Living in paradise isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be. Sometimes it’s better! And sometimes, it’s worse. For nearly four decades I have called the Hawaiian Islands home. Mark Twain famously declared these, “The loveliest fleet of islands anchored in any ocean.” He spent time here and knew what he was saying. I live here, and know what he means. Daily (when home) amidst idilic climate and wafting trade winds, I am surrounded by towering mountains ribboned with majestic waterfalls, at times too numerous to count. Golden beaches beckon, rhythmically soothed by waves from crystal clear seas. Palm trees gently sway with the fragrant aroma of verdant tropical flowers. Strums from a steel guitar aid a graceful hula dancer weave a tale of island lore, while golden sun sets beyond the reef. …So, feeling the urge to book a trip? Here however, is harsh truth borne from decades of real life in paradise, pastoral ministry to normal people on separate neighbor islands, and several years spanning the globe actively engaging folk of every stripe. No matter what’s around you; you must have something inside you. I’ve watched scores relocate to these isles convinced Shangri-La would provide them fresh start. Only to find they packed their own bags; tucking in their problems, hang-ups, and tendencies. Learn this cruel lesson. Securing a new house or spouse, scoring a new career or car; even your own piece of paradise: cannot fill the hole in the soul. This setting, for all its splendor, is still on planet earth. Normal challenges abound here like anywhere else. We have bills, bosses, dishes, and the same family struggles you face. Frail people {like me} live here, too. I confess: the odd-on oblivious tourist tests our patience now and then. To return to my original thesis, …and to preach a little. You can be engulfed in beauty and still be ugly inside. The Bible speaks repeatedly to ‘the inner man’. Sometimes in brutal assessment; oft times in buoyant assurance. The good news: the gospel of Jesus Christ is truth that transforms —from the inside out! He is precisely the prescription to fix the hard heart, fractured personality, and fearful pilgrim. Scripture instructs, He “renews the mind, opens the eyes of the heart, and strengthens the weary soul”. All of which occur —internally. Hence, we face a choice; obsess on outward situation or possess inward substance. Finally, “Fantasy Island” was just a TV show. Jesus Christ is where eternal life meets real life! Take it from me. I may not be transcribing from heaven; but I am writing from Paradise. A Proclamation Ministry: Spiritual Life Events, Leadership Training, Retreats, Missions, Music Throughout the Islands Across the Nation Around the World P.O. Box 1533 Honolulu, Hawaii 96806 < [email protected]> Aloha is found at … Stan’s blog ! www. Hankolulu. blogspot .com Inside: ✴ Cornfields & Christ ✴ Carolina & California ✴ Myanmar Mission December 2016
Transcript
Living in paradise isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be. Sometimes it’s better! And sometimes, it’s worse.
For nearly four decades I have called the Hawaiian Islands home. Mark Twain famously declared these, “The loveliest fleet of islands anchored in any ocean.” He spent time here and knew what he was saying. I live here, and know what he means.
Daily (when home) amidst idilic climate and wafting trade winds, I am surrounded by towering mountains ribboned with majestic waterfalls, at times too numerous to count. Golden beaches beckon, rhythmically soothed by waves from crystal clear seas. Palm trees gently sway with the fragrant aroma of verdant tropical flowers. Strums from a steel guitar aid a graceful hula dancer weave a tale of island lore, while golden sun sets beyond the reef.
…So, feeling the urge to book a trip?
Here however, is harsh truth borne from decades of real life in paradise, pastoral ministry to normal people on separate neighbor islands, and several years spanning the globe actively engaging folk of every stripe. No matter what’s around you; you must have something inside you.
I’ve watched scores relocate to these isles convinced Shangri-La would provide them fresh start. Only to find they packed their own bags; tucking in their problems, hang-ups, and tendencies. Learn this cruel lesson. Securing a new house or spouse, scoring a new career or car; even your own piece of paradise: cannot fill the hole in the soul.
This setting, for all its splendor, is still on planet earth. Normal challenges abound here like anywhere else. We have bills, bosses, dishes, and the same family struggles you face. Frail people {like me} live here, too. I confess: the odd-on oblivious tourist tests our patience now and then.
To return to my original thesis, …and to preach a little. You can be engulfed in beauty and still be ugly inside. The Bible speaks repeatedly to ‘the inner man’. Sometimes in brutal assessment; oft times in buoyant assurance. The good news: the gospel of Jesus Christ is truth that transforms —from the inside out! He is precisely the prescription to fix the hard heart, fractured personality, and fearful pilgrim. Scripture instructs, He “renews the mind, opens the eyes of the heart, and strengthens the weary soul”. All of which occur —internally. Hence, we face a choice; obsess on outward situation or possess inward substance.
Finally, “Fantasy Island” was just a TV show. Jesus Christ is where eternal life meets real life! Take it from me. I may not be transcribing from heaven; but I am writing from Paradise.
A Proclamation Ministry: Spiritual Life Events, Leadership Training, Retreats, Missions, Music
Throughout the Islands Across the Nation Around the World
More S’mores! You try preaching a sermon about grandparents! There’s precious little in the Bible about them. Assigned that task In Kendallville, Indiana, I found an obscure Old Testament narrative, then preached the fire out of it! At the close of said homily, an unsolicited request rang out from the congregation, “Can we clap now?” Hey, beats heckling I’ve gotten in other places….
Lingering in the flatlands, I served as resource person for a Church Retreat in Kokomo. I did my repeated speaking thing, then got creative leading the folks in interactive small-group discussion (Think Jerry Springer. …Then again, don’t!). They got into it! This may not sound spiritual, but the highlight of the camp for me was savoring my first ever campfire S’more!
Anybody up for another episode of airline drama? Unplanned thirteen hours in exotic Fort Wayne Airport gave ample opportunity to redeem time for the Redeemer. I’m not an aggressive personal evangelist, but neither one to shy away when situations present with fellow traumatized travelers. As they let off steam; I let my light shine.
Back East & Out West Following preaching commitments at home in the islands, it was time to take this show on the road. Lyerly Luau was the creative theme for Lyerly Church’s annual Missions Conference. I was invited to bring my authentic Hawaiian ukulele and some Island melodies along with the Keynote Address. I’m not sure if it’s possible to feel the ‘Aloha Spirit’ on the mainland, but several commented that they certainly sensed the presence of the Holy Spirit.
California is en route from Carolina. A short stop in Sacramento to develop ministry connections preceded preaching at McFarland’s Church of the Living Savior in the Central Valley. Last leg on my journey; more aviation theatrics. An unwelcome day in scenic Bakersfield delayed my return to Brendalyn P. and the Pack! All this travel hassle is enough to make me prayerfully ponder pastoring in Poughkeepsie!
The Road to Burma Assembled press and stern government agents offered clue that a VIP was to board our connecting flight in Tokyo. Privately I pondered if all the fuss was about me; but alas, it turned out to be Aung San Suu Kyi, political and cultural icon in Myanmar. Then again, I’m an Ambassador For Christ, representing the King of Kings. {II Cor 5:20}
Myanmar has been in the news in recent years; not always for good reason. I arrived bearing Good News! A former student of mine in India is now faculty for a training school in his home country. He requested I teach his people. Glad to oblige! Video at the blog
A local pastor from a remote region was visiting the city for family reasons. He chose to daily sit in on my presentations! Field training for pastors is a critical need: we’re praying, thinking, and discussing.
Vagabond speakers see rare glimpse of fruit from their labors. I got an eyeful. Graduates whom I previously taught in India are now serving the Lord in full-time ministry in their homeland of Myanmar. We gathered for lunch! A thrill! …except when I had to pick up the tab….😊
From Hawaii to the Hinterlands Just where are the Hinterlands? I can tell you. This year spread me near and far for the cause of Christ. That pales compared to the year ahead. Hold onto your hat …but not your wallet…. I’ll hang on to your prayers. Mahalo !
Ambassadors For Christ 1355 Terrell Mill Road, Building 1462 Suite 100
Marietta, GA 30067 www.afci.us
With Pastor Ken WalkerSame home town,Same Calling,Same color shirt.
Carolina Coconut
MyanmarPopulation: 54 millionReligion: Buddhist 90% Christian 4% Islam 4%Borders 5 nations
