Earth Day and Hakuhia
By Adele Chong, Session Elder
Today, April 22, is Earth Day, which was first observed in 1970. That makes today the 51st Earth Day. Over the years you’ve probably noticed newspaper and magazine articles listing ways of how we can reduce the use of the precious resources of this planet – practicing environmental stewardship. It is everyone’s responsibility to take care of God’s creation, not only on Earth Day but every day.
I’m excited for the new opportunities, through First Prez, to care for this Earth perhaps in more significant ways than our individual efforts! First, some background:
In September 2020, the last in a string of golf course operators of our campus terminated its contract with First Prez. At Session meetings in late 2020, we started hearing from the Long-Range Planning Team new ideas for the 246 acres newly available to First Prez. At each month’s meeting I grew more excited, hearing about a new ministry (now officially named Hakuhia) that would be environmentally responsible, would serve the community, would promote Hawaiian culture as it relates to the land, and, above all, glorify God.
Genesis 1 tells us about God’s creation of light and darkness, sky and water, earth and seas, trees with fruit and seed-bearing plants, then the sun and the moon, the birds and creatures of the sea, and living creatures on the land. Then He created man and woman, and gave us the plants and trees for food.
Genesis 1:29-31a “Then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground – everything that has the breath of life in it – I give every green plant for food.’ And it was so. God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.”
In Genesis 2:15 we learn that “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Right in the beginning of the Bible we are told it is man’s responsibility (and all of humankind) to take care of God’s creation. It’s not only on Earth Day.
Pastor Dan’s sermon on February 21, 2021 “The Story of More – Hakuhia” is about this new ministry using the property. Hakuhia means “the Lord is delighted.” If you missed that sermon, or want to remind yourself about this important journey First Prez is starting, you might be interested to read, watch, or listen to that sermon here.
Most likely one of the uses of the land will be to grow food. Learning from the Hawaiian culture related to the caring of the land will be important to contribute to the resilience of our state’s food system. Prior to Western contact, the Hawaiians were completely self-sufficient, growing all the food needed to support the population. In our modern world, I have heard estimations that if Hawaii is no longer able to import food (perhaps due to extreme hurricane damage to airports and harbors), the state would run out of food within weeks.
Kelly Miyamura, the Executive Coordinator for Hakuhia, told me there is no lack of ideas about how to use the property. The process of developing detailed plans and putting the plans into motion will be lengthy. All along the way there will be a need for First Prez covenant partners (a.k.a. members) and regular attendees to assist with their skills, talents, and time. I hope you will keep up with the development of the ministry and offer your time when you see there are needs with which you can help. If you're hesitant about serving, check out Pastor Dan’s March 7th sermon about that called “Service with a Smile.”
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this exciting opportunity to glorify You and delight You with our Hakuhia ministry. May we embrace the many facets of this ministry, serving when You call us, each doing our part to help with serving the community, practicing environmental stewardship, learning from the Hawaiian culture, and making the ministry financially responsible. You are our Creator and Redeemer. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
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