It was February, and the windows were wide open. A warm sea breeze filled the room. We were meeting at Kailua Baptist Church (KBC) on the island of Oahu. After two full days of a TLI preaching workshop at another church, we had gathered for a Wednesday "theology luncheon" with about a dozen pastors from across the island. The goal for our meeting was to think deeply about the Scriptures and to build on the relationships that were already forming among these church leaders from Hawaii.
But one man showed up unannounced. His name was Christian. He's an electrician by trade, a native of American Samoa, and a member of KBC. As the pastors sat around the table eating Pad Thai and preparing for a lengthy discussion on theology, Christian launched into his own impromptu sermon.
Christian hasn't always been a member of KBC. Years ago, he was part of a larger church on Oahu that taught the prosperity gospel. As Christian explained, he was steeped in its teaching. He took it for granted. Until, one day, he joined a Bible study where another pastor patiently taught and faithfully explained the true gospel. His life was transformed.
Ever since that experience, Christian has been deeply concerned for the many churches throughout Hawaii that are captive to false teaching. That's what led him to our pastors' meeting that morning. He came to make a plea. Don't just sit here and study. Help us! Help us bring this training to the many prosperity preachers in Hawaii and the Pacific islands who need it the most!
