The fifth annual Kaua`i Mayor’s Prayer Luncheon was both a tribute to the late Mayor Bryan J. Baptiste
and a challenge to the audience to “Mentor the Next Generation.” A crowd of over 700 people gathered on March
7th at the Kaua`i Marriott Beach Resort Ballroom to worship, to pray, to be inspired, and to be challenged.
Worship music was provided by the Kaua`i Youth Choir, Heaven Sent and the Kaua`i Bible Church Orchestra
under the leadership of Pastor David Leong. Na Wahine Hula Ho`ano O Kaua`i, an 80 member dance troupe from North Shore Christian
Church, Calvary Chapel Kaua`i, Calvary Chapel North Shore, King’s Chapel, New Hope Kilauea, New Hope Kauai, Lihue, Kapa`a
& Koloa Missionary Churches performed “Ke Akua Mana E” accompanied by singers Pastor Tammey, Jamie Faford
and Kamele Woodward. The theme of “Mentoring the Next Generation” was vividly portrayed in dance by Kumu Donna
Lei Kirkpatrick, followed by Alexis Ochoa, the youngest member of the hula halau, who was then joined by the rest of the halau.
The audience was so moved that they gave the dancers a standing ovation. A father-son duet brought smiles and tears to many
as Mike and Preston Lingaton sang “My Father” while Frank Bejo, Jr. painted a portrait of Jesus on the stage.
The Honorable Lt. Governor James Aiona led off the prayer focus by praying for the government, judiciary
and those in authority. More prayers were offered on behalf of Businesses and the Tourism Industry by Leanne Malapit, the
Military by Chaplain Douglas Waite of the Navy, the Police and Public Safety by Lt. Kaleo Perez, Education by Pastor Jedidiah
Blake, Church ministries by Pastors Carl & Joshua Faford, Families by Pastor Larry Matsuwaki, and for the Media and the
Arts by Pastor Stephen Thompson. As prayers were offered the enthusiastic audience spoke their agreement with “Yes”
and “Amen”.
The keynote speaker was Jeff Kemp, President and Founder of Families Northwest in Redmond, Washington.
Jeff spent 11 years in the National Football League, is the son of former NFL quarterback and U.S. Congressman Jack Kemp,
and the father of four sons. Through entertaining stories from his own life he inspired and challenged the audience to go
out into the world and pass the aloha spirit to the next generation. He encouraged all those present to mentor the next generation
starting with our own children and grandchildren and then extending unconditional love to those children who may not have
the best examples in their own families and homes. As people exhibit unconditional love they will lift up and inspire those
around them who are often beaten down with a message of conditional, performance-based thinking. Mr. Kemp reminded those present
that unconditional love is received first from God’s work in us through Jesus Christ which enables us to love others.
That, he said, is the hope for our nation and for the next generation.
The Annual Mayor’s Luncheon was hosted by the Honorable Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho, Kaua`i Businesses
and the Churches of Kaua`i and was organized by Kaua`i Island Ministries, a non-profit inter-denominational organization.
The beauty of the 5th Annual Mayor’s Prayer Luncheon was lokahi at work as members of many churches and the community
worked on such a grand scale in perfect unity and harmony.
