A Year to Change A Lifetime

by Commissioner Joe Noland

At this writing Revolution Hawaii is ten weeks into its, “A Year to Change a Lifetime!”
The team is made up of seven warriors representing five divisions, ages 18-27 (See photo). Under the leadership of Rob and Denise Noland, all are immersed daily in prayer, Bible Study/memorization and teaching with special guest lecturers, followed by practical application in their selected mission field assignments throughout the island.

In addition, uniting together, they explore and minister in areas where tourists (and many locals) fear to tread. For example, the team went homeless for a week. With two small tents, little clothing and no money to speak of, they took up residence in a homeless camp on the West side of Oahu.

On Saturday evenings, their mission field is Chinatown, a dark crevice in paradise, where drug dealers and prostitutes peddle their ware and the place where many of the “down-and-out” call home. The following is an excerpt from a team member’s blog. It can be found in its entirety, along with others, at http://www.revolutionhawaii.com

‘Wake from your sleep.
I’m drying all your tears, today. Today we escape.’
(Radiohead – exit music)

Tom was hard to find, he always is. But we found him as a product of our back-and-forth efforts, being torched by the sun and questioned by Honolulu citizens baffled by our aimlessness here in rugged downtown Chinatown. I would have never thought my break-days would consist of spending time with broken people.Three of us stand casting shadows onto his hung over body sprawled out the length of the bus stop bench. I kneel, becoming prepared to make level eye contact with a man who definitely doesn't want to wake up right now. Last night he was drunk, as always, and that probably kept him up all night as it does every night. Still, I promised him this would happen. And I know he will love me in the end - though I don't deserve the credit. So Ii nudge him once, twice, thrice. Finally his eyes crack open and pretend to see light for the first time in forever. Drool spills through and onto his shirt, but he sees me and I see him, finally, and I smile.

"Tom, you remember what I told you last night?" "It’s you!" he sits up, using every last inch of energy. "We brought you a bag of goodies." As I unzip the bag, I show him every item, from the first aid kit to the bible, to the soap, and socks, etc. Tom cries. He always cries, drunk or not. "You brought this here? I needed a bag. and socks..."Blake hands him the red blanket. I give him a hug and before you know it, Tom places the bag to his right with the blanket on top and crashes into it, asleep again. The ongoing effort to help him for a moment seems pointless, considering he'll probably lose the bag or it'll be stolen. And who wants to carry around a bright red blanket in the hardest area of the island? But I'm quick to reflect on the many times he's cried and hugged me tight. What a good guy - spoiled by society and by alcohol. It’s unfortunate, but that's how homelessness goes.

Rob reports, “We have already experienced victory as one of the friends we have made has gotten off the streets and into a clean and sober house. He credits our ministry for this. We credit God.”

Revolution Hawaii has now added a short-term, 3-month mission opportunity into its mix called Revolution Micronesia. As of this writing, Amberly Potter, Portland, Oregon, has made her presence known. If you are interested in giving “three months to change a lifetime,” check it out now. The next session begins February 1, 2008. Or begin making plans for the next full session, commencing September 1, 2008. More information can be found at http://www.revolutionhawaii.com