LIHU‘E — About a dozen Kaua‘i keiki rode off with brand new bicycles, early Christmas presents, during the Kaua‘i Bible Church monthly Church on the Beach at the county Salt Pond Beach Park earlier this month. In addition to a
LIHU‘E — About a dozen Kaua‘i keiki rode off with brand new bicycles, early Christmas presents, during the Kaua‘i Bible Church monthly Church on the Beach at the county Salt Pond Beach Park earlier this month.
In addition to a regular church service, the gathering is also a community giveaway of lots of things, including two used cars on one occasion, according to a press release from the ‘Oma‘o church.
Every third Sunday of the month, Kauai Bible Church members, along with many volunteers and sponsors, host a community giveaway, according to the release.
Canned food, household supplies, gently used clothes, blankets, bicycles and even used cars are some of the items given away.
Approximately 250 members of the community attend and participate in this event.
The event is a take off from the Once a Month Church started by Pastor Ron Valencia in Hale‘iwa, on the North Shore of O‘ahu (www.onceamonthchurch.com).
The primary mission of the Once A Month Church is to care for the poor and feed the hungry in the North Shore, O‘ahu community in Hawai‘i.
This includes the growing homeless population, low-income families and individuals, and senior citizens mostly on fixed incomes. They watch out and care for young children and teenagers as well.
The secondary mission is to share the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, giving hope to the poor and needy and reminding everyone that God loves everyone the same.
Kaua‘i Bible Church has adopted a similar mission, to feed and care for those affected by the economy, the poor and the needy, the release states.
However, Kaua‘i Bible Church’s support does not end there, according to the release. There are many people on Kaua‘i who are discouraged, feeling hopeless.
“We are here to give hope,” said Senior Pastor Merv Walker.
On Dec. 20, the Kaua‘i Bible Church family was at Salt Pond again.
Although, they did not have a car to give away, children under 18 were allowed to register for a brand new bicycle, verifying that they did not own and had never received a bicycle from Church On The Beach before.
The highlight of the day was watching 11 children receive brand new bikes, just in time for Christmas, according to the release.
The next Church on the Beach event will be held on Jan. 17.
“So far, we have given away two used cars to people needing cars. If anyone is interested in donating their used workable car to Church on the Beach, we would really appreciate your donation,” said Walker.
“Or if you are just interested in helping out in any way, please contact us,” said Walker.
Dr. Ken Pierce and his wife, Diane Pierce, who is a nurse, are owners of IDOC, Island Doctors On Call, attended the event to see how they might be able to volunteer their services at future Church on the Beach events, according to the release.
To see pictures of Church on the Beach events, go to www.kauaibiblechurch.com.
For more information about volunteering or donating to Church on the Beach, call Kaua‘i Bible Church, 742-7514.
