PARTNERING WITH GOD BY GERALD D. CHRISTMAN
Aloha, Hawaii Conference Ohana, Six Bible workers from SOULS West recently spent 10 weeks on Oahu as part of their internship program; two at Japanese church and four at Aiea church. These young people collectively visited thousands of homes, distributed literature, gave Bible studies, as well as assisted in distributing 20,000 fliers advertising evangelistic meetings. The above activities led up to a 16-night evangelistic series in each church. Daniel Fukuda lead the one in the Japanese church while Michael Tuazon, SOULS West director, spoke at Aiea church. Attendance averaged 155 nightly at Aiea with 40-50 in Japanese church. Many are presently preparing for baptism. Another well-received facet in both churches included member training. Members attended a class on how to write and share their personal testimonies. Other classes focused on developing Bible study interests, discipling and nurture, and visiting inactive members. Field training followed as learned concepts were applied in real-life settings. Bible workers say they experienced many divine appointments. Ipo Sarter-Sweden knocked on Desiree’s door one day. Tears of unbelief filled Desiree’s eyes. She had prayed the previous evening for God to send somebody to explain the Bible to her, and standing before her was a young woman offering to give her Bible studies. Desiree and two oth-
Bible workers (left to right): Robbie Bacolod, Hadasa Cisneros, Daphne Alvarado, Daniel Fukuda, Jocelle Espeleta, Ipo Sarter-Sweden.
ers began probing the Bible with Ipo. They attended Aiea’s evangelistic meetings and are now preparing for baptism.
he won an iPad loaded with Bible software. “I will use this software in my preaching,” he promised.
Then there were good friends Dovie and Robyn. Different Bible workers approached each of them; they independently started taking Bible studies without knowing what the other was doing. Dovie and Robyn were soon sharing with each other what they were learning from the Bible. The Bible lessons were the same, so they concluded that the Bible workers must know each other, which, of course, they did. Robyn, Dovie, and Dovie’s son, Devin, are preparing for baptism.
A widow sat dejectedly in her home one day. Her husband had recently died and her son has been in a vegetative state for 20 years due to a tragic accident. There were more tragedies in her life: a relative had recently cheated her by taking all the money from her bank account; she had heart problems and one eye was going blind. Feeling despondent with her emotional load, she contended with God one day: “Why, God? Why are You allowing all of this? If you are there....”
Pastor Jerry, from a neighboring church, also attended the nightly meetings at Aiea. He enjoyed one sermon so much that he invited Michael Tuazon to preach the same one at his church the following Sunday; he then invited his members to attend Tuazon’s presentations — even canceling a worship service so that they could attend. Pastor Jerry brought the most guests to the Aiea meetings. As a result,
At that moment, there was a knock on her door. Daniel Fukuda offered her personal Bible studies. “God sent you here,” the lady exclaimed. “I don’t understand why so many things happen in my life, but I at least know that God exists.” Sharing Bible truths is a God-commissioned work. It’s definitely partnering with angels! May 2014 -
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