Dear New Hope Windward Family,
As you know from watching our years of serving together and kidding from the pulpit towards each other, Sean Okamoto is one of my closest friends and I love him like a brother. We have so much fun together! For several months now, Pastor Sean has been feeling the tug of the Holy Spirit in his heart to do something new in the next season of his ministry. When he told me this, we sought God together for several months to discern God’s leading. I want you to know what’s happening with him. In today’s media driven culture, we sometimes feel the suspicion that we may not be getting the “story” behind the news. Because of that, I asked Sean to write in this week’s e-newsletter so you can hear directly from him and I’ll add some additional comments at the end his letter!
Pastor Sean’s Letter
May 30, 2010
Aloha New Hope Windward Ohana,
I wanted to first express my gratitude to you for your friendship and support for the past 10 years. Over the past few months I have sensed God leading me to a new season. After much prayer and consultation it is my belief that my season at New Hope Windward is coming to a close. For a move this big I would never make the decision without wise counsel and I was fortunate to have had seven wise counselors to process this move with including Pastor Dave. To my surprise all seven felt that it was indeed God moving us to a new season of growth and experiences. God knew I needed lots of confirmation because leaving is so hard, but I will be resigning my role as associate pastor at the end of June.
I have made many dear friends over the years and will forever look back at this season of my life with a sense of deep appreciation. Jo Lynn and I have been humbled that our very first pastoral assignment was with a group of people who have been so loving and supportive of us. We started at New Hope Windward in 1997 when it was Mid-Week Service. Within a year of getting married we had our first child and helped start New Hope Windward Christian Fellowship at Puohala Elementary School. The time has gone by fast and we are sad it is coming to an end. There are many here who will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Thank you Pastor Dave for blessing my family and I in so many ways. We will be forever grateful for your support through the good times and even the difficult one’s. Dave, Lisa, Staff and Board thank you for allowing us the privilege of serving here at this awesome church. We also thank you for supporting us unconditionally even as we were processing our move out of Windward. Thank you for blessing us and wanting God’s best for our lives.
Jo Lynn and I are excited and nervous at the same time. Just this week I accepted a teaching position at Kaimuki Christian School as a fourth grade teacher. This fits well with my background as I am a former elementary school teacher and have consistently worked with children and youth over the past few years. As a ministry leader at Windward and a friend I wanted to let you know this information first. Sometimes rumors start when a pastor leaves a church. In this case I don’t believe that will not happen because it is my belief that this is God’s Holy Spirit leading us. We leave with the unconditional support of Pastor Dave, Church Council and Staff Team. May God bless you as you continue to seek Him and His plan for your lives. We will miss you all.
With Love,
Sean and Jo Lynn
*My apologies that I was not able to share this news with you in person. I handed out a few hands delivered letters this past week at church and those I was not able too I have sent this e-mail. I appreciate your prayers and appreciate you.
MY WORDS OF PRAISE - from Pastor Dave
I love Sean Okamoto! He has been a great friend, support and blessing to me and our NHW church! Sean has served in multiple ministries over the years at different times. He has raised up and mentored a generation of students as the Children’s Church, Jr. High and High School pastor! He has faithfully set up and taken down our portable church as the leader of our Levites ministry. He has overseen small groups, baptism team, campaign writing team, greeters, ushers, hospitality, prayer and the list goes on and on. As you can see, he has had a heart to serve where ever the need has been. What a tremendous help he has been. He has left his mark on our church family with his leadership, service, love, listening, counsel and encouragement. As you know, behind every great man is an even greater woman. Sean’s wife JoLynn is a wonderful person and they have both poured their hearts into this church family over the last several years!
Since I’ve served at NHW, I’ve had people join our church staff who have become dear friends while serving with us, and then, after a while, God calls them to new roles and responsibilities. I grieve when they leave but my understanding of how God works in peoples’ lives is bigger. I’ve learned this important truth: God often calls leaders through New Hope, not to New Hope. What I mean is that God calls the right person, at just the right time, to both serve our church and to learn from our church. Then he sends them out to other places as missionaries. Some have planted New Hope churches, some have become marketplace missionaries. Sean will meet an important need as he equips the next generation at Kaimuki Christian School. That’s how God reaches the lost and grows his family around the Island and the world. Sean, JoLynn and their four children will be greatly missed! Please join me in giving them a warm mahalo and aloha to this dearly loved family!
Blessings!
Dave
