Have you ever used a GPS to locate your destination? Occasionally it says, “recalculate” and we have to take another direction. In the early years, I think God did a lot of recalculating my life’s journey. As the summer unfolds and we focus on work, school, travel, and new destinations, may we really see opportunities to join God at work in the world. In Acts 16.6-9 the scripture tells us that God’s Spirit redirected Paul on his missionary journeys. “Now when they had gone down to Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them. So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’” We read that Paul responded immediately. Although a GPS can make mistakes, I pray that we will stay ready to “recalculate” based on the Holy Spirit’s leadership. Yours in Christ, Pastor Tim 02 04 06 09 WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY SCHEDULE JAPAN MISSION TRIP SCHEDULE A PRESCHOOL CONGRATULATION WORDS OF WISDOM FOR OUR GRADUATES Baptist Church A COOPERATIVE EFFORT OF PASTORS, TEACHERS, AND VOLUNTEERS DEVELOPING A SOUND FOUNDATION OF CHRISTIAN FAITH A Message from the Pastor’s Heart Senior Pastor Timothy Morita Contact Information: Office Phone: 808-946-6505 Email: [email protected]Web: www.OlivetBaptist.org “Stay ready to ‘recalculate’ based on the Holy Spirit’s leadership.” Volume XL No 6 June 2014
Transcript
Have you ever used a GPS to locate your destination? Occasionally it says, “recalculate” and we have to take another direction. In the early years, I think God did a lot of recalculating my life’s journey. As the summer unfolds and we focus on work, school, travel, and new destinations, may we really see opportunities to join God at work in the world. In Acts 16.6-9 the scripture tells us that God’s Spirit redirected Paul on his missionary journeys. “Now when they had gone down to Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them. So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’” We read that Paul responded immediately. Although a GPS can make mistakes, I pray that we will stay ready to “recalculate” based on the Holy Spirit’s leadership. Yours in Christ, Pastor Tim
02
04 06
09
WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY SCHEDULE
JAPAN MISSION TRIP SCHEDULE
A PRESCHOOL CONGRATULATION
WORDS OF WISDOM FOR OUR GRADUATES
B a p t i s t C h u r c h
A COOPERATIVE EFFORT OF PASTORS, TEACHERS, AND VOLUNTEERS DEVELOPING A SOUND FOUNDATION OF CHRISTIAN FAITH
“Stay ready to ‘recalculate’ based on the Holy Spirit’s leadership.”
Volume XL No 6 June 2014
THE SENIOR OHANA Olivet Senior Ohana welcomed special guests Pastor Norman Choy and his wife Anita to their monthly meeting on April 17, 2014. Forty-two seniors gathered to hear Pastor and Mrs. Choy speak about their 2013 trip to China and relate their many experiences while they were there. Pastor Choy was born in China, and for many years, he wanted to visit China and especially see where his family lived in Chung Shan City in Canton Province. He expressed his gratitude for having this special time to see China once more, and with wonderful photos and great dialog, he vicariously took the group on their journey. The group was encouraged to learn that people are allowed to attend churches sanctioned by the government where Christians continue to worship and praise God, new churches are planted, and the Bible, printed by the government, is available. All were reminded that God loves and cares for His own as they listened to Pastor Choy and his wife describe the generosity of many gracious friends who provided for them. They were able to visit and participate in several churches, meet and fellowship with other Christians, and enjoyed seeing interesting places and wonderful views of the country. It was also astounding to hear of the difficulty they encountered to locate the property and the amazing events that led Pastor Choy to find and enter the house in which he was born. The group also had the pleasure of seeing several remarkable paintings by Anita Choy, who is also an artist. A bountiful Chinese buffet prepared by Royal Kitchen was served after the meeting together with a good measure of fellowship.
Join us at our next meeting on June 19 at 9:30am at Olivet Baptist Church as we enjoy a musical concert by the Silver Foxes.
(Pictured right: Pastor Norman Choy, speaker & Joan Tokikawa, Olivet member)
Wednesday Night Bible Study
Pat Ota
DEACON OF THE MONTH
Each month, in case of emergency, prayer concern, or need, there is a deacon available 24 hours a day. The deacon on call for the month of June is Pat Ota. She can be reached directly at (808) 227-8492
Know Why You Believe - led by Pastor Tim, co-ed study Gideon - DVD Study by Priscilla Shirer, women’s study Bible in Action - children’s study WEDNESDAY NIGHT SCHEDULE: 5:00pm—Catered Meal (by donation) 6:00pm—Prayer 6:30pm—Bible Study for All Ages
Worship through song is something I can’t easily participate in. The lyrics are so distracting for me. Often I find myself analyzing the words of the song and checking my heart. “Do I really mean what I am singing?” I am told that many people sing with a heart’s desire. They may not be in that place, but they would like to be. My overactive mind won’t allow me to adopt that for my worship to the Lord on most occasions. Let’s take a look at one song that most, if not all of us, have sung at one time or another: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.” Does that resonate with your life? Is this a reflection of how you live? Eyes turned to Jesus, FULLY looking Him in the face. Your focus is so fixed on Him that everything else in the periphery has grown dim in your eyes and His glory and grace washout the dimness of the world with its light. Not only in song, but as a believer we profess these words. To be a Christian is to say, “Jesus, I believe you have died for me. I believe that Your blood covers my sins and by my repentance I am forgiven. Father, I accept Your grace through my commitment to leave all else aside and place my faith fully in You.” When you are baptized your proclamation to those who witness it is, “I have chosen to die to myself and live
B U I L D I N G FA I T H I N Y O U R C O M M U N I T Y
2 NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES
1. SEEKERS AFTER GOD’S
OWN HEART STUDY THROUGH THE BOOK OF ROMANS LED BY PASTOR TIM MORITA. MEETS AT 9:45AM IN OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM
2. SURVIVAL KIT:
BEGINNING CHRISTIANITY CO-LED BY ROGER HONDA, DEAN MORIHARA, & PAUL SNYDER MEETS AT 9:45AM IN ROOM #103
for Christ.” The light of the world is bright. It draws our attention. Like a moth to a flame, we are drawn to the light of the world only to be on a course to sure death. When we proclaim Jesus as Lord and Savior, perfection is not achieved, not even close. That should not be an excuse. Sometimes we say that we are not there yet and just don’t change and our focus wanders from the Lord to the world. When we receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we receive the Holy Spirit and a life filled with the Spirit is transformed! We should be immediately living transformed lives. Not perfect, but transformed. I love the lyrics, “I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back, no turning back.” Is that the decision you have made in
your life? My prayer for you is that your life in Christ reflects more than just words. May your commitment to Christ be reflected in the priorities of your life. May the light of the world become dim as the light of the Lord’s glory and grace captures your full focus. - Jason
Jason Hew Minister of Outreach &
Education
More Than Words by Jason Hew
*Mission Trip Schedule and Program: (Mon) June 30: Leaving Honolulu for Japan (Tue) July 1: Arriving in Tokyo, Japan (Wed) July 2: 10:30 ~11:20 a.m. Leading Wed. morning worship service for Kindergarten children and parents at Tokiwadai Baptist Church. (There will be about 90% non-Christians attending at this evangelistic worship service.) 2:00 ~3:30 p.m. Leading Christian Hula workshop at Tokiwadai Baptist Church (Makito was a youth pastor at this church from 1994 ~2000) 7:30 ~8:30 p.m. Attending and Serving at the Wed. evening prayer meeting at Keisen Baptist Church (Dr. Edwin B. Dozier, founder of the Olivet Japanese Department ministered at Keisen Baptist Church after the World War II) (Thu) July 3: 9:00 a.m. ~ 1:30 p.m. Visiting Rev. Bob and Yoko Holmes at the Hotel New Otani ministry. Leaving Tokyo for Fujisawa 6:00 ~9:00 p.m. Welcome dinner and fellowship at the Fujisawa Baptist Church (Fri) July 4: Home Bible Study gathering in Chigasaki for Fujisawa Baptist Church Youth Gathering and Fellowship at night (Sat) July 5: 10:00 a.m. ~2:00 p.m. Leading a program at the Kanagawa Associational WMU meeting at the Kawasaki Baptist Church. (Sun) July 6: 10:00 a.m. Sunday School classes at Fujisawa Baptist Church 11:00 a.m. Worship Service at Fujisawa Baptist Church 12:00 p.m. Lunch Partnership Fellowship In the afternoon: Christian Hula Workshop (Fujisawa Baptist Church was founded by Pastor Kunihiro Watanabe (Makito’s father) in 1962. That is where Makito was born. Fujisawa Baptist Church and Olivet Baptist Church have been in sister relationship for over 20 years. ) (Mon) July 7: Leaving Fujisawa for Sendai to serve at the Temporary Housing units in the area (Tue) July 8: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Serving at Watari Village Temporary Housing Units (Wed) July 9: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Serving at Ishinomaki Town Temporary Housing Units 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Kids English and Bible Story Club at Taitomi Baptist Church 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Prayer Meeting and Bible Study at Taitomi Baptist Church Some members leave to serve at the Temporary Housing units at Noda-chu and Izumisawa in Iwate prefecture. They will be serving on Thursday July 10. (Thu) July 10 Mission Team members leave Tokyo for Honolulu.
Japan Mission Trip R E L A T I O N S H I P S | L I F E | L O V E
Maki to Watanabe Japanese Language Assoc ia te Pastor
As we approach our mission trip to Japan, I would like for you to pray for us. I will list below the names of members who are going to serve in Japan and also places where we will be going. Please pray for the people we meet in Japan to receive Christ Jesus as their personal Savior and Lord. *Mission Team members: Roger Honda, Ethel Kubo, May Hisako Kusumoto, Timothy Morita, Sumiko Nakasone, Rikimaru and Takako Okada, Etsuko Oshiro, Yoshiko Sato, Chie, Hikari, Keishi, Makito Watanabe.
Temporary Housing Units July 7-10 After the tsunami , thousands were left homeless. Several years later, many are still living in temporary shelters that were put up as the rebuild has taken place. We will be visiting housing units such as these in the Sendai and Ishinomaki areas to share a message of hope and promise.
MISSION TRIP DESTINATIONS
Japanese Dept. Schedule ０１日（Sun） １２：３０Sunday School Teachers’ Meeting 教会学校教師会
１２日（Thu） １９：００ Japanese Bible Study at First Baptist Church, Wahiawa ワヒアワ聖書研究
１４日（Sat） ０８：３０ Association of Hawaii Japanese Christian Churches ‘ Trustees meeting ハワイ日本語キリ
スト教会連合理事会
１５日（Sun） １２：３０ Japanese Dept. Church Council Meeting 評議委員会
２２日（Sun） １３：００ Japan Mission Trip Preparation Meeting 第4回日本伝道旅行準備会
２３日（Mon）～30日（Mon） Pastor Makito and his family will be visiting Chie’s parents and family in Japan.. 渡辺牧師休暇（6月23日～30日その後 東京で伝道チームと合流）
３０日（月） Japan Mission Team leaves Honolulu for Japan 日本伝道旅行出発 God bless! Makito Watanabe 渡辺牧人
Japanese Language Pastor
Fujisawa Baptist Church July 4-6 We will fellowship with Fujisawa Baptist Church, leading a worship program, participate in Sunday school and lead a workshop. Fujisawa Baptist Church was founded by Pastor Kunihiro Watanabe, Makito’s father, in 1962.
Tokiwadai Baptist Church July 1-3 We will lead worship and fellowship at Tokiwadai Baptist Church with the kindergarten children and parents. Pastor Makito was a youth pastor from 1994-2000 at Tokiwadai.
Miss Vicky is the MASTER of balancing the fine art of love, discipline and fun. She has an eye for knowing just how much of each a child needs. Ryne loved going to pre-school and I KNOW that it was in large part because of Miss Vicky. (The other part was the snacks and juice!!!) Thank you Miss Vicky for loving my Ryne, nurturing both the athlete and gentle spirit in him. We love you!!!! Claire F. Mizushima Just a few notes from a few happy parents
Congratulations on Your Retirement Ms. Vicky!
Miss Vicky was very special. She was loving, en-couraging, and always had a hug and warm smile for the kids. Miss Vicky also helped to calm the nervous parents, who were experiencing separation anxiety from leaving their little ones for the first time. THANK YOU, Miss Vicky for the love and guid-ance you showered on Evan and Erin and for pre-paring them so well for kindergarten. You will al-ways hold a special place in their hearts! Happy Happy Retirement! Susan Arashiro
bigger
big heart
Dear Miss Vicky, You were Daniel's first teacher and had such a positive impact on him and began his love for learning. Thank you so much for showering Daniel with so much love, encouragement, and wisdom. You definitely went be-yond the call of a teacher and patiently and lovingly taught him to use the potty, and remarkably, in a very short time! We are forever grateful to you. May God bless you as you enjoy a much deserved retirement. Love, Mark, Linda, & Daniel Kimoto
In our home Ms. Vicky is simply magic. Here is an example. I would ask Aika to please get into the car. Aika would at times, like any five year old, choose to ignore my request. My solution? I would say “Ok, I’ll let Ms. Vicky know you didn’t listen to mommy.” Magically within seconds, Aika goes into the car. Ms. Vicky’s powers are phenomenal! She doesn’t even have to be there, just the mention of her name makes my child behave! Ms. Vicky, we could not have asked for a better first teacher for Aika. Her love and respect for you is truly a reflection of how great a teacher you are. Thank you for making her first year of learning fun and more importantly Christ centered. We love you and wish you aloha in your new adventure! With Love, the Zialcitas
Victoria Saeko Ishida Tamura, known as Ms. Vicky to most, earned her bachelors degree from the University of Hawaii in 1961. She started with Olivet Baptist Preschool in September 1970 (pictured inset). She accomplished many things over the last 44 years, retiring on May 30, 2014 (pictured today). She was nurturing, caring, and had a loving smile, but what she will be remembered for the most was her positive impact on children, and developing each one as a Christ-centered child. Thank you for all your wonderful years of service!
In his daily devotional, “My Utmost for His Highest,” Oswald Chambers writes: It is much easier to do something than to trust in God; we see the activity and mistake panic for inspiration. That is why we see so few fellow workers with God, yet so many people working for God. We would much rather work for God than believe in Him. Do I really believe that God will do in me what I cannot do? The degree of hopelessness I have for others comes from never realizing that God has done anything for me. Is my own personal experience such a wonderful realization of God’s power and might that I can never have a sense of hopelessness for anyone else I see? Has any spiritual work been accomplished in me at all? The degree of panic activity in my life is equal to the degree of my lack of personal spiritual experience. As I reflect on what Oswald Chamber’s has written, I realize how true his analysis of the Christian faith is. It is easier to “do” for God, than it is to “go with” God. “Doing” for God requires little to no faith, because we are in control. Trusting in God to give us eyes to see and ears to hear His voice and direction grows and strengthens our spiritual muscles, and it is hard work. It is easier to go and do without relying on the Holy Spirit, because our plans are tangible, we can see them and grasp on to them, they make sense to us. As I look over the stories of Scripture, I realize how completely nonsensical the tasks God asked of His followers were. God told the Israelites that in order to conquer the city of Jericho, they were to march around the city of Jericho once a day for six days, and on the seventh day, march seven times, all the while blowing trumpets. He told Hosea to marry a prostitute, He told Moses to free the Israelites from the hands of the Pharaoh, He told Noah to build an enormous ark, and the list goes on and on. The Bible is full of crazy stories where God asked His people to do outrageous things for His namesake, all on the basis of faith. I sometimes wonder if God purposely beckons us to do outrageous things because it forces us to rely completely on Him. Do we believe that God is who He says He is, and that He can and will do what He says He can do? Do we believe that the same God who raises people from the dead, causes the lame to walk and the blind to see, that it is His Spirit that exists and dwells within us? Hebrews 11:1 tells us that “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Do we know who it is that we place our hope in, even though we may not physically see Him with our own eyes? We believe, though we have not seen. In the same conviction, we must also trust that God will direct our steps if we allow Him to, but we must abide with Him and be rooted in Him. Trust Him to direct you, sustain you, and equip you for the great work He wants to do in and through your life.
Mari (center), pictured with parents graduated on May 3rd with a master's degree from the University of Alaska. She will be working at their local Foodbank and will continue another part time position as a research assistant. She was planning to return home for the entire month of June, but since she was hired by the Foodbank she needs to cut her return home short. Thank you for prayers. Thoughts from Mom: I was surprised when Mari decided to attend grad school in Alaska. Being able to attend her graduation, I realized what a good opportunity this has been. Life in Alaska is an adventure, watching moose eating grass along the highway, black bears crossing the street, watching whales, sea otters and other creatures in the wild. We missed salmon fishing season but will definitely plan another trip next summer.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2014 COLLEGE GRADUATES MARI MUKAI & ASHLYN OKIMOTO. Ashlyn (left) graduated with her Bachelor’s in Architecture degree on May 16 from the University of Southern California. She will stay in LA to work and work toward her license. Ashlyn’s Words: "After many sleepless nights in studio, wandering through southern California and Asia studying architectural styles - I am ready to tackle the real world. Thanks to everyone at Olivet for your prayers, chex mix care packages, and support through the years! I will con-tinue to ask for prayers for safety as I live and drive around LA while working - the next challenge in my life." Message from Mom & Dad: Ashlyn, we are so proud of you for your perseverance and amazed at your crea-tivity in your projects. We will miss you as you start your professional career in Los Angeles, but you know Mom will stop by often as most flights to and from Honolulu fly through LAX.
A FEW WORDS OF WISDOM FROM CHURCH MEMBERS TO THE HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE GRADUATES OF 2014
A Grateful Heart “Staying close to God through daily prayer and daily reading of the Bible is of greatest importance in life, as you know. But the other thing to remember, that will smooth out life’s ups and downs as you go out into the world, is to always have an attitude of gratitude. When things are going well it is always easy to be thankful and grateful. The great secret ---and yet it is not a secret --- is that when you are faced with difficult days, by turning it around and thanking God and telling Him how grateful you are, you will start to feel a lot better. By thanking Him you somehow realize that it could be worse than it is and you also know that He will get you through this challenging time in your life.” Love in Christ, Ruth F. “Don’t fill out credit card applications just because they are on campus and giving away free stuff! It can definitely come back to bite you.” Arielle A.
“Enjoy yourself!! Life is an adventure, and this is chapter in your life will only happen once. Work hard, stay focused, but savor every moment. Don’t feel like you have to have it all figured out, trust the Lord to reveal each step in His perfect time and way! God Bless you graduates! I love you!” Hannah T. “Graduation is only a concept. Treat everyday like it’s graduation. It is a process that goes on, a series of stepping stones. Live out God’s plan. Think of it as your ticket to change the world!” Martin Z. “Stay close to God as busy and crazy as things may get, being Christ centered will keep you grounded (and keep you out of trouble!). Education is a privilege, so be grateful—especially if you’re being supported by someone working hard so you can have this privilege. Now is the time to take risks and don’t be afraid to learn and consider as much as you can! Be who God made you to be—there’s freedom in that!” Jenn L.
ANNOUCEMENTS
How to Get Involved Volunteers for all ministries are always welcome. If you feel you are called to serve, but are unsure where you can help, stop by the church office to speak to one of the staff who can help match your gifts and talents to an area of ser-vice for the church. Contact Information: Olivet Church Office Tel: 808-946-6505 Fax: 808-946-6507 Email: [email protected] Jason Hew Minister of Outreach & Education [email protected] Hannah Tomita Minister of Youth & Worship Coordinator [email protected] Lorna Hu Sunday School Director Faith McFatridge Aloha Usher & Greeter Committee, chair Alma Hironaka Social Committee, chair
Come Celebrate with us! Join us as we celebrate the accomplishments of our young graduates with a church-wide potluck on Sunday June 22 at 12:00pm in the lower auditorium.
“Encouraging whole and healthy families.” This summer on July 11, 18, & 25 Olivet Baptist Church will have Friday Evening for Families. Details comings soon!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR
FAMILY FRIDAYS IN JULY!
Coming Up:
Gwen Morlan Funeral June 7, 2014
Visitation at 3:00pm Service at 4:00pm
Olivet Baptist Church
Men’s Golf Outing June 9, 2014
7:30am Olomana Golf Club
Free Carwash Outreach June 14, 2014
10:00am Olivet Parking Lot
Graduate’s Potluck June 22, 2014
12:00pm Olivet Lower Auditorium
Japan Mission Trip June 30, 2014- July 10, 2014
HAPPENING THIS MONTH:
KAKAAKO MINISTRY
THE KAKAAKO MINISTRY IS AN OUTREACH MINISTRY OF OLIVET BAPTIST CHURCH. THIS MONTH, WE WILL BE GOING TO FFED THE HOMELESS AT KAKAAKO ON JUNE 8, 2014 AT 5:45PM.
TO GET INVOLVED: PLEASE CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE AT 808-946-6505 OR VISIT WWW.OLIVETBAPTIST.ORG
Contact Us Church Office Hours: Monday thru Friday 8am-4pm Phone: 808-946-6505 Fax: 808-946-6507 Address: 1775 S. Beretania St Honolulu, HI 96826 Web: www.OlivetBaptist.org Email: [email protected] Timothy Morita Senior Pastor [email protected] Makito Watanabe Japanese Language Pastor [email protected] Jason Hew Minister of Outreach & Education [email protected] Hannah Tomita Minister of Youth [email protected] Rebecca McGuire Preschool Director [email protected]
PLACE STAMP HERE
We welcome all volunteers to meet up at the church or at the Kakaako Next Step Shelter. For more information, or to get involved, please call the church office at: 808-946-6505 or visit our website www.OlivetBaptist.org.
