We recently planned a crucial trial run to test all our equipment at the Ocean View Community Center (OVCC), where we'll soon set up our mobile dental care ministry. The goal was to run all our power-intensive equipment simultaneously to assess the center's electrical capacity, while also setting up the network between our laptops that the dental team will use. We are incredibly blessed to have partnered with the OVCC, a community center that has been so accommodating and welcoming to our ministry.
As Joseph and I worked diligently to prepare for this one and only trial run before our official launch, a tropical storm began forming and moving towards Hawaii. We watched the storm’s path prayerfully, hoping it would spare our island.
On the eve of our trial run, weather alerts and warnings started coming in, especially for the eastern and southern parts of the island where OVCC is located. Driving to Ocean View is already challenging due to the winding and narrow roads, and the storm would have made it even more dangerous for our staff. So, we made the difficult decision to postpone the trial run, but decided to gather for an impromptu training day instead.
Our dental team came together at our mission base, YWAM Ships Kona, to test out our computer equipment, network system, and the new dental software and x-ray system, none of which our team had used before. We were so grateful for the setup provided by our IT consultant and the training led by our dental software representative. It turned out to be a productive day of learning and bonding, filled with good food and fellowship.
Meanwhile, our 'ministry team' took a much-needed rest and will join us during the rescheduled trial run at OVCC. That day will be a significant moment as we prayer walk the property to bless the venue and the people who will come, practice all the setups, and finalize the details.
Our team is composed of missionaries and members from local churches who have full-time ministry jobs or day jobs. For many, this dental ministry is a secondary or even tertiary calling. With members frequently traveling for missions or work, it’s crucial for our team to have a solid group that can step in during others’ absences.
We ask for your continued prayers, particularly for more dental professional volunteers, so we can serve more people. At present, we are limited in the number of patients we can see due to a shortage of hands. We also need more dedicated children's ministry staff to plan and lead that vital aspect of our outreach.
Finally, please keep the underserved people of this island in your prayers, that their hearts will be open to the gospel as we build relationships within the community. They are eagerly awaiting our healthcare services, but our true aim is for them to feel the love of Jesus through our presence.
It has been a long journey to get to this point, and we are overwhelmed with gratitude as we approach the official launch. All glory to our faithful Father!
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