July 2017
Some of this year’s highlights so far
Dear First Prez Ohana, I hope all’s well with you. We’re halfway through 2017, and it’s the time when I typically take a few weeks of vacation and study leave to recharge and learn. Being on vacation is allowing me more time to reflect on how GOD has blessed our church so far this year. If I were to do the Daily Examen exercise, where I take stock of God’s goodness and how He’s working in First Prez, I would definitely include these items on my list: + The love, compassion, and generosity in our church.
EASTER BAPTISMS last April
+ The first-time BAPTISMS and reaffirmation of baptismal vows last Easter. + How God worked and will work through the different First Prez MISSION TEAMS: Cambodia (February), Rwanda (July), Swaziland (July), and Maui (July). + The opportunity to serve homeless families in Waimanalo every month through our LAUNDRY LOVE ministry, to whom we provide literally tons of free laundry services. + Those who took the challenge of the ROOTED discipleship course, resulting in many changed lives and deeper relationships with each other and with God.
MISSION TEAM to Cambodia
+ God’s love, presence, and healing power at our quarterly HEALING SERVICES. + The person who attended our recent ALPHA COURSE who claimed neither faith nor disbelief in God but is now a follower of Jesus! + All the keiki who learned through our VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL that God created them for a purpose. + The women who were inspired at the WOMEN’S SUMMER TEA, where they heard how God is able to restore even the most broken parts of our lives if we yield to Him.
COMPASSION SUNDAY
+ The men who are learning to form deeper friendships with each other and with God through Men’s Ministry’s SAMSON SOCIETY. + The generous outpouring of support for the ACTS 1:8 APPEAL, the fundraiser to help retire our remaining debt from the purchase of our church campus. Although we’re still short of the goal, we’re confident that our Lord will provide through the money pledged till August 31. Page 2 of this letter has more details on these and other ways through which God used First Prez to carry out His work. Our God is purposeful and amazing!
LAUNDRY LOVE
I’ll be back in August refreshed, recharged, and rejuvenated to continue serving our Lord with you. To Him be the glory, always!
Pastor Dan Chun
the ROOTED discipleship course