Hey everyone! You must have thought that I fell off the planet for the past four weeks! No, I returned home to Hilo and tried keeping a low profile to allow Pastor Ken, Gail and the summer interns to lead in my absence. Thank you again for your faithful participation this summer: your attendance, your giving of tithes and offerings and your willingness to follow. Today in my study time, I began meditating on Ephesians 1, especially the words that the Apostle Paul gave in his opening address to the saints at Ephesus. He described them as the "faithful in Christ Jesus" and prayed the blessing of God's grace and peace. I was so blessed by Paul's prayer and I pray this same prayer for you: "I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better." (Ephesians 1:17) I am thankful for your many prayers for me and my family. I enjoyed celebrating my wife's birthday this week and tomorrow will be my son's 18th birthday. Will you remember him in your prayers as he checks in his dorm room at Biola University, and completes the orientation process and officially becomes a student there? He called to tell me that he is enjoying spending some time this evening with Alden and Jamie Arakaki, Jason Peterson and Dave Hashimoto to help him celebrate his birthday. The Lord continues to share significant insights as to how I am to pastor once I return in just twelve days on September 1st. I got to visit with Gail and Ken recently assessing the summer and anticipating my return. Again, thank you for remaining faithful serving our Lord, serving each other and serving the world in which you live. God bless you! Talk to you soon! Pastor Daniel