Testimony

 07/15/26

He came to me over 50 years ago.

In 1974, God came to me and spoke in a way I had never experienced before. He had touched my life previously, but never like this. That morning, I went to church with a friend, not out of reverence, but with the intention of mocking the service. We arrived just in time for the sermon, and the usher seated us quietly. As I listened, the preacher spoke on the parable of the talents. Through that message, God spoke directly to my heart, telling me there were many possibilities and opportunities in serving Him. I was overwhelmed—God was answering questions I had never spoken aloud. I believed God was in my heart.

My sins were many but I also learned about repentance, confession, and forgiveness.

For three days afterward, I tried to meet that preacher. When I finally did, he told me I was going to Bible college. I was stunned. How? With a D+ average. God made a way. That moment marked the beginning of a long journey—a sojourn of learning what it truly means to walk with God and become a disciple of Christ.

I went to Atlanta Christian College to study God and discipleship. Yet when I graduated, I felt unprepared. I had only preached one sermon—all seniors were given an opportunity to preach  of chapel—where I spoke briefly about fellowship and the lack of unity I observed among cliques. Unsure of my direction, I followed a different path and joined the Navy.

Surprisingly, that was exactly where I needed to be. There, I learned that we are all in the same boat, striving not to go overboard. Yet during that time, I began to backslide. It was difficult to stay focused on my faith while feeling lost and uncertain.

While stationed on my ship, we had a port call at Pearl Harbor. I immediately fell in love with Hawaii and requested shore duty there. While stationed at Pearl, I discovered a master’s program in counseling psychology—something I had always desired, as I wanted to help people. Through this, I began to understand human character more deeply.

Eventually, I chose to leave the Navy and pursue that calling. I met with the Director of Adult Mental Health, received a lead, and secured an interview for a new case management program. I was placed at the top of the candidate list and given the choice of where to serve. I chose the Big Island because of its size and diversity. In 1987, I became a case manager, where I learned deeply about mental health.

Ready to settle down, I searched for a church. I looked up and down the street where one was supposed to be but could not find it. Looking back, I believe God placed a veil over my eyes because I was not yet ready. Instead, I joined a large church and spent 20 years serving—volunteering for everything and learning how to meet the needs of the church.

Eventually, I felt God tugging me to move on. I came to Haili and thought, “This is it—this is where God has called me.” But it was not yet time. At Haili, I learned about church leadership, politics, and hierarchy, eventually becoming head deacon. I also experienced emotional hurt, and through that, God taught me to be gentle and loving in all my dealings.

Then, after nearly 40 years on the Big Island of searching, praying, listening, waiting, hoping, anticipating there was someplace for me to go, everything came together. It took me only three weeks of attending my current church to realize it—but those three weeks were the culmination of a lifetime. I finally understood where God wanted me and what He was calling me to do.

I shared this with my wife—she thought I was a little crazy—but I knew what God had shown me was true. I had been a backslider, not fully faithful in my walk, and that is why it took so long. Yet God remained faithful to His promise. Now, I commit myself to walk rightly and to live in obedience.

I have come to understand that my responsibility is simple: to make disciples. And that work has already begun.

After more than 50 years, I have arrived. I have found my home. I have come full circle—saved in a Christian church in Florida and now standing in the Big Island Church of Christ. I have found God’s people. I have found His shalom. I have been brought back to my first Love and I am ready. God has trained me well.

The joy is overwhelming. The peace I feel now is just like the peace I experienced when I was first saved. It is glorious. I thank Him and praise Him from the depths of my heart. He has been faithful. He has kept His promise. He has shown me my calling. He has put me where He wants me to be.

Praise the Lord.

 

Here is a name plate I had working at BISAC back around the turn of the century.