Great gain from our tragic loss! Stolen camera update.

I had a sick feeling inside. It was Friday. I had just finished taking some people to explore the ocean on the west side of Oahu when I walked back to my truck and saw that someone shattered my window. I looked inside. My professional camera was gone. It was a Canon 5, mirrorless camera with the wide angle lens inside my Nauticam housing with a GoPro HERO9 mounted on top. It’s my main setup for ministry and business. I was devastated. It seemed ironic that right next to this beautiful beach such an ugly thing could happen. What a reminder that we live in a world of brokenness. 

My mind was racing. Who would do this? Will insurance cover the loss of my camera? I hope it doesn’t rain because I probably won’t be able to fix my window until Monday. I called the police to file a report, and I prayed earnestly. I prayed that the camera could be recovered; I prayed for the thieves; I prayed for help. 

When I got home, I started vacuuming up the pieces of broken glass that were all over my truck. I’m happy to clean up my own mess, but to clean up somebody else’s mess that they made of my stuff—that’s pretty challenging. Then it hit me. That’s what the Lord does for us all the time. We make a mess of ourselves, and Jesus is there to clean up the rest of the mess. 

I had so many different emotions. By God’s grace, I knew the feelings would subside and I’d be able to think more clearly and reason and just remember that God can give me victory over my feelings and emotions and teach me how to love and how to forgive. 

I just want to make something clear. We don’t share our trials to draw attention to ourselves or to solicit donations. In fact, we didn’t ask anyone nor did we seek any monetary help. We only asked for prayer for the thief and, if it’s God’s will, that we would find our stolen camera. We do have a nonprofit ministry set up to receive donations, and many of you took the initiative to give us something there and for that we’re extremely grateful. But, to be honest, with all the suffering we see in our world, we didn’t feel right receiving donations to replace a stolen camera. 

But then something amazing happened! It’s going to blow your mind. Let me tell you about it. 

A few years ago, a woman in Hilo began to watch our online videos and follow us on Patreon after her friend attended some of our meetings. She not only enjoyed the online sermons, but she really loved the object lesson videos and our photography. Shortly after our camera was stolen, she was about to place an order for some of our fine art prints when she saw the video of how our camera was stolen. She felt compelled by God to give a donation to replace our camera. We told her that we couldn’t accept such a gift. We felt strongly that there are far greater needs in our world that are more deserving of help. So, instead of her monetary gift, we asked her to pray. She then said that the conviction of God to replace our camera was so strong that she couldn’t take no for an answer. She insisted on recovering our loss in full. She also said that if the camera is found and if insurance does end up paying for it, we will then have an extra camera to use for the glory of God. 

We were so amazed by this generous gesture. And, let me tell you guys, we don’t have the words to describe how unworthy we feel to receive such an expensive gift. All we can do is thank God that He saw our need. He answered our prayer long before we even knew.

Our window was shattered, and our camera was stolen on Friday. But then the donation from the woman in Hilo came on Sunday. On Friday, we were violated, but on Sunday, we were vindicated. On Friday, the sky was cloudy and our minds were troubled and confused, but on Sunday, all was clear, and we were able to see the power and providence of God working on our behalf. Friday was a test. Sunday came a testimony. Friday was a big mess, but Sunday brought an even bigger message. 

This crazy experience reminded me of another Friday tragedy that was followed up by a Sunday triumph. My friends, 2,000 years ago, Jesus died on what many call Good Friday. On that day, the satanic thief came; he broke the body of our Lord, piercing His flesh and nailing Him to the cross. Satan was successful that day in stealing the Prince of Peace from us for a moment. Satan thought that he had won the battle when Jesus dropped His head and breathed His last. But the devil was wrong! Why? Because early Sunday morning, that which was stolen momentarily was recovered eternally. The physical loss on Friday turned into an eternal gain on Sunday. Death could not hold Jesus in the grave. Satan had no power to keep Him there. The Roman guards dropped as dead men when they saw the powerful angel descend from heaven and roll back the stone that covered the tomb as if it was a little pebble (Matthew 28:1-4). Then Jesus, the one who was victimized by His own people on Friday, got up on Sunday morning and walked right out of the tomb. 

He is risen, my friends. Our God is alive! And He is in heaven right now, standing at the throne of God for us. He ever lives to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25). So then, why are you discouraged? Why waste your time dwelling on the past, complaining about the present, and worrying about the future? Jesus is risen! He is alive. “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).

My friends, have the windows of your hopes been shattered and the camera of your joy been stolen? Just like a star in the dark black night, learn to see your challenges as an opportunity to shine bright. Cling to the solid rock of Jesus and you will not be carried away. He will make us unmovable in every difficulty and enable us to stand firm in every storm. And though the night may seem dark and uncertain, keep smiling. Keep singing. Keep shining. Because the devil can steal your possessions, but he can’t steal your peace. He is a defeated enemy. Jesus has won the victory. So be encouraged today, my friend, and smile because, with Jesus, you’re on the winning team.

Mahalo to everyone who reached out with your love and support. We’ll keep you posted on any new updates with our stolen camera. And, as we continue the search, we continue to trust and leave the results with God. And, finally, I want to encourage you with this last thought: If God doesn’t give you a miracle, I challenge you to allow Him to make you a miracle to someone else today. If God doesn’t give you a blessing, allow Him to make you a blessing to someone in need today. You will discover that the miracle and the blessing is not found in the taking and the receiving but in the giving and the sharing. So now, go and be a blessing to someone in need just as Jesus has done for you. Aloha and maranatha!