Roy “Rocky” Sasaki and wife Dely could spend their mornings, afternoons and evenings relaxing in their beautiful Lihue home. They could work on their manicured green lawn, feed the fish or just read. Roy could paint more, something he happens
Roy “Rocky” Sasaki and wife Dely could spend their mornings, afternoons and evenings relaxing in their beautiful Lihue home.
They could work on their manicured green lawn, feed the fish or just read. Roy could paint more, something he happens to do very well, evidenced by his artwork on the walls.
After all, they deserve it. They’ve been married 50 years. Both are retired after noted careers, Rocky after 34 years as a pastor and Dely in 2005 after more than three decades with the Department of Health.
“I thought I might just cruise,” Rocky says, smiling.
But relaxing away their days is one thing they’re not ready for, not just yet. Rocky laughs as he recounts the time someone told him not long ago, “You are a Caleb. You have some mountains to conquer.”
Yep, at 83, he still does.
“You know what? I believe God has given me health for a reason,” he said.
The Sasakis are the driving forces behind the interdenominational Kauai Island Ministries, formed in 1999.
The Mayor’s Prayer luncheon last Saturday? They helped organize it and were there, of course.
When author and speaker John Bevere visited Kauai earlier this year, the Sasakis were part of the team that made it happen. And again, they were there.
Youth rallies? Concerts? National Day of Prayer?
Rocky and Dely had their hands in each of those events, too, selling books or concessions, taking tickets, greeting guests and praying, too.
So what’s their deal, anyway? Why don’t they slow down?
“Because the Lord hasn’t told us to stop,” Dely said. “We love just helping people.”
“It’s a way of life for us,” she added.
United front
Roy Sasaki was born and raised on the Big Island. He spent 34 years in the ministry, pastoring churches in California and on Oahu. He and Dely settled on Kauai 20 years ago when he retired, while she came for a career promotion, and they took care of Dely’s mom for nearly 10 years.
Later, Dely surprised Rocky with a request: “Honey, I want you to build me a house.”
His response?
“I said, ‘What? I’m 70 years old. Build a house? A mortgage for 30 years? I’ll be 100 by the time we pay for it. Are you sure you want me to build a house?”
Dely just smiled
“Yes, dear.”
Rocky didn’t build that house alone, but he did find a lot on Unahe Street 12 years ago, and their house was designed by his brother. It’s a spacious, comfortable home, marked by Scripture verses and Christian symbols. They do their own landscaping and cleaning.
“We enjoy living here, it’s been a real blessing,” he said. “God has provided us with this property.”
In some ways, they are night and day. He was an average student in school and liked to sit in the back of the classroom. She was a scholar, member of the National Honor Society and one of those people in the front row answering all the questions.
Rocky is outgoing and colorful, often greeting people with the term “Brother” in front of their first name.
He’s the front man of the operation, if you will, wearing that large cross.
Dely tends to be more quiet, reserved. She’s the behind-the-scenes organizer, the administrator who makes sure everything is in place. She’s good with people.
They share a strong faith. Both are gracious and friendly with guests. Both are in good health and love walking, being out and about in their community. Dely takes pride in knowing she never called in sick in 30 years with the Department of Health.
Rocky rises at 5 a.m. and starts his day with devotional reading and words from the Bible. But he should do better, he says.
“Not as much as my wife. My wife is a very disciplined Bible reader.”
Answered prayers
Rocky considers the world his parish.
“I’m like a pinch-hitter. I encourage the congregation, the people, try to build them up,” he said. “That’s been my goal.”
Likewise for Dely, especially when it comes to young people. In her nursing career she encouraged young staff members to move upward in their lives.
“It’s given me a really great feeling to know young people can rise up to their potential,” she said. “That’s what God wants us to do.”
Even as a retired pastor, Rocky isn’t really retired. He’s a friend to pastors and churches, encouraging, assisting, fasting, volunteering, giving the sermon — whatever is called for, he stands ready.
Rocky offers free premarital counseling and believes firmly all couples should receive such counseling before tying the knot. It’s why he’s suggested the state past a law requiring it.
He volunteers at Kauai Community Correctional Center, something he’s been doing 15 years, where he counsels inmates and provides spiritual guidance. He chuckles at the suggestion he kick back and take it easy. Too much to do, he says.
“I’m busier now than I ever was before I retired,” he said.
His goal, he adds, is not to build himself up. The objective is for Kauai Island Ministries to work toward unity, participate in activities with churches and support them.
God keeps opening doors, Dely said, so they’ll keep going through them.
“We have seen God really answering prayers throughout our ministries,” she said.
Rocky says he’s seen growth on Kauai, a “transformation.” But there more to do.
“I’ve been praying for Kauai to experience a revival,” he said.
To make that happen, he’s not bashful about sharing his faith — perhaps even outspoken to the point he upsets some people. There’s a reason he and Dely continue to pray for opportunities to touch people’s lives.
“When we end up at Heaven’s gate, the Lord is going to ask us, ‘What’s your name?’ That’s when we need to say our name.
“I make sure people have their names written in the book of life so they do not end up in the other place,” he said.
So, Rocky, one final question. When will you really retire?
He pauses and looks around his backyard and chuckles.
“I’ll work until the Lord calls me home.”
