November 9, 2010

 Today we're going to leave the sunny shores of Hawai'i and travel 5,000 miles east to the city of Philadelphia and an event that happened there recently. This was shared by the Sojourner on facebook yesterday, but I don't think it can be over-shared. I am thrilled each time I view it and think you will be too. Hear Handel's Hallelujah Chorus performed in the Grand Hall of Macy's Department Store. I have been there a number of times and it is an awesome experience to listen to the Wanamaker Organ, the largest in the world. This is, I think the best use to which that organ has ever been put. Here is the link:

July 15, 2010

A Taro Lesson (Part 2) ^{Scroll down for earlier parts}

After taro is properly cooked and peeled, it is ready for the next step. Using a specially shaped stone, the taro is pounded into a smooth mass called pa'i ai (pah-ee eye). It must not contain any lumps which are un-pounded. I tasted a small sample of it and it was like the consistency of a soft bread dough. It didn't have the taste of poi, the most usual form in which taro is eaten by Hawaiians.

Now, for the spiritual application. In God's dealings with us, did you ever feel like He is pounding you into something totally unrecognizable from what you had been? That's a good thing! God is changing you from the sinful image of the Adamic nature into the image of His Son. So, endure that pounding - the result will be worth it.

to be continued...

July 5, 2010

A Taro Lesson

At a recent cultural festival here, I watched a fellow give a demonstration on taro preparation as the Hawaiians do it. Taro is a tuber similar to a potato and was, and in some respects still is, a very important part of the traditional Hawaiian meal. As he proceeded in the demo, I began to see some parallel applications in the way God works with us.

First of all, taro can't be eaten in its' raw state; it contains a type of calcium crystals which irritate the throat - taro must be subject to the heat of cooking to resolve this problem. He also said that instead of boiling it, he steam cooks it in a pressure cooker so that it doesn't get water-logged. That makes the next step much easier.

In like manner, we must be subject to the fire of the Holy Spirit which deals with the things in our life which are displeasing to God. He knows just how much heat and water (the Word) to apply to us.

to be continued...

June 12, 2010

We just celebrated Kamehameha Day here in Hawai'i.  He was the king who united all the islands into one kingdom in about 1810.  Kamehameha did some good things that benefited the common people such as ensuring that the civilians would be safe in their day-to-day life in case of any war.

But even as great as he was, we know that we serve the greatest King.  He will not only keep us safe in this life, but throughout eternity.

Mahalo, ^{(thank you)}

Pastor John
 

May 26, 2010

There are many beautiful gardens here on O'ahu. I volunteer at the one near downtown - Foster Botanical Garden, where there are many
varieties of tropical plants and trees from around the world.

This week I will be working several hours on Thursday and Saturday to help set up and then work the sale itself.

Pray with me that I will meet whom God wants me to and be able to share the gospel with them.

Mahalo, ^{(thank you)}

Pastor John

April 25, 2010

Before I moved out here, I knew that they had a lot of celebrations that the mainland states didn't have, such as Kuhio day and Kamehameha Day - commemorating some famous people in history. But I never knew they had so MANY more - celebrating everything from family to hula to Spam (Hawai'i is tops in consumption of that pink delicacy LOL)!

But we Christians are looking forward to a celebration that will be unparalleled - the Marriage Supper of the Lamb! It will make any earthly festival seem as nothing. The rejoicing with our Lord will never end and I'm looking forward to that with great anticipation.

Mahalo, ^{(thank you)}

Pastor John

April 10, 2010

Pastor John sent this link to us at Sojourner's World Hub and we thought you might enjoy seeing some of the ancient dancing of Hawai'i.

April 3, 2010

As He usually does, the Lord has been speaking the Resurrection Day message to me in song. The Old Rugged Cross is one of those and A Crown of Thorns by Ira Stanphill is another. Though these two focus mostly on the cross, yet the theme of His resurrection is also there. The second hymn by Stanphill may not be as well known today, but it resonates with my spirit. The chorus goes:

A rugged cross became His throne.
His kingdom was in hearts alone.
He wrote His love in crimson red
And wore the thorns upon His head.

Thank God that He loved us enough to send His Son to be our Redeemer!

Mahalo, ^{(thank you)}

Pastor John

March 24, 2010

A very well-known local entertainer whom I had met in 1980 died this past week-end. As often as this happens with people I know, I am reminded again that their time on earth is ended, but God is graciously allowing me to remain here to do the work He has assigned me. I feel this especially when the person is younger than me or a schoolmate, friend or family member. At these times I pray, "Lord, thank you for your grace toward me. May I always be ready and respond instantly to do what you desire."

Mahalo, ^{(thank you)}

Pastor John

March 12, 2010

God uses us wherever we are and whatever we're doing to reach people for the Kingdom. Let me give you an example:

The other evening I went to a convenience store nearby to get some tea. When I came out of the store, I heard a cat crying. Well, anyone that knows me well understands that I love cats! To make a long story short, I called the local humane society and they came and got the kitten.

But in the process, I met Ed who does the night rescue and pick ups. So, God used this little lost kitten to put me in touch with someone with whom I can develop a relationship to share the gospel and grow this fellowship in Hawai'i.

We all should be on the lookout for those opportunities when they occur.

Please keep me in prayer as I do my "rounds", that God would clearly make known to me those I'm to meet.

Mahalo, ^{(thank you)}

Pastor John

March 4, 2010

Before moving here, I knew that Hawai'i had a very diverse population in both ethnicity and religion. However, in my travels around this island, it seems that there are more "churches" of faiths other than Christianity. Just in this one block alone there is a large Buddhist temple and school, another sect's Buddhist academy down a side street and a Buddhist Society hall further down the block.

Perhaps it is that I have a heightened awareness of these because of my calling, but I believe that very soon God is going to sweep through all these groups, Buddhist or whatever they are. There is coming a harvest the likes of which we have never seen - I am blessed to be a laborer in that harvest.

Please keep me in prayer as I do my "rounds", that God would clearly make known to me those I'm to meet.

Mahalo, ^{(thank you)}

Pastor John

February 25, 2010

The Sojourner and I were talking about the Kingdom work in which we are involved. This work is one that countless others have been brought into over the past 2000 years and will continue, if Jesus tarries, after we are called home. What we leave behind in these blogs and weekly teachings will be our legacy for those who follow to learn and feed on to be built up. That is an awesome thought! I want to be responsive to do everything that God has planned for me to accomplish here. Then I can hear Him say to me, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Please keep me in prayer as I do my "rounds", that God would clearly make known to me those I'm to meet.

Mahalo, ^{(thank you)}

Pastor John

February 17, 2010

On a recent ride, I was at Sea Life park waiting to catch the connecting bus to continue my journey up the windward side of the island. While I was there, I saw numerous marine birds soaring on the updraft winds so prevalent there. That day, there were also hang gliders taking advantage of the same winds. Of course I started thinking about the passage in Isaiah 40:31. There aren't any eagles in Hawai'i, but the analogy holds true, I thought. Whether, spiritually speaking, we are eagles, marine birds, or like a common dove, we can still soar on the wind of God's Spirit to the higher levels to which He calls us. I want to rise up on high and soar also.

Please keep me in prayer as I do my "rounds", that God would clearly make known to me those I'm to meet.

Mahalo, ^{(thank you)}

Pastor John

February 7, 2010

Not having a car can be a real challenge in many places in the U.S. But here on O'ahu, there is a tremendous bus service that can get you just about anywhere on the island! I am taking advantage of this in starting this work here. When leaving the car behind and riding "TheBus" (that's what they call the transit system here), one has a much better opportunity to mingle with the people on their everyday level. In this way, I can more easily respond to the person with which God wants me to connect.

Please keep me in prayer as I do my "rounds", that God would clearly make known to me those I'm to meet.

Mahalo, ^{(thank you)}

Pastor John

The Sojourner's Note: Pastor Simpkins sold his car before leaving New Jersey to return to Hawaii* as he did not want to ship it. He is very much enjoying walking and riding "TheBus" to meet people.

*(I know he wants me to spell it Hawai'i. It seems he was a good choice to be in Hawai'i since he speaks the Hawaiian language.)