For Carol Hart, with her children grown and gone, the holidays can be a lonely time.
So when Pastor Steve Franks of King’s Chapel Kauai told the crowd before him they were valuable, she cried, because she doesn’t always feel that way.
“What they’re doing today is making each and every person feel special at this holiday time when they might otherwise be alone by themselves,” Hart said.
She was far from alone Sunday afternoon. She was surrounded by several hundred others who attended the annual Harvest Banquet put on by King’s Chapel at its Hanamaulu site.
While the adults listened to a short sermon, sang and prayed, keiki played nearby, shrieks and laughter filling the air.
Many of the volunteers wore shirts that read, “Live it Right” and “Experience Life.”
There was entertainment, prizes, games, and dinner, dessert and iced coffee.
“I had no idea there would be so much,” a smiling Hart said, “things you can never afford.”
Minister Victoria Franks said they’re happy to do it, “just to bless the community.”
“We try to do that with everything we do. It’s what Jesus would have done,” she said. “For a lot of people who don’t have family on the island, this is their Thanksgiving.”
Steve Franks asked each person to look at the one next to them and say, “You’re important.”
God, he said, loves them so much he sacrificed his son for them.
“You’re worth so much more than you can possibly imagine,” he said.
The banquet is something they delight in sharing.
“We’re giving you something. It’s just part of our heart. I hope you guys will accept it as a gift,” Franks said. “There’s nothing we want back. We are joyful in being able to give because we want to bless the community because you are valuable.”
Iraina Martin came out for the Harvest Banquet and stood with her arms held high and eyes closed during worship and prayer.
She brought her daughter and grandchildren with her, and said she appreciated the chance to be with them and enjoy the offerings.
“I love this. I love it,” she said.
Elise Silva and her husband Corey, both volunteers, prepared the chicken stew dinner at home, and then happily served it.
Thanksgiving is a special time of the year, she said, and they are grateful for their blessings.
“Not only receiving our blessings, but also giving out to people,” Elise Silva said. “It’s a blessing to be here to reach out to the community, our church family ohana, and just bless them with food, some fun and entertainment.”
Hart appreciated their efforts.
She said she had been homeless for a time, but now had a place to live, was feeling confident and hopeful about the future.
“Because of God, all thanks to God,” she said. “He has never failed me.”
Randall Palau, who oversees the church’s children’s ministry with his wife, said the Harvest Banquet was all about giving back to the people and being thankful.
He looked around at the people milling about and smiled.
“I love it. I love it,” he said.
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Bill Buley, editor-in-chief, can be reached at 245-0457 or bbuley@thegardenisland.com.
