Something I have realized is that no matter how discouraging it can be in ministry, the salt and light that is shown through our lives is a positive influence on peoples lives. I have been told, and have experienced, that many times we will not see the seed that has been planted in someones life. But know that the exposure from our lives, can bring a person one step closer to the Lord. Much of what I have gotten to do here in Hawaii is part of the seed planting process. I may never see the growth in their lives, but I have come to see that it is not about what I do, but what God has done, and is doing in that life.

I was at church a few Sundays ago, just talking with friends before the service started. Today was similar to most other Sundays. Some of the people that attend the church are the men of the ARC, (Adult Rehabilitation Center). Just as the service was about to start, I began talking with Justin. We started talking about little things; where we were from, who would win the Super Bowl, things like that. Then he asked me a question; he asked if I knew about the sinners prayer, if it was in the Bible, or how he could find out about it. I told him that there was no specific prayer that must be followed or made, just confession and acceptance.

At this point, church was starting, so we sat down, and I found some verses in scripture that kind of dealt with recieving the grace and salvation from God. After I wrote them down on a piece of paper, there was no further talk about it.

Every Wednesday night, the ARC holds a chapel service. This night was special and had a focus on personal testamonies. Several men gave told their stories and truly blessed the congregation. Finally, after one of the songs, I saw Justin stand up and talk about his adjustment to the new life in the ARC. There are rules; structure, organization, spirituality, and discipline. What he said next was so awesome. He told us he had asked the chaplin, Major Moses Reyes, to pray with him, the sinners prayer! He gave his life to God! I truly know that God had everything to do with it. I may never know if what I wrote down for him, took him a step closer or not, but I do know that he has been saved. Praise God!

" I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors." John 4:38. Know that the ministry you do is for something. Each moment provides the opportunity to either plant, water, or encourage the growth of the seed.

I believe that everyone has some sort of need. Whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual, there is some sort of empty void that needs to be filled. No matter how old you are, there is always something more that can be done. Children need to be protected, teens need to be social, college students need vision, the middle aged need purpose, and seniors need family. The reason I bring this up is because I have learned so much that I need in my spiritual walk with God.

Before arriving in Hawaii, I felt that I had things together. My relationships with family and friends, my involvement at my home church, being a college student. In my mind, I was on the right track; I mean those seemed to be good things to be doing. This program has a huge focus on personal discipleship, through reading books, studying scripture, getting deeper and more devoted in prayer. There was a point that I realized these were areas that were really dry in my walk with God. I went to church every Sunday, taught music, led a Bible study, hung out at the different fellowship nights; but I neglected my personal relationship with God.

"But He answered and said, ' It is written, man shall not live on bread alone, but by every word that proceed's out of the mouth of God.'" Matthew 4:4. I was living on bread alone. But something very good has come out during my time here. I feel that I have learned a lot, feel better prepared for this battle, and most importantly, I am closer to God. And this is not the end of the growing, because I serve a God that is living and breathing.

I have heard it said before that if a child has not been exposed to the gospel of Jesus Christ before the age of 18, there is an 85% chance they will not accept Him, later on in life. That, to me, is a very haunting statistic. Having the opportunity to minister to children, I have seen the awesome power and truth to the word. Working over at Mayor Wrights in downtown Honolulu has shown me the need for a positive role model in a childs life.

"But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone where hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea." Matthew 18:6. Christ spoke about the importance and special characteristics of children. Many of these children are exposed to the evil of this world at such an early age. Kids play the role of the adult, taking care of younger siblings; yet they themselves are only a year or two older than that.

I started hanging out with many of these kids from mayor writes last year, and i have seen the loving arms of Christ wrapped around them. These kids are rough around the edges, but when you play catch with a football, or throw down some Pogs, the laughter and joy bring the child back to childhood.

I can see that Christ has a special place for kids. No matter how loud, wild, and often confusing they can be, I believe that it is our responsibility to show that love of Christ to them. Many of these kids will not see it from anybody else.

This past week or so, I know that God has been showing me this. I want to encourage you and ask that you would stop and consider the 85% and Matthew 18:6. That has been convicting to me and has also shown me the character of Christ.