A New Reality, a Sad GoodBye

Many of you know that we moved to Kona two years ago after receiving a call from Pastor Ryan Fasani, a friend whom Eric had worked with in Nashville, TN. We didn't move to Kona for the Fasani's or apart from discerning God's direction for us, but knowing the Fasani family, their similar convictions as Christians, and our common hope for the church made moving a lot easier. Justice had instant friendships with Chenoah and Ahanu, and Eric had a theological dialogue partner and co-conspirator for living this radical thing we call the Gospel. We had anticipated this relationship to not only ground us in Kona for the long term, but also provide the germination of a community of disciples committed to one another in grace, love, and practice.

About three weeks before we left for furlough, Pastor Ryan resigned as Pastor of Kona Coast Nazarene. The Fasanis chose to leave Kona to focus on their health as a family, and we continue to pray for them and KCN even in their absence.

But their absence is difficult for us. We have given in at times to fits of anger, overwhelming sadness, spontaneous tears, and all out weeping. We are at times confused, and wrestle with guilt at whether we contributed at all to this outcome. In short, the past summer has been a summer of grief. We are grieving the loss of close family friends; grieving that Justice won't be able to celebrate birthdays with Chenoah; grieving that we can't surf with Katahdin or play soccer with Ahanu; grieving the loss of such a close theological brother, and certainly grieving what could have been with Mission Kona Coast under Ryan's leadership.

Many have asked whether we will step in as Pastors of Kona Coast Nazarene. This is a legitimate question, as both of us are ordained elders in the Church of the Nazarene and have intimate knowledge and experience of our Mission and Vision for our mission zone and the broader Kona Coast.

The short answer is, No. We do not currently feel God leading us to assume the full responsibilities of Pastor. We very much feel that God is using us in our current role as Missionaries, afforded us the freedom to follow and pursue relationships in the community, and continue the work we have already begun in training local leaders for the future of the church on the Big Island. While our work connects deeply with the life of KCN, it is not dependent upon the lead pastor. Our work and ministry will continue, with your continued prayers and support, in the Mission Zone of North Kona.

Many have also asked about the future of Mission: Kona Coast. The truth is that we just don't know. Our District Superintendent, alongside our board, is going through the process of calling a new pastor. We hope and pray that he/she will have the gifts and passions that fit well into our unique culture and mission here in Kona. We know that the transition will bring changes, but we also trust that the work and culture the Fasanis began will continue through the discernment process for a new pastor.

Please keep us and our church ohana in your prayers as we commit to the health of our community during this transition. Mahalo.