The primary purpose of our team was to assist Pastor Shawn Peoples in establishing Grace Community Church by focusing on the communities of Kapolei and Ewa Beach on the island of Oahu. Our team members were:
- Paul & Janet Boroff
- Abby Barham
- Gary Byrd
- Pete Chakiris
- Geoff & Becky Estep
- Tom & Kitty Kelley
- Jaycee Morgan
The team worked two different Vacation Bible Schools (VBS), prayer walked the Peoples’ neighborhood, served shaved ice, conducted survey interviews in local parks, and helped with several projects at Shawn & Michelle’s home.
One VBS was held during the morning and was led by Darla Richardson, a NAMB missionary to Oahu. The event was attended by approximately 25 children over four days and included games, crafts, snacks, and devotions. On the last day, we served the children shaved ice which was a very special treat. Our second VBS was held in the evenings at Fellowship Baptist Church and was led by Harlan Nakasone. By the end of the week, we had recorded 17 professions of faith between the two venues.
Pastor Shawn coaches a flag football team and a volleyball team at different parks. Several of our team members served shaved ice for refreshments during and after practices, while others sought parents and spectators to interview. We wanted to find out what the people of Kapolei would like to see in a church and how a church could help to serve their community. At the end of the interview, we invited everyone to Pastor Shawn’s for the Bible study and provided them with a business card that listed Shawn's phone number and email address. Over four days, we conducted approximately 50 interviews and provided Pastor Shawn with responses as well as contact information to allow for follow-up conversations and prayer support.
Our team collected school supplies and backpacks for Pastor Shawn to hand out to needy children. We pray that this will help Pastor Shawn with his school ministry plans.
Our team had many memorable moments where we listened to individuals as they shared their heartaches, and we prayed together before parting ways. However, one of the most memorable moments was when Janet and Jaycee approached a young man (Ryan) in the park while conducting interviews. Ryan had been praying for a Christian pastor to come to Kapolei. Ryan was the lone survivor of a tragic car accident where several others had died. We introduced him to Pastor Shawn and continue to pray that this relationship will flourish.
Please continue to pray for Pastor Shawn & Michelle Peoples and the people of Kapolei! You can follow their new church plant by visiting: http://gracecommunityhawaii.blogspot.com/
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