Evangelism Continues on Leeward Oahu

By Lloyd Munson

The evangelism team poses with the 20 baptismal candidates just before their baptism.

Leeward Oahu's celebration of proclamation evangelism continued nearly every night between Aug. 15 and Sept. 12 with the Waipahu and Waipahu Samoan churches joining the Aiea church for the evangelism effort.

Brian McMahon and his team, returning after five years, brought together a team of faithful lay leaders from each of the participating churches to reach out to the Leeward suburbs through direct mail and personal contact. The effort resulted in capacity attendance with an overflow crowd watching on closed circuit big screens in the social hall. The deaconesses provided potluck meals for those who came directly from work to the meetings.

Michael Harris provided an hour-long concert the first night. Then, at each meeting during the first week, he set the spiritual tone and closed the program with an appeal song. At the beginning of the second week, the local Samoan Gospel Heralds sang to a standing room only crowd. Heidi and Kara McMahon and dozens of musicians from the various leeward churches provided additional musical offerings.

Jennifer Hernandez and her dedicated staff held the attention of as many as 50 children in a separate V.B.S.-style program.

Pastors and members from the leeward churches coordinated their varied gifts and responsibilities. "It is thrilling to hear the Bible truths presented so clearly and to see so many new believers and how excited they are about the things they are learning," one said. "We go home energized each evening!"

As expected, the devil worked to discourage some who attended. Richard, a top sales associate at Volvo Motors, was convicted of the Sabbath and faced the loss of his job. Yet he knew he had to confront the manager about his need to get Sabbaths off. The conflict was resolved, and that very day he sold a car. On Sabbath, Sept. 12, Richard and his wife, and 18 others joined God's family through baptism.

The weekly new believer's class continues through video and Bible study to help prepare many more for baptism and to nurture them for service in the Kingdom.