Sorry for the delay in the update. Life has been super busy here in Maui, then again my life is always busy anyway.
I am finally slowly adjusting to the heat, or at least I can put up with it. Life in Paia is without a dull moment. I have built some relationships with some people there which is great. There are a few former YWAM people that live in Paia. They are great fellowship. Apparently YWAM used to be based in Paia and could have taken the town by force, however, they moved their base to Hikou. I am getting to know some of the local surfers. They have a different mentality and approach to life. Most of them are really great people to meet and talk to, that is, most of them. There are a few Hookipa locals (a world famous surf bay) that have really adopted the California mentality. California brought the whole gang attitude to the surf culture in the 70's. I do surf Hookipa but I have to pray abundantly and really be careful that I don't get in people's way, cause if I ever did the would be looking for a fight.
Satan really has strong holds on that place. The locals sit under pavilions all day, smoke weed, and drink beer. I am told some of them had potential to be world champs, instead they invested all their talent and dreams into partying at Hookipa... all day....every day! Sometimes when I surf Hookipa I see people totally start manifesting in anger and aggression. They go off like a dog with rabies. I wonder why they even surf when they couldn't possibly experience joy of any measure. I thank God for His favor and grace, that I can surf their and be a blessing to those around me.
Other then that I am spending most my time in the office in Kihei. Pascal and I are getting ready for county fair at the beginning of October. We have a ton of merchandise to print. I am also working on the ER Bible. It is a NLT, New Testament Bible that we are putting together with testimonies from the top Christian athletes in riding sports. We want to use the Bible as a tool for evangelism. It is very exciting to be apart of.
O some fun news. There was a 10ft Tiger shark sited less than 30 yrds from me when I was surfing. A couple other guys saw it swim right under them. Super scary... However, I didn't even panic. I caught the next wave and surfed in all relaxed. When I loaded my board I saw everybody b-lining it for the beach. I figured he must have done a lap past everybody, cause when we told people they never took it seriously. It's probably better I never saw it or it might have put a huge mental block in my surfing.
Well a List of prayer request:
Pray for friday night chapel in Paia. God is beginning to move, we are seeing more and more people come and are getting saved. Praise God. Pascal and I are doing all we can to get them plugged in (which seems to be the hard part). Pray God will use us mightily there.
Pray God will open doors and opportunities for me in Paia to bring light to people. People randomly come to me for prayer and encouragement right on the street corners. Pray God will use me beyond my expectations or that I may have greater faith and expectations. Pray for the county fair, that the ER team would reflect Christ with great power and anointing to everybody who comes through our tent. I am buying my ticket to Tahiti and Rwanda next week, pray that God would provide the way.
I want to see lives changed. People delivered from their sin and given real hope in God.
I miss Canada like crazy... can't wait to be in fellowship with you all again.
God bless
Dallas
