A Big God on the Big Island - Rebekah Bredow

A Big God on the Big Island

“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger. When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” Psalm 8 

Since the moment we’ve started the Fellowship, there’s been talk of the “big trip”. After working multiple summers at Sky, I had a pretty good idea of what the trip would entail, but also at the same time knew nothing at all. Nothing could’ve prepared me for them to announce that our big trip would be to a place such as Hawaii. Hawaii is a bucket list trip for me, and not only that, but I had heard so many stories of how beautiful the oceans, forests, and beaches of Hawaii are. I was expectant going into this trip not only to be in awe of the creation of the Lord, but also of the work being done by Him both in Hawaii and the hearts of my fellows. 

Big trip felt like awe moment after awe moment. One moment we’re driving down the street and I’m in awe to simply see a banana tree in real life, to later being in awe of the beauty of the Lord’s creation through the sunsets across the water of Hawaii. I was in awe as we swam in the middle of the ocean and went snorkeling. I was in awe as we visited the volcanoes and were able to see an active volcano. I was also in awe of the ways the Lord was working in Hawaii. How cool it was to recognize the greatness of God in a place such as Hawaii, and the ways he ordains every living thing. 

Every time I’ve been on vacation in the past it was always about me. What can I do to have the most fun? How can I best enjoy myself? This vacation is all about me. Big trip helped me to change that mindset. Right off the bat in our first two days in Hawaii, we learned about some of the local ministries to Kona, and how the Lord is using them to spread the gospel. On our second day we went to a man named Jonas’ house, and spent the majority of the morning clearing his yard. Jonas is handicapped, and because of that was not able to manage the greenery and rainforest of His yard. Our Fellowship was able to spend time in conversation with him, learn about his culture, serve, and spend time together. We were able to clear his yard to hopefully someday be used for youth camps in Kona! It was such a gift and eye-opening experience to recognize that the Lord is moving in mighty ways all around the world, and we are not limited to reaching people and serving only within the ministry of Sky Ranch in Texas. 

Another awesome aspect of big trip was the community. We were given many opportunities to do fun things all around the big island of Hawaii. We went on hikes, saw volcanoes, went swimming, snorkeling, and went to many beaches. Throughout these fun vacation activities, it was such a blessing to be able to have intentional conversations with the people in the fellowship. It was also sweet to get to know and grow closer to the Horn Creek fellows as well! During van rides, time on the beach, walks through the streets, or meals, it was not uncommon to have conversation that opens the floor to intentionality and vulnerability. I am so thankful to have been able to go on big trip and not only have fun with my fellows, but also to be able to grow, play, and serve alongside them as well. 

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