THE HENDERSONS OF HAWAII

Have you ever been to Hawaii? It is as beautiful as they say. My uncle Mike spent some time there at Pearl Harbor during World War II. Another uncle, Howard, made it to Hawii at the end of the war just in time to work as a life guard. That must have been fun. RL and I made a trip in 2004 and had a wonderful time on three of the islands.

My favorite Hawaiians are Veryl and Cherl Henderson. Veryl serves as the Executive Director for the Hawaii Baptist Convention, but they were originally from the Rocky Mountains. Veryl grew up in Grand Junction, Colorado, and Cheryl grew up in a missionary home of Roy and Maxine Owen, who served all over the western states. They worked in Hawaii for many years on the state staff.

The Hendersons then made a sojourn back to Colorado for a few short years where Veryl served as our state Director of Missions. The Hawaii convention then needed them, and they travelled back and have remained there, serving very faithfully for several years.

Hawaii seems like the ideal spot, but its not always "paradise". There is lots of "cabin fever" in the state. It is surrounded by water, is influenced greatly by tourists from around the world, and is certainly not on the buckle of the bible belt.

Veryl has given the state wonderful leadership. They live in what we would consider to be a very simple lifestyle at tremendous financial cost. Cheryl is such a wonderful Executive Director's wife who loves the churches and the people. They may be from the American west, but their hearts and lives have been in Hawaii for many years. I love that type of commitment, and it can only come from God's leadersip.

Cheryl is dealing with some cancer problems right now. Pray for her, and also pray for the Hawaii Baptist Convention. They will be hosting the Baptist World Alliance in just a couple of years. They will, under Veryl and Cheryl's leadership, do a great job. They are wonderful hosts.
I'll never forget our afternoon of "eating around Oahu" . . we stopped at each and every known spot that Cheryl could find. Thanks Veryl and Cheryl for being such good friends and for remaining faithful to God's call in your life.