You are
He has a place for us.
Mine!” In the Zacchaeus story, Jesus invites Himself to “stay” with him. This is a great picture of the Holy Spirit
Consider the story of Zacchaeus. He was a much-
dwelling within us. But for this article, I want to imagine
hated tax collector in first-century Judea. A turncoat to
our arrival into Heaven at the end of our time here on
Jews, he worked for the Romans, squeezing his fellow
Earth. Jesus said, “In my Father’s house there are many
countrymen for the hated occupiers. It is, therefore,
mansions…and I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2).
not hard to imagine how he would have expected to be
How awesome it is to imagine our arrival in Heaven. To
addressed by the popular itinerant Rabbi named Jesus
be greeted by name. To be received warmly. And to know
who was now entering his town. Climbing a tree, he
that there is a place for us; that we belong there.
perhaps hoped to simply observe the teacher from a distance. He was undoubtedly shocked at the words that 3
In Brennan Manning’s book, Abba’s Child, he tells
I was pondering all these things recently when
the wonderful story of an Irish priest who’s traveling
I arrived at a wedding that was taking place at
the countryside, and the priest sees an old peasant
the church. As it was, the bride who was getting
sitting by the side of the road. When the priest gets
married that day had been part of the church for
closer, he realizes this peasant is praying, and the
the entirety of her 22 years. I had held her the day
priest is impressed. He says to the peasant, “You
she was born. As I strolled up to the wedding, I
must be quite close to God.” The peasant looks up
was shaking hands, exchanging hugs, bumping
from his prayers and thinks for a moment, and then
fists, and greeting several people from not only
he says, “Yes, He’s very fond of me.”
Kauai Christian Fellowship but from numerous other churches on the island. I explicitly remember
“He’s very fond of me.” Do you know that God is
thinking, “These are all my favorite people on the
very fond of you? I often tell my friends, “You know,
island, and there is no place else on the planet where
I really like you.” And when they give me a funny
I feel like I belong more than right here.” Isn’t that
look, I will say, “Well, I’m required to love you, but
great? What a beautiful picture of who we are in the
I don’t have to like you.” Telling somebody I like
Kingdom of God. Wherever we go in His Kingdom
them is the best compliment I can give somebody. I
here on Earth, we are with “our people.” That doesn’t
recently raised this topic at my Bible study, and one
mean we always get along perfectly or don’t have
of the people there said, “You know, in all my life as a
trouble together. But ultimately, by participating,
Christian, I always knew that God loved me, but I had
engaging, and tenaciously attaching ourselves to
never considered He might like me!”
God’s people, we find ourselves in a place where we are known by name, we are welcomed, and there is
And lastly, though this might seem obvious, God
always a place at the table for us. We can do it with
knows us by name. In fact, according to the verse
God’s family here on Earth, and it is a great warmup
in Isaiah cited above, He calls us by name. When I
for our eventual welcome into Heaven.
put all these amazing Biblical truths together, I find my memory recalling one of the most successful
Imagine stepping into eternity and being met by
sitcoms ever aired, Cheers. The whole premise of
Jesus. He invites you to follow Him. A door ahead
the show was that the bar (named “Cheers”) was a
of you opens, and you follow Jesus into a room.
warm, welcoming place where the regulars would
Peering over His shoulder, you see a very large
gather at the end of the day to mingle and socialize.
banquet table, and though everybody looks a little
That premise was encapsulated by the theme
different (all of them being the very best versions
song at the beginning of the show. You probably
of themselves), you recognize that it is basically
know it, and after reading this, it might get stuck
all your favorite family and friends. There is an
in your head for the rest of the day! Remember?
aroma of amazing food with, perhaps, even a whiff
Here are the lyrics: “Sometimes you wanna go where
of fresh coffee being brewed somewhere close by.
everybody knows your name, and they’re always
Before you can even begin to take it all in, Jesus
glad you came. You wanna be where you can see
announces, “Hey everybody! Look, (insert your name
our troubles are all the same. You wanna be where
here) has come home!” This is quickly followed by
everybody knows your name.” And sure enough,
the sound of chairs scraping on the floor and people
whenever one of the regulars comes through the
streaming to come welcome you with exclamations
door, everybody at the bar calls out to them by
of joy, handshakes, and hugs. You are finally home.
name. “Hey Norm!”
Where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came!
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Investing In Things That Last Written by Tony Leair
I
just had to write this year on a moment that
city next to the Tijuana dump and brought them out to
transpired in Mexico. There are times when God calls
surf with us and eat tacos. We spent time with another
us to stretch and really put ourselves out there, and
orphanage, got them tacos, and went to a movie with
when we answer the call by jumping in with both feet,
them. We also helped run a Spectrum community day full
God will often meet us in that moment.
of games, grocery giveaways, and face painting. It was a full week with lots of beautiful work being shared with
We were so excited to get our students signed up and
the community in Mexico.
ready for our annual trip to Tijuana to serve. We know the kind of impact that it can have on the students’
One of the mornings stuck out to me. We went out to
worldview to see how much of the world lives, and
a men’s home that takes in the elderly and gives them
honestly, we were excited to visit those who we’ve grown
care. The house is run by a saint of a woman who finds
to know and love over the last many years. Rick began
elderly men who are begging on the street and brings
going to Tijuana in his teens to serve the poor, and we
them to her home. The staff she has hired change the
have continued that tradition at KCF since the beginning.
men’s diapers, feed, and care for the men.
I have been able to lead around 12 trips, and I began to think that I have “been there, done that” in Mexico and
We played Loteria with the men (a very fun Mexican
could put the trip on cruise control. Not so much.
alternative to Bingo) and realized quickly that they were in a rough spot. Many could not see the cards because
This year we did all sorts of ministry. We fed breakfast
of poor eyesight, so our students would help them mark
to around 80 kids who are growing up in the Zona Norte,
their cards. Many were talking gibberish or saying things
or the red-light district. We built a home for a family
that showed they were not 100% in their mental space.
who had been waiting for one for over two years. We
Of course, our entire group went crazy anytime that one
brought two piñatas to two of our favorite orphanages
of the men won Loteria and we showered them
for a big party. We met up with the kids that live in a tent
with chocolates.
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When Loteria wrapped up, we picked up a guitar
Anyway, the third verse zinged me: “And on that day
and began to sing some worship with the men. This
when my strength is failing, The end draws near and
was a moment. I will never forget the echoes of
my time has come; Still my soul will sing Your praise
the music in the room and the way that the older
unending, Ten thousand years and then forevermore.”
men embraced the worship music with all that they
We were literally worshiping with men who had
had to offer. Some men were singing, some were
failing strength and were near to their time. The
bobbing their heads, and others even muttering
words were so beautiful and appropriate for that
prayers during the songs.
moment. I remember one man in particular who was slumped into his wheelchair and hunched over with his head low in the chair. I saw him waving his hand back and forth in worship as that was really all that he could muster at the moment. That combined with the song hit me like a sledgehammer to the heart. I realized at that moment that I wanted to be like him when I grow up. I want to hold God and the worship of Him so deeply precious that when I inevitably come to the time when my strength is failing, the end draws near, and my time has come, I will also be waving my hand in the air with all that I have. These types of lessons don’t always come to us. I do believe that when we stretch and sacrifice some of our time to serve others, God saves some special moments of teaching for us. I would challenge us all to get out there and do something about our faith.
One of our students grabbed the guitar and led us
Would we all be like the elderly man in Tijuana as we
in the song “10,000 Reasons.” You know it, “Bless the
worship our God together no matter what we have
Lord, O my soul, O my soul, Worship His holy name…”
to offer.
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Reflections of a 72-year-old Preschool Teacher Written by Jacqueline Hoban
W
hen taking a World History class as a
shame. That shame led to the acknowledgment that just
senior in high school, I was seated next
like everyone else in the world, I needed a Savior. Even
to an underclassman. Although his name
though I still believe that kid was theologically off, he
escapes me, I do recall that he was very persuaded that
didn’t deserve to be treated unkindly by me.
his particular church was the only church approved by God. In fact, he referred to all other Christian churches
In John 12: 31-33, Jesus says: “Now is the time for
who were part of Christendom as actually being
judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be
“Christendumb”.
driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.’ He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.”
My family regularly attended a pleasant church near our home, and we enjoyed the message and the fellowship there. Although I wasn’t yet a true Christian, I noticed
That’s the thing that boy didn’t seem to understand.
lots of holes in his theology, and I soon grew tired of my
Jesus’ heart was to “draw all people to” himself. He really
classmate’s obvious arrogance and persistent attempts
loves all of us. The challenge for me is to communicate
to persuade me to “convert.” In hindsight, I’d like to
that well. How can I share the truth—the Gospel—
extend grace to him and choose to believe he probably
without sounding arrogant and annoying?
meant well. But there were some problems. My mom believed that smiling at people or buying First of all, I was a pretty good kid. Like I said, my family
sandwiches for homeless folks she thought were
and I went to church every weekend. I attended the local
approachable was sharing Christ, but she didn’t have
youth group, I didn’t use profanity, I didn’t smoke, I didn’t
the courage to tell them why she wanted to do that. She
drink, I tried to be kind to everyone, even that pesky kid.
wanted to represent Jesus, but honestly, she sort of
Another thing to add to my list of “didn’t” is I didn’t know
missed the mark when she didn’t say it was His love that
that Jesus had died for my failures and sins. In fact, I
compelled her joy and generosity. Paul, in his letter to
didn’t realize He was a living Savior. That’s weird because
the Romans, asked, “How can they believe in one of whom
I did believe He had risen from the dead. I just hadn’t put
they have never heard? And how can they hear unless
it together yet. Maybe I was a Christian-dumb.
someone proclaims him? And who will go to tell them unless he is sent?” (Romans 10:14).
Anyway, to make a long story short, I turned the proverbial hounds on that boy one day in front of other
In case you were wondering why in the world I love
classmates. I wasn’t the only one bothered by him,
preschoolers and their families so much—it’s because
so I used all the sarcasm and superiority of my age
of Jesus. I am convinced that it is our huge blessing and
and “wisdom” on him until he withered, red-faced and
responsibility to tell everybody, young and old, how
defeated.
much they are loved. What else could inspire a 72-yearold woman to do what I do?
Years later, I would recall that pivotal event with heartfelt
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NEW DIGS!!! Written by Kyler Schmidt
O
ver the past few years being a junior high
we received a text from someone saying they had
youth pastor, I have noticed that having
run into our contractor, and they asked if they could
creativity and flexibility is an absolute
talk to us about our plans for the youth room. We
must in order to survive as a youth leader. However,
met up to show them the room and discuss our
one day as I was working this spring, I realized this
plan to replace the floor, and instead the person
attitude may have gone too far.
expressed that they not only wanted to finance our new floor but also wanted to finance a remodel of
This epiphany came to me as I was on the ground
the entire room! We were shocked to say the least
duct-taping our worn-out couch back together,
and excitedly responded with a big yes!
hoping that it would hold up for one last youth night. As I began to look around, it became clear
Through this experience, I felt God speaking to me
that the room could use a little more love. It is one
and reminding me of two truths.
of the most used spaces in the church; we use the room multiple times a week to minister to students from all over the island. Though the ministry we get to do is beautiful, the room was not. The carpet had a tear from one end of the room all the way to the other, burn marks had somehow ended up on the floor, the stage was in rough shape, and altogether the well-loved room was in need of a facelift. After thinking about it, Tony and I decided that, at the very least, it was time to replace the floor. We reached out to a contractor and were ready to begin construction, but it turned out that God had bigger plans. A couple days after reaching out to our contractor, 8
The first truth is that God’s ways are higher than our
desires for us to use those unique giftings. In this
ways (Isaiah 5:8-9). In our human experience on this
particular example, the individuals who donated
earth, we often think that we know what’s best and
financially to have the room renovated recognized
what is needed. We try to solve our own problems,
that fact. They realized that God had blessed them
answer our own questions, and be self-sufficient,
with their money, and they felt his calling to use it in
not relying on anyone else. Yet, time and time again,
this way to advance the Kingdom and Gospel. This
God has shown me that His way is always the best
experience served as a beautiful reminder that not
way, and that I can rely on him to have something
only do we serve a big God who provides in a big
greater in mind. While I was content in scraping
way, but also that we all have something to bring to
by with just replacing the flooring, God wanted to
the table in the body of Christ.
spoil our students with a space that not only serves their needs, but is completely geared towards them.
On September 27th, we had our grand re-opening
While I was happy with a duct-taped couch, God
of the youth room and revealed it to our students.
was already planning to deck the room out with
Because of one person surrendering their resources
brand new furniture.
to God’s purposes, our youth students were able to experience the love of God and their community
The second truth that God reminded me of is the
through someone caring enough to spend money
importance of each individual member of the body
on their youth zone. We are so grateful for
of Christ (1 Peter 4:10). Ministry is not a one man
this amazing blessing, and I look forward with
sport; it requires a team in order to accomplish
anticipation to see the many ways God is going to
the Lord’s mission. Because of this, God has gifted
continue using this space for His Kingdom.
each member of the church differently, and he
Playful Moments and Powerful Connections: Our New Playgroup for Moms and Kids Written by Jenna Marshall
I
n the heart of our community, something special
the exhilaration of finger painting, our little ones get
is happening every Friday morning. Moms,
to experience the world in a whole new way. These
toddlers, and preschoolers alike are gathering at
activities are not only engaging and entertaining
our church to be part of a unique experience that’s
but also promote fine motor skill development,
bringing joy, learning, and connection into their
setting them up for success in their early years.
lives. Our brand-new playgroup is not your average childcare—it’s an extraordinary blend of fun and faith, where little ones explore, create, and grow while moms bond and share moments that will last a lifetime. Sensory Sensations: One of the highlights of our playgroup is the sensory station. Each week, we unveil a new adventure for the children’s growing senses. From the squishy texture of playdough to 9
Crafty Creations Art is more than just coloring within the lines. It’s about self-expression and creativity. Our craft station is where children have the freedom to let their imaginations soar. From making colorful paper plate masks to decorating picture frames, we encourage our kids to explore their artistic side, fostering their individuality.
Silly Snack Time Who says learning can’t be delicious? Our snack station is not your ordinary snack time. Each week, we carefully select snacks that tie into the Bible story we read, creating a meaningful connection between faith and everyday life. It’s a tasty way to reinforce the lessons we teach, all while enjoying something sweet and satisfying.
Bible Story Adventures Our playgroup wouldn’t be complete without taking a moment to read and discuss a Bible story. We believe it’s essential to introduce faith in an ageappropriate and engaging way. These stories are selected to instill values and teachings that will resonate with our little ones as they grow.
Singing and Free Play Fun doesn’t stop at our structured activities. We sing silly songs and let the kids engage in free play. These moments are when they bond with one another, learn to interact, and grow in social skills, all while having a blast.
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B
ut playtime isn’t just about our children. It’s also
invite you to be part of our fun-filled and faith-focused
about fostering connections between moms. The
journey.
bonds formed here often extend beyond our Friday mornings, blossoming into lasting friendships that
These sweet mornings are a reminder that in
provide invaluable support and encouragement.
these precious years, it’s not just about what our children experience, but also the connections we
Taking time to go play is an investment in our children’s
create. Together, we’re building a vibrant, close-knit
futures and in our own sense of community. We’re
community that will continue to flourish for years
excited to see the smiles, laughter, and growth that
to come.
each week brings. If you haven’t joined us yet, we
Why God Enjoys Hearing Us Say “Thank You” Written by Rick Bunschuh
T
his past week a couple dozen of our High
All of us know how easy it is to take what we have
School students returned from spending their
for granted and how quickly we gripe and complain
fall break in the dusty border town of Tijuana
when we were looking forward to a piece of toast for
where they had served the “have nots” by building a
breakfast and the toaster goes on the fritz or when the
house, taking a group of orphan kids on an outing to
line to put gas in our shiny late model car at Costco is
the beach and feeding breakfast to the young offspring
exceedingly long.
of hookers and drug addicts in the red-light district. I have a hunch that we grumble and complain at Grabbing some of them after church on Sunday I asked
a much higher rate than we express gratitude and
about their experience and what, if any, impression
thanksgiving. In fact, I dare you to take a small note
it made upon them. Their response was varied but all
pad and divide a page into two columns; complain/
of them reported one thing in common; thankfulness,
grumble and expressing gratitude and thanksgiving.
in particular for the amazing life they have with good
Then with that note pad at hand travel through a day
hygiene, intact families, abundant opportunities and
monitoring what comes out of your mouth and see
lack of want.
what side wins. (Of course, the very fact that you are recording this will probably make your score on the
The shock treatment of taking young men and women
thankful side much higher than it would be if you were
into such situations is the fastest way I know to
not aware of what you say.) The reality is that you and I
produce gratitude, an element that is a rare but vital
probably grumble far more than we offer thankfulness.
attribute for every human. 11
The reality is that you and I probably grumble far more
“They want to remain anonymous” was her smiling
than we offer thankfulness.
response.
Naturally we know that reversing course and becoming a
Stunned by the generosity of an unknown benefactor, I
person who oozes the sweet aroma of gratefulness and
studied each table as I slowly got up from my chair.
thankfulness to our spouse, our family and the rest of the
I saw several men, unknown to me and clearly visitors,
human race does amazing thing for those relationships.
sitting halfway across the room. One of them looked in my direction and then quickly dropped his head.
But what about thankfulness to God? How is that “Hmmm... a tell” I thought to myself.
expressed? How often does a prayer of thankfulness pass through our lips or leap to heaven from our heart.
As I passed their table I slowed and asked; “Did one of you It took a while, but I came to the conclusion that I was not
guys happen to pay for my lunch?” The gentleman who had
very good at offering God thanks. I needed to work the
dropped his head now looked up and broke into a smile.
desire to be thankful and express it, into a discipline. “I saw you guys praying out loud over your food” he That’s why as a young believer I started to attend church
said, “And a long time ago God unexpectedly blessed me
services as a top priority; because it was a show of
financially and I wanted to find a way, in gratitude, to honor
gratitude that I would gather with other believers and
Him. So, I decided that if I came into a restaurant and saw
praise God. And I knew myself well enough to know that I
someone give God thanks for their meal, out loud, I would
can rationalize and say “I can thank God while I am surfing
pick up their check.”
on Sunday” ...but if I did, it would likely be a cheap shot quickie prayer with no equivalence to heartfelt praise.
A huge smile almost cracked my face and I thanked him for this generous gift and for the wonderful example of
I also decide to pray for every meal…out loud. Even when
gratitude to God that he had committed himself to.
eating out. No matter who I was with or what those in the tables around me might think. That discipline reaped an
And so, I still continue the discipline of telling God thank
interesting result.
you for the wonderful abundance, care and kindness he has shown me, in the quiet hours alone and out loud in a
It was lunchtime and I was with another believer at Brick
restaurant.
Oven Pizza. The restaurant wasn’t terribly busy, and our order came quickly.
Not because I am hoping to score another free meal or because he needs to hear our thanks or even because
As is now my custom, I bowed my head and out loud
He know we will end up becoming different people when
offered thanks to God for the provision which was
we are saturated in gratefulness, but simply because He
steaming in front of me.
enjoys hearing His kids thank Him.
Awhile later, as I pushed the remnants of my meal away, I signaled for the waitress to bring the check. She walked up to the table and said coyly, “Your meals have been paid for.” “By who?” I asked, scanning the restaurant for a face that look familiar.
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Those Who Will Change the World
T
here is something wonderfully subversive going
But cobbling together some temporary work arounds,
on in the large blue house at the extreme end of
the Anchor House set sail on time and was able to
the KCF property.
greet new students and a stunning array of terrific Bible teachers, apologists and experts in Christian
Bit by bit, idea by idea, action by action a couple
living including Dr. Hugh Ross, Jim Burns, Mark Gungor,
dozen young men and women are being crafted into
Kirk Dunston, Jon Collins (Co- creator of The Bible
revolutionaries, rebels and insurrectionist who will
Project), Dan Thomas, Dale Kuehne and many more.
be at the forefront of a generation whose mission is to challenge the ideology of our current culture
The Anchor House team all agree that watching the
with something more powerful, meaningful and
“lights come on” in the hearts and minds of our new
satisfactory; a life surrendered into the hands of Christ,
crew is one of the most exciting things to be a part of.
actions surrendered to the will of Christ and a mind
And something we hope to experience year by year.
surrendered to the thots of Christ. And to that end, we have opened applications for It is the second year of the Anchor House School
the 2024 -2025 school year in case you know a young
of the Bible. And it is a year that for a moment we
man or woman who is looking to be part of those who
thought might not launch due to some confusion with
will change the world, starting with their own. www.
the county planning dept. (that seems to be working
anchorhousekauai.com.
out as of this writing).
(You can watch many of our lectures on the Anchor House Kauai YouTube channel)
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What is Walking Distance Written by Jon Enns
T
he comedian Stephen Wright once uttered, “Everywhere is walking distance if you’ve got the time.”
I’ve been ruminating on this premise while sitting in a little cabin in Wasilla, Alaska. My family has fallen asleep; night has come and morning is fast approaching. The cars on the road outside our cabin seem to complain about the cold as they pass by. When I contemplate how I got to this place in life, my Stephen Wright-minded response is always, “A plane, a car, and some good old-fashioned walking, silly.”
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But then there are the miscellaneous other things
changed and how much has changed around us.
influencing my life. A wedding brought me to Alaska. I met the couple in Hawaii; both were my worship
5. What qualifies as success? Positive Interaction. Iron
ministry interns. My wife, Leah, and I have been doing
sharpening iron. Togetherness, challenge, movement,
premarital couples preparation weekly with them for
growth, beauty, interaction, learning, becoming
the last two months. Their story; my story, each seems
something new, embracing the newness in another
to be interconnected from reasons hiding in the past.
person. (This list goes on infinitely).
Walking to and from those meetings, planes, and cars, and now sitting at this table, in a cabin, in the woods,
As I sit here in this cabin, looking at the past five years
in Alaska, has led me to further questions.
of my relationship with my wife, Leah, I see a walk over time. I see what five years of iron sharpening iron has
1. How do people get anywhere?
done, and I am overcome by how much meaning has
2. Why do they go anywhere?
been sculpted into that walk. I’m also amazed at the
3. Are they coming back from there to here?
capacity of the mercy and patience of God to flow
4. Why would they come back?
from one individual to another. A relationship needs
5. What qualifies as success in getting somewhere?
immense mercy—far more than I am capable of—to continue, but my experience is beginning to inform
As I ponder, I wonder if my response is to point these
how I employ mercy, just as it does for Leah, and for
questions at the life of a disciple of Jesus, a married
anybody we encounter.
couple, or just any person interacting with the world at large. I look at my friends who are getting married this
My Alaskan friends, a newly married couple, will be
weekend in Alaska, and then I look at my own marriage.
walking similar steps, if they haven’t already. Walking
As I do, I ponder how these questions apply to us and
together with God and experiencing His mercy have
them.
gotten them through in the past, are getting them through now, and will sustain them in the future. I’ve
1. How do people get anywhere? Together. (Being
been watching, encountering and listening to stories of
somewhere is given quality by how people and
them walking with God for the past 12 months.
places relate to everything else around them… yeah. re-read that again, and then sit in that thought for at
Stephen Wright’s quote was intended to be funny, but
least a moment).
its potency cannot be overstated. As followers of the One who has walked countless steps with each person
2. Why do they go? Wanting to be with someone
through history, may we be most willing to walk in
requires movement on the part of both parties.
togetherness with others.
Because going somewhere together requires change, movement, stretching, and utilizing energy and
Would we be willing to invest each step as we walk
resources to navigate the terrain on the journey.
alongside those whom God has put in our path. May you and I be vehicles of the mercy of the Father,
3. Are they coming back? Perhaps, but we will be
Son, and Spirit as we share our time.
changed by the time we return. If we come back changed, have we moved backward or have we reached a different octave of depth for the notes we used to play? 4. Why would they come back? Because revisiting where we’ve been informs us of how much we’ve 15
Kauai Christian Fellowship 2731 Ala Kinoiki Koloa, Hawaii 96756
A timeless allegory by Rick & Mason Bundschuh Available at KCF or online at www.thetimeihadcoffeewithjesus.com
Illustrated by Shawn K. Carson
The Mask is a riveting allegory of hope and redemption tinged with an essence of the Christmas season and set in the classic environment of a Dickens novel.