Tragedies and Reflections of 2023
Warmest Aloha to all our family, friends, and supporters!
We hope and pray that this letter finds you in good health and spirits.
As the year comes to a close, we reflect on the lessons and experiences of 2023.
If I had to describe 2023 in one word, it would be “traumatic”. This year has been marked by trauma from global conflicts that have wreaked havoc upon the physical and mental health of humanity. It is heartbreaking to see the innocent victims of the brutal wars around the world.
On a personal level, this past year has been one of the hardest we’ve faced, with the loss of two family members to cancer and stroke, as well as two beloved friends. In March, our dear helicopter pilot friend Daniel Lui and his four passengers went missing in Palawan, Philippines. Despite extensive searching, we still have no closure. We continue to pray for Daniel’s wife, Prima, and his family who are still awaiting answers.
In October, I lost a close friend to suicide. He left behind two beautiful daughters. Battling depression and being overwhelmed by life's pressures, he wanted to live but could not see a way out of his pain. I wish I could have spoken to him one more time and affirmed his deep worth and his reasons to live. Now, I can only honor his memory and entrust his life to God.
Natural disasters have also brought unbearable trauma. The Maui fires razed Lahaina and other parts of Maui, claiming 100 lives. Lahaina, Wati's hometown, is now reduced to ash and rubble. While our immediate friends and family are safe, many, including some relatives, lost their homes and possessions. The devastation is heart-wrenching, and the recovery, both physically and mentally, will span decades. There is so much heartache all around us. Surely, we were not created to experience death. Our Maker never intended for us to endure pain and suffering.
This year we have created our Reflections of Hope scripture calendar as an offering of love, dedicated to the people of Maui and all who have faced trauma. Our 2024 calendar features my best images of Maui adorned with Bible promises, something small that God can use to remind us of His goodness and faithfulness every day. Despite the surrounding devastation, may we be reminded that there is still so much to be thankful for and so much to live for! In the coming year, whatever new challenges we face, let us learn to count blessings, be patient in hope, and maintain gratitude in all circumstances. All proceeds from the sale of our calendar will go towards upcoming ministry projects for 2024 and a portion will go towards the Maui fire victims. You may donate or order calendars at here or call 808.640.7943.
Perhaps your year was difficult, too. Maybe you’ve faced battles that have knocked you down, or encountered problems that have robbed you of peace. If so, you're not alone. God, who knows our suffering, gave His Son to bear our pain and suffer our death. But Jesus lives today, offering present peace and future hope! We believe better days are coming. We anticipate a day when God shall wipe away all tears from our eyes and replace temporary pain with eternal peace. Until then, let us be channels of God's healing love, using our talents and resources to point others to the loving Savior who promises to be with us always, even until the end!
Thank you so much for your prayers, encouragement, and support!
Aloha always,
Taj and Wati
