Ohai Junior Leaders - Sons

First Ohai Junior Leaders Meeting

This is easily my favorite post, because this is easily my favorite part of Hawaii. This, I believe, is why I am here. This has richly blessed me more than there are words. And this process has been as much about me as it has been about anyone else. 

For those that know the story, during my internship here in Wahiawa I fell in love with the wild, difficult, loving, beautiful children of Ohai Street which drew me back to central Oahu, 3,000 miles in the middle of the Pacific. During those months I spent time building friendships and trust among these twenty some kids. When I returned I knew that that relationship needed to change though. Grow rather. I desired more than to just be a buddy, I wanted to see them understand what it means to live life to the full, I want to see their lives radically change. But how, was the question. What do I do differently? And as we've begin to watch these lives begin to radically change I ask myself, what has changed? What happened? Prayer. Yours! Mine! The Staff here! Prayer is changing these kids! And here is what it is doing:  softening hearts, giving vision, creating opportunity. Miracles are taking place. "Woah!" your thinking, "Slow down, aren't you exaggerating a little?" Nothing short. 

McDonald's One-On-One With Carlson. Jesus, Leadership and French Fries.

Let me back up a second though. So a few weeks ago the staff of Ulu Pono (our after school program) decided that it was time to call six of the boys into leadership positions. Recognizing their influence on the younger kids on the street we sat them down and explained to them the impact that their actions have on those around them, both negatively and positively. Along with more responsibility, within Ulu Pono and on the street, we will be holding them to a higher standard of behavior and leadership. The boys, ranging from age 10-13 (one already previously being jailed for graffiti) were beyond amped to be affirmed and respected in this way. 

All this has brought me to a place that I now get to step in to mentor and disciple these boys, as they desperately need solid male role-models. Through one-on-ones I get to walk these boys through what it means to be a leader and be a man. How to treat those younger than them, those older than them, and as they are getting to that age, how to treat the girls. The boys receive plenty of affirmation and discipline as I walk them through consequences and apologies. Along with this I have been fielding a ton of questions about Jesus and the Bible, who he is and what he did for them, and then how that affects their lives. I get to teach them principles like being the bigger man, not striking back, and not allowing others actions to determine their own. 

The Boys Stepping Up and Serving At Our Feeding The Hungry Wahiawa Program

What does my resume look like for all of this? Grace and all your prayers! Please understand that every single one is being heard and changing the outcomes for these boys. You are changing their outcomes! (Let that sink in...) We are giving hope to those that are taught to have none and life to those who have no idea what that even looks like. These boys will become men and in turn effect this city, this world, and generations to come, whether for good or bad. Please continue to pray for me as I step out of the boat, and for these boys that the Good Lord will continue to chase after them with his relentless love. 

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." -Jesus