Aaaand...back to Cali Again :)

It's been an interesting week in Hawaii. Here are a few of the highlights:

4/16- Arrived in Honolulu and immediately flew to the "Big Island", where we were scheduled for a concert the next day.

4/17- Performed a concert at a church in Kona. It was interesting, because I felt a sense of opposition to our message that went beyond the response of the crowd, which was mostly favorable. I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I was later reminded that Hawaii has a long history of paganism and false religion and that the true gospel has not penetrated deeply here. There are many churches there and even fewer that preach the gospel. Through different experiences, it became clear that the kingdom of darkness was aware of our presence there. It was a bit unnerving, but it caused each of us to depend more on the Lord and to remember that we aren't on vacation. This place is deceptive because the beauty of creation is so in your face that you can be easily tempted to think that this is paradise. The irony is that, without question, this is one of the most spiritually dark places I've visited. Praise God that nothing can stop the advancement of His kingdom through the preaching of the gospel!

4/19- Worshiped at a church in Kona. It was a blessing to sing familiar songs with the people of God such a long way from home. It was very diverse ethnically and we also got to witness a baptism in the ocean.

4/21- We left Kona and flew to Maui.

4/22- We went to a Bible study at a local church, where we shared some music and took turns teaching on the gospel and its implications.

4/23- We shared more music in a youth service at one of the bigger churches in Maui.

4/24- We had an opportunity to do music at the biggest public school in Maui (1,700 students). It was on their lunch break in the main courtyard area of the school. It was pretty tense as we proclaimed the supremacy of Christ over beats. They told us we couldn't "preach", but I don't think they realized that our music does nothing but "preach"! At one point, I thought they were going to shut us down. When I did "Jesus is Alive", you could hear a pin drop! The Lord provided an open door through the gospel and gave us the grace to walk through it. The highlight of the trip for me so far.

4/24- this evening- We'll be performing our main concert tonight before heading to Honolulu in the morning. We have two more shows this weekend, and then it's back to Southern California on Monday.

Here's our schedule of events for next week:

When: Thursday- April 30 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Where: The Master’s College
Swixon Lawn (The Master’s College)
21726 Placerita Cyn. Rd Santa Clarita, CA
Cost: Free

When: Friday- May 1 7:00pm
Where: Inland Church
1101 Glen Avenue
Pomona, California
Cost: Free

We're working on doing something on Skid Row on Saturday, but it's not firm yet. I'll give more details when I find out more.

All in all, it's been an amazing trip. Difficult, but good. I'm missing my home church. When I get back, I will have been gone for about a month. I've definitely felt my need for the Lord here in the face of some blatant opposition and spiritual warfare. He has shown Himself to be faithful. It's been very encouraging to fellowship with His people. It seems that the Lord may be planting the seeds for revival in these islands. What a privilege we have to proclaim the excellencies of Christ!

grace and peace,
shai