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Marshallese outreach held on Kauai.
by Sharron Hudson, Major –
The Lihue leadership team
It sounded like we were in Marshall Islands; it looked like we were in the Marshall Islands, and the warm, humid weather even felt like we were in the Marshall Islands. But these sounds, sights and feelings were being experienced on the beautiful Garden Isle of Kauai.
A dream of Captain Angela Clement was at last coming true—to begin a worship service specifically for the people in her first language, Marshallese. The well-attended evening service (over 80 people) was truly a wonderful experience for all. Several English-speaking soldiers came to support this ministry, including CSM Alfredo Espiritu and his wife, CT Flora. Even though we could not understand the language, we experienced the moving of the same Spirit who dwells in each heart of the believer.
Both Captains Mitham and Angela Clement, Corps Officers, Lihue Corps, were thrilled to have this opportunity to reach out to the Marshallese speaking people who now reside in Hawaii. It is estimated that there are approximately 20,000 people from Micronesia living in the State of Hawaii. Since The Salvation Army already has corps and outposts in the Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) and Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), it is a natural next step to begin Salvation Army ministries in the Hawaiian Islands as well.
The Salvation Army in RMI recently celebrated their 20th anniversary. This fulfilled the vision of CSM Overton Clarence. He would be so happy to see how the Army he loved has spread throughout the Pacific.
Captains Clement have help from four soldiers originally from the Rita Corps who now live in Kauai—Robert and Maybeline Watley and Heldon and Alwisa Ainios—they have all indicated an interest in leadership with The Salvation Army. Captain Mithem reports that four more people of the Marshallese congregation have already asked to take classes to be enrolled as soldiers.
The beauty of this Garden Isle reflects the work of a loving Creator—the One who also created the beautiful people who worship him together. May he be honored and praised through the ministry of The Salvation Army of Kauai