PLANTING GOD’S WORD IN OUR HEARTS Have you ever lived on a farm? Have you ever planted a garden? There is a lot of work involved in the planting and caring for a garden. You'll need a shovel to break up the ground and a rake to remove the rocks and keep the soil smooth. You need a hoe to chop down the weeds that might try to take over your garden. You will probably need some fertilizer and, unless it rains a lot, you will need a hose to water your garden. The most important thing that you will need…the seed! You can't have a garden without seeds. Now we have everything we need to produce a great crop.

Jesus liked to tell stories to help people understand his teaching. One day he told a story about a farmer who planted some seeds. As he scattered the seed in his field, some of them fell on the footpath and the birds ate them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground. The seeds sprouted, but they wilted and died under the hot sun because they didn't have deep roots. Some of the seeds fell in areas where there were a lot of weeds and the weeds choked out the young plants. But some of the seed fell on good, fertile soil and that seed grew and produced a wonderful crop.

Do you think Jesus was really trying to teach people how to plant a garden? No. The story has a much deeper meaning. In Jesus' story, the seed represents the word of God and the soil represents the people who hear the word. Many times people hear the word of God, but they don't understand it. They don't take it in. That is like the seed on the footpath. The evil one comes and takes away the seed that has been planted in their heart before it has the opportunity to grow in their life.

The seed that fell on rocky soil represents those who hear the word and receive it with great joy, but when the newness wears off and the excitement fades, they drift away because they don't have deep roots.

The seed that fell among the weeds represents people who hear God's word and believe what it says, but soon the message is crowded out by the worries of life and the desire to get more stuff. If seed is planted in a bunch of weeds, the weeds will soon take over!

A person who hears God's word, tries to understand what it says and put it into practice in their daily life is like good soil. In good soil, the seed takes root and grows and produces a plentiful harvest. That is the kind of soil that Jesus wants us to be.

What kind of soil are you?

"But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown." Matthew 13:23 (NIV)

KONA BAPTIST CHURCH NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2017

KONA BAPTIST CHURCH NEWSLETTER - OCTOBER 2017

OUR MISSION:

Kona Baptist Church is a Bible teaching, Bible preaching Church. We are a Southern Baptist congregation, ministering to the spiritual needs of the Kailua-Kona, Captain Cook, Kealakekua and surrounding areas of the Big Island in Hawaii.

We seek to glorify God by reaching out to people with the love of Christ and the Good News, ministering to the needs of the church, providing opportunities for people to grow in Christ, encouraging and promoting interdependent relationships with one another, glorifying and celebrating God’s presence together.

OCTOBER EVENTSHUALALAI ELDERLY

SOUP KITCHEN (Auntie’s Angels Soup

Kitchen)

Food Distribution Event

October 28th 10:30am-1:30pm

Phase II Community Center

Volunteers & Food Donations Needed!

Sign up in the ante-foyer

For more information please see Linda Allen

MEN’S BREAKFAST SATURDAY,

OCTOBER 7th @ 8AM

ON THE CHURCH LANAI

SIGN UP IN THE ANTE-FOYER

A SURVEY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT presented by

Pastor Sean Cowin Exploring the books and

themes of the New Testament for a broader

and deeper understanding. October Topics: 10/01: Galations, Ephesians, Phillipians 10/08: No Class 10/15: Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians 10/22: 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon 10/29: No Class

ADULT BIBLE STUDY Wednesday Evenings @ 6pm

“Raising Kingdom Kids” by Tony Evans Facilitated by Teri Matsumura

Join us for another Church Work Day (date to be determined). There are a lot of tasks

that need to be completed and your help is needed! Many hands make light work! This is will

be a great time for fellowship and serving the Church. Sign up in the ante-foyer.

KONA BAPTIST CHURCH invites you to join us for our

6th Annual HALLELUJAH HARVEST FESTIVAL

Tuesday, October 31st 5:30-8:30pm

at Kona Baptist Church 78-7156 Puuloa Rd., Kailua Kona, HI

Across from the Keauhou Fire Station!

LIVE MUSIC!

FREE

HOTDOG DINNER!PRIZES & GAMES!

FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY!

BOUNCE HOUSES! FREE CANDY!

Team Captains and crew members are needed for various activities including: Set up, breakdown, registration, prayer booth, kitchen & food, games, bounce houses, and

more! Thank you to those who have signed up to help. There are still areas where help is needed so please be sure to check out the sign up sheet and volunteer where

needed. The sign up sheet is available in the ante-foyer.

All Team Captains and crew members are asked to wear their KBC t-shirts. If you need a KBC shirt, please put your name and t-shirt size on the order form in the ante-foyer.

We will begin collecting candy October 1st. All donations are appreciated!

Be a part of blessing and ministering to the families of South Kona! Please see Tia Tagavilla or Lynn Howery if you have any questions.

HALLELUJAH HARVEST FESTIVAL TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31ST

TEAM UPDATES

NURSERY DUTY OCTOBER SCHEDULE:

10/01: Cheri Mandaquit & Junsuree Mengkheo

10/08: Sandra & Elena DeFarias

10/15: Kai & Abbey Carvalho

10/22: Gail Cantor & Paula Heistermann

10/29: Cheryl & Christine Presiados

CALLING ALL KEIKI!

Mission Friends, RAs and GAs meet Wednesday evenings @ 6pm.

This is a great time for the Keiki to fellowship and learn more about

the Lord.

Please see Sheila for further information.

Hope to see you there!!

WORSHIP TEAM If you would like to do a Special during the offering, please sign up! There is a sign up sheet available in the ante-foyer. Please see Kenny Tagavilla if you have any questions.

Nursery workers needed! We have lost several nursery workers over the past few

months, so people are having to volunteer more frequently. Please let

Lynn Howery know if you would like to help in this very important ministry!

Thank you!

DA YOUTH!

Youth Bible Study - Wednesday evenings @ 6pm. The youth are doing a study on Developing a Biblical Mindset About Money.

Once the study is completed, they will start a lesson on Biblical Finance. It’s never to early to start planning for the future!

During Sunday School, the youth are continuing to study the book of John. “It’s awesome how the youth are so engaged in this class!” - Abbey Carvalho

Please continue to encourage and pray for our Youth.

** Please continue to pray for the Deacons, the Pastor Search Committee and the Admin Committee as they continue to diligently serve the Church and follow God’s will.

The Youth had their annual “Back-to school” Lock-In / Potluck on August 17th - 18th.

21 youth attended and were supervised by our Youth Leaders, Kai and Abbey Carvalho, and

volunteers Genaro and Christine Sosa.

Everyone had a great time! The Lord, food and fellowship, what more could you ask for!

YOUTH EVENTS

PASTOR SEARCH COMMITTEE

Dear Church Ohana,

You have entrusted us with the critical task of finding the next Pastor for Kona Baptist Church. With your help, we have completed the first major step in this process and that was to develop a Congregational Survey where you can offer your opinion on what is important to consider in our next pastor. We are also hard at work developing a Congregational and Community Profile. These documents are being carefully crafted to help communicate to prospective pastoral candidates (1) who we are as a church and (2) information about our community.

We hope that you are feeling optimistic and excited about the future of Kona Baptist Church. We also understand that you may have some concerns and uncertainties. While many parts of this process must remain confidential please know that we want to hear from you and will answer whatever questions we can to help you feel at peace with this process. We are deeply grateful for your continued support, wisdom and prayers.

In faith and peace, Your Pastor Search Committee

Cheri Mandaquit, Chairman Lynn Howery, Secretary Neal Matsumura Roy (Pops) Sveivin Kai Carvalho Dmitriy Madzhitov (alternate) Ed Heistermann (alternate)

The Men’s Breakfast is a great time for the men of KBC to fellowship and enjoy a delicious meal. A special thank you to Chef’s Zane Buniel and Peter Alu who prepared pancakes, scrambled eggs, and sausage for the men to enjoy. Thank you to Zane for your message and for all who attended!

If you missed this month’s breakfast, not to worry! The Men’s Breakfast is held on the first Saturday of EVERY month, so be sure to mark your calendars for the next one!

“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11

SEPTEMBER SERMONS HIGHLIGHTS: 1) John 6: 60-71 Key Points: - Sometimes it’s difficult to serve the Lord. God has given us the ability to fully serve Him - All believers will go through difficult seasons in life but we must remain faithful - Jesus having the words of life is what keeps us moving forward. We don’t have another way.

Challenge: - What message has been to difficult for you to comprehend and follow in obedience? - What is keeping you from being obedient to Christ? - If you turn from God and don’t want to be obedient, where are you going to go?

2) Acts 2: 41-47 Key Points: 1. The first church did not have a slogan, did not have a marketing plan, and they didn’t have a building. The only thing they had were their actions 2. These actions included but weren’t limited to: - devoted themselves to the apostles’s teaching - fellowship with each other - breaking of bread - prayer 3. The early church sacrificed for each other so that many people could know Christ.

Challenge: As a church and as individual Christians, what can we do to help each other? - Can you bring encouragement to someone? - Can you lift a heavy burden with someone? - Would you share a meal with someone? - Would you teach someone about life? - Would you love someone this week?

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

SEPTEMBER SERMONS HIGHLIGHTS cont.

3) Preaching for Community Transformation: You must repent in response to the Gospel Message Acts 2:37-40

There is always a group of people radically changed because of the message they heard preached. Jesus explained that only one in four of the good see planted bears fruit. That’s only 25 out of 100! Problem: Too many churches do not experience community transformation because the people in the pews are not ready to be genuine disciples of Jesus Christ.

Question: - What must you do when the Bible is preached? - What is required of you when you become a disciple of Jesus Christ? - What is the experience of the maturing Christian in a maturing community of faith?

Challenge: You will see our community at Kona Baptist transformed when more people commit to the spiritual disciplines of an authentic follower of Jesus, as evidenced by continual repentance to the Gospel message.

A) You must be convicted of sin and open to what God would have you do. B) You must receive the Holy Spirit in order to receive Jesus Christ, who calls you to repentance and water baptism. C) You must follow Christ, not the culture.

4) Preaching for Community Transformation 2 You must share in the spiritual disciplines of our church community. Acts 2:41-42

Too many Christians live on the right side of Easter, but the wrong side of Pentecost; the right side of pardon, but the wrong side of power; the right side of forgiveness, but the wrong side of fellowship. They are out of Egypt, but have not reached the land of promise and blessing. They are still wandering about in the wilderness of frustration and dissatisfaction.

Question: - What is required of you when you become a disciple of Jesus Christ?

Challenge: You will see our community at Kona Baptist transformed when more people commit to the spiritual disciplines of an authentic follower of Jesus, as evidenced by continual repentance to the Gospel message.

A) You will join lots of other people who followed Jesus in obedience to the water of baptism. B) You have a whole new spiritual life in front of you.

WHAT’S HAPPENING WEEKLY

SUNDAY 9:00am Sunday School 10:15am Worship Service 6:00pm Evening Service A Survey of the New Testament

WEDNESDAY 6:00pm Mission Friends Girls in Action Royal Ambassadors Youth Group Prayer Meeting Adult Bible Study 7:00pm Praise Team practice

Sunday School Schedule: Sunday Mornings @ 9AM

Bible Studies for Life - 3yrs to Kinder in Room 101

The Gospel Project: Grades 1-3 taught by Sandra De Farias in Room 104 Grades 4-6 taught by Cheri Mandaquit in Room 102

Youth Bible Study - taught by Youth Leader Kai Carvalho and Abbey Carvalho

Adult Bible Study #1: “Life Lessons” facilitated by Sotero Agoot in Room 201

Adult Bible Study #2: “Foundations - 11 Core Truths to Build Your Life On” facilitated by Neal Matsumura in Room 204

78-7156 Puuloa Road, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 Office Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30am-1:30pm;

Wednesday 10:00am-1:00pm Office: 322-3355 Fax: 322-6709

Email: konababptist3355@gmail.com Website: konabaptist.org Prayer Requests: kbcprayerline@hawaii.rr.com

VERSE OF THE MONTH - OCTOBER 2017 “Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!” Psalm 32:1-2

October 2017 Calendar

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

81 15 9 AM Sunday School 10:15 Worship Service (Lord’s Supper)

6 PM Evening Service

2 3 4 6PM Mission Friends Girls in Action Royal Ambassadors Youth Group Prayer Meeting Adult Bible Study

7PM Praise Team Practice

5 6 7 8AM Men’s Breakfast on Church lanai

Ladies Day Retreat

8 9 AM Sunday School 10:15 Worship Service

6PM No Service

9 10 11 6 PM Mission Friends Girls in Action Royal Ambassadors Youth Group Prayer Meeting Adult Bible Study

7PM Praise Team Practice

12 13 14

15 9 AM Sunday School 10:15 Worship Service

6 PM Evening Service

16 17 18 6PM Mission Friends Girls in Action Royal Ambassadors Youth Group Prayer Meeting Adult Bible Study

7PM Praise Team Practice

19 20 21

22 9 AM Sunday School 10:15 Worship Service

6 PM Evening Service

23 24 25 6 PM Mission Friends Girls in Action Royal Ambassadors Youth Group Prayer Meeting Adult Bible Study

7PM Praise Team Practice

26 27 28 10:45-1:30pm Hualalai Elderly (Auntie’s Angels Soup Kitchen)

29 9 AM Sunday School 10:15 Worship Service

6 PM No Service

30 31 5:30PM - 8:30PM Hallelujah Harvest Festival