Care Group gatherings have helped me grow as a Christian

Suzanne Nakano

 

 

Hebrews 10:25
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

 

Through the Honolulu Christian Church care group, God has revealed the reasons why it’s important to meet:

Ø      Receive encouragement through life’s joys and trials. Together we laugh, cry, pray, do skits, see movies, play games, win prizes.

Ø      Keep each other accountable to God’s will. It is my desire to have fellow believers get “in my face” when I may be drifting from God. Like Balaam’s donkey did for Balaam (Numbers 22:21-34), I appreciate group members standing in my way to prevent me from heading down a disastrous path.

Ø       “Breaking bread” together is always great! All the food is yummy, but my favorites are Tamashiro Market poki and Ron and Jan Ashlock’s gourmet cooking, which are treats that I would not normally be able to enjoy.

Ø      ‘Gifts In Action.’ Each member of our group contributes his/her gifts. In particular, the Hiratas provide phenomenal hospitality---

Ø      Leadership skills are honed. Ron and Jean Kam are steadfast facilitators of our bible study who live His word. 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 

 

My goal is to be a woman that is passionate about pleasing Christ. One of the ways that I please Him is by gladly meeting with believers who sincerely praise Him.

 

Acts 2:46-47

…They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

 

 

 

 

Jan Ashlock:

 

We first started attending Honolulu Christian Church through the Purpose Driven Life campaign.  It was interesting how Ron and I were separately invited to participate in this by two different people (Jan Takamine, who works with Ron invited him, and Suzanne Nakano, long time personal and dear friend of mine, invited me).  Actually, I was surprised that Ron even agreed to attend. 

 

As the campaign began and we progressed into joining a care group, I was immediately drawn to the one led by Don & Laurie Hirata, and Ron & Jean Kam.  No particular reason, but it was surely God’s hand at work.

 

The group welcomed us as if we were always a part of their family, and provided a warm, safe place filled with unconditional love.  We knew we would not be judged; that we could share not only our personal burdens in confidence, but rejoice together in our victories as God revealed the power of His love to us.  It was obvious that the Lord orchestrated the leadership as well as the hospitality provided by the Hiratas and the Kams, because each session  was always just the right combination of instruction, prayer, fellowship, great food and fun!

 

I could tell that Ron’s heart was being transformed with each passing week, and the nurturing he received, especially from the men, revealed a kind of intimacy he had never experienced before.

 

I cherished every moment, but especially when the women could share personal and “girl stuff” with one another.  Our heavenly Father moved powerfully in those private sessions, and my sisters in Christ have blessed me more than any of them will ever know.

 

Now Ron and I are growing in our walk with the Lord together, praying, sharing and serving as the Holy Spirit moves in us.  God is sooo good, and it’s wonderful to be finally be able have a home church – HCC!

 

So, from the bottom of our hearts we thank you, Pastor Russell, the HCC family and especially every person in our Care Group.  You know who you are.  Our lives were changed because of you!

 

 

 

Nanci Carvalho:

I love my CG because I can come and be "real" and not worry about being judged, but instead be loved.  In that kind of atmosphere, you come to know that you're really loved for who you are and then you're not afraid or defensive to receive correction, because I know it comes from a place of real caring for my well being.  And that's important to me, especially being in the front lines of ministry where there are expectations or assumptions made of me that can drain or discourage me.  My CG lifts and lights me up in the love of Christ!  And the food and fellowship afterwards makes me fat in the gut but full in my heart! 

 

Nola Watase

I am so blessed to be a part of this care group.  The love, support and encouragement have helped me in my walk with God which permeates to every aspect of my life.  We share our hearts, we cry together and we laugh with each other—we are truly brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

Laurie Hirata

My care group helps to keep me accountable in my walk with Christ.  They are not afraid to ask me tough questions and I don’t ever feel like they are prying.  We have laughed, loved, cried, and prayed for one another and our families and I’m very blessed that the Lord has provided this care group in our lives.  I am looking forward to growing more in the coming years as we fellowship and grow in the Lord.