When asked to share how God is transforming me and my Ohana with the Transform Our World Hawaii Ohana, reading how the LORD redeems the Kapihe Ohana from fear to freedom, and the restoration of love that Jesus blesses upon the De Lima Ohana; I’ve been praying to our Father over two weeks now to overcome this stronghold Satan has planted in my head that I’m not worthy, “Who am I to share my story?”, making every excuse being reluctant on where to start. Then, the LORD reminded me of the promise I made to Him 18 years ago, “I going do whatever You say no matter what,” dying of self and born new in Christ.
B.C.
Let me begin with how my promise came to be. My life before Christ was all about me as success came at an early age of 22. It was my senior year in college when I took my first hit smoking ice. With adrenaline pumping through my veins I aced my final exams, began my financial planning career training under Hawaii’s top producer, living large buying my first rental property in less than 12 months from starting my practice, and driving a Corvette. Residing on the slope of Punchbowl, I recall looking down from my redwood deck at my corner office in the Ala Moana Pacific Center, feeling invincible like Superman. Flying high on a dopamine rush, I found myself working until 3 AM thinking I was productive, often not sleeping for three days straight. As a result, I would shut down hard, waking up lost and lifeless, jonesing for my next hit to get up and function, starting this vicious cycle all over again. Crystal meth controlled 18 years of my life, no matter how hard I tried I would only go backwards hopeless, burning my life away, everything I worked hard for up in smoke.
I sought help and self-admitted to substance abuse treatment programs at Kahi Mohala, Hina Mauka, and Salvation Army ATS. After my 6th attempt for treatment, I attended my aftercare class on graduation day all high, the Hina Mauka counselor advised me not to come back, they cannot help me. My 7th time in treatment was when I found Jesus. Salvation Army offered Sunday Services in residential treatment with my first beginners Bible. Being the relapse king, I was 2 weeks away from graduating when I started the vicious cycle again.
It was after a 9 PM AA meeting when God spoke to me in the ocean at Kaimana Beach and asked me, “What’s changing?” As I was back floating looking up into heaven, I cried out to God, “I cannot, I give up! Help me! I promise I going do whatever You say no matter what.” Suddenly, all my guilt and shame were washed away when God revealed His countless blessings for me as I saw all the stars shining in the sky.
A.D.
By honoring my promise to God, He began my transformational growth by placing His Spirit and angels to guide me on my journey with Jesus, to answer His question “What’s changing?”
For me
A month after receiving my Clinical Discharge, my cousins invited me to their church. As a 40-year-old brand new believer at MGMC, the first thing God changed in me was His will be done not mine. I learned how to communicate to God through prayer, to receive His Word daily through SPA, to activate the Ekklesia Excelerator, and to share my faith with others. Thank You LORD for having me share my testimony with the church 17 years ago to overcome my ice addiction. The word of our testimony is a powerful tool to overcome strongholds, when we speak life by sharing what Jesus has done and continues to do in our lives.
For my Ohana
God also taught me I cannot give away what I no have, and when I give away what I have He makes room for even more. I cannot give His blessing if I no have His blessings. By the blood of the Lamb, I have a Constant Companion always there for me and working through me to accomplish things far greater than I can ever imagine. Thank You Holy Spirit! By the power of the Holy Spirit, I’m able to receive each star God showed me. The brightest star being my beautiful wife, Maryann. At our wedding, Pastor Cal quoted Matthew :33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” Placing God first has transformed our marriage from alcoholism at night to starting our day with the Lord’s prayer in Marshallese and sharing KYLO (Keep Your Love On) For Couples. The power of prayer that Maryann and I share has brought transformation to our children as they seek the LORD.
Celebrating our 9 year anniversary this summer in Bryce Canyon, our youngest son Eddie calls us in great need for prayer as Rainbow was rushed to the hospital in labor for what seemed to be eternity.
As we prayed together thanking the Lord for Eddie and Rainbow to become parents, we humbly asked that He be with them and the doctors to deliver their first son, our grandson baby To`a. What a blessing! We have come to realize by living and giving Aloha, our marriage, our parents, our children, our grandson, our Ohana are transformed as we receive and give His blessings.
Another star I received that God has brought full circle is the restoration of my financial planning practice as a partner of Ho`ea Wealth Advisory Group, transforming His marketplace as my ekklesia. God has planted His moral compass in Ho`ea. By the grace of God, I open the doors each day welcoming Jesus and the Holy Spirit in, E Komo Mai, to brighten our offices with His light and fill our day with His Aloha. The LORD has blessed me with a great team of disciples as we start each week praying for His will to be done and ending the week in prayer praising the LORD for all He has accomplished. Receiving the fruits of the Spirit, the LORD has blessed Ho`ea with a culture of Aloha as we are Ohana serving Ohana. I am grateful to shine the light of Jesus upon our group and clients, our Ohana.
My Vision & Prayer
My vision for Transformation is growing with God to become more like Jesus. Thank You Father for this abundant and amazing life. All that I am and all that I have is from You as I surrender myself, my pride, my doubts, my worries, my fears over to You; put You first; do whatever You say no matter what; and make the most of life living by faith through Jesus. Holy Spirit, come upon us and fill us with God’s love, Aloha Ke Akua, to be experienced and shared by all. Let us receive and give His blessing to those around us, making room for even more to be received and given; starting God’s virtuous cycle. Let Your light so shine before men, that they may see Your great works in us and glorify our Father which is in heaven. Because when one of us grows, we light the path for others; not just changing ourselves, but inspiring change in others. In Jesus name I pray.
Amen,
Ken Kondo