MikeOharaLive the intersection of faith and life

Reflect and Review: Nov. 1

• Kicked off our FAQ series with the first question: "How can there be one true relgion?"  Tough topic but the bottom line is all faith systems make exclusive claims, it's a matter of which faith system eliminates divisiveness rather than creates it.
• The Christian Gospel is the only system that leads one away from arrogance and superiority.
• Loved our meeting with the small group leaders.  I love hearing how people are developing their faith, deepening their connections, and devoting their lives to God's mission.  Our small groups are about leading people toward faith, connection, and life.
• Four teenagers got saved the other week at our new youth service at Chun Wah Kam.  So stoked!  There's a good momentum in the youth leading up to the GRAND OPENING of the youth service at CWK.  It's been a soft start up until now.
• Xchange youth ministry GRAND OPENING this Friday, Nov. 6, 7pm, Chun Wah Kam.  They begin their "Die Hard" series.
• Great time of sharpening with the Hawaii EN pastors.  Main takeaway: pruning is always healthy despite the pain.  Plan for pruning.  You prune with your values.
• Feel like we are finally begining to clarify our values and the next steps people can take on the faith journey.  Gotta work real hard to be simply clear.  We have more to go, but we're working on it.
• Getting ready to move out of the ministry house this Saturday.  It's bitter-sweet.  It's time for GBCK to move on from the house, yet the house was a great ministry tool.  I will miss hosting pastors and missionaries the most.
• Added two more people to our Team Grace operations crew today.  That is so huge!  It's a lot of work to create a compelling and comfortable environment for pepole to meet Jesus every week - but it's totally worth it.
• The Lord added a key family to the church recently.  They are ready to rock-n-roll big time.  It's seems God adds key people to the church right when you need them.  God's timing is always perfect.
• I started going over my messages with Dane before I preach them on Sunday. At times I'll actually preach to Dane.  It is so great to get feedback, input, and ideas.  It really helps to clarify my thoughts.  It's a good discipline.
• Had good fun trick-or-treating with some friends on Saturday.  Halloween is one of the greatest opportunites to connect with the neighborhood; it's very missional.
• Gearing up for another great week.