I pray that you and your people had a meaningful Christmas and a New Year's Celebration.
Having been a pastor for over 30 years, you sometimes feel like the bear after the holidays. You want to hibernate or to go on a mission trip, like the Lihue and Kapaa Missionary Church members to Thailand to build an ophanage. Diversion is good, so that we don't burn out in our ministry.
Jesus set a good example for His disciples in Matthew 14:23, "And when He had sent the multitude away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there."
In Mark 6:31, Jesus said to His disciples, "Come aside for yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. So they departed to a deserted place in a boat by themselves.
Our Lord made an effort Himself to go up to the mountain alone to PRAY. He and His Abba, Father, communicated, dialogued through prayer. Ought we to do the same? Amen?!!
Jesus also knew His disciples needed TO "REST A WHILE" because there were people who were constantly coming and going.
Pastors Mark Randolph, Larry Matsuwaki and I have been calling and inviting the pastors this week to go up to Kokee to a Pastors-Spouses-Leaders' Prayer Summit with Pastor David Reese Thomas from Kona, as our leader, to spend time in His presence.
In Matthew 11:28, Jesus also gave an invitation saying, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Here He was referring for the rest of their souls, but we need rest for our spirit and body, as well!
Please circle your 2003 Calendar: January 27, 28 and 29, for our Kauai Prayer Summit. You can call back Mark or Larry, but if you read this message first, and feel prompted in your spirit to answer the call to prayer and rest, dial me: 652-1829! The cost of the Summit is: $50 for 2 nights lodging and food. You won't regret this investment. If finance is a problem, let me know and we'll find scholarships for you and your wife.
P.S. Good News! Just got word from HIM and Honolulu 2003. There will be scholarships available for Kauai Pastors! Register early. -KIM 
