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by Kainoa Fukumoto
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A reflection by Malcolm Zara As we get older, it begins to seem as if time moves faster than we do! It feels like the past 4 months for EPIC have flown by, and I am so blessed to have been a part of it.
As EPIC coordinator, I had the opportunity to witness the power of Christ work within this ministry. Our “yamily” has grown with many new faces who each bring their own individual gifts and experiences. We have entered into a new partnership with our sister parish in Waialua and will continue working together to grow in faith. EPIC has a newly strengthened Core Team that is committed to serving Christ’s mission. On top of our usually weekly faith-sharings, we have also been busy with many other activities and events. We celebrated 75 years as a parish, hosted the International Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, helped lead an SS.CC. Faith Friday event, and so much more. Although it may appear that we are in the “season of Martha,” I believe this is a result of our EPIC retreat in Hana. We talked about how we can take this ministry to the “next level” and how we can deepen our relationship with God to get us there. After this past term, I feel confident in saying that we are on our way! Pope Francis recently reminded us all that we are called to move past our comfort zones, to go beyond the walls of church, and to go out and spread God’s love. EPIC has begun doing that more consistently and frequently through our participation in inter-parish events and extending invitations to others to share in our joy. I believe that this plays a great role in the growth of our ministry and of our individual spiritual lives. I pray we may continue to strive toward God by living out the Great Commission to “go out and make disciples of all nations.” I would like to extend a huge thanks to everyone who had given their support and prayers throughout my journey as EPIC Coordinator. I would especially like to thank the EPIC Core Team for their hard work and patience in seeing this vision through of empowering young adults to follow Christ. You guys are a big reason for the success of this transition. Lastly, thank you, Lord, for the strength and wisdom to lead this ministry and for the opportunity to serve You and your people! Here’s to another year "Ever Present In Christ" and His joy! Amen! First and foremost, I would like to thank Malcolm Zara and the EPIC Ministry Core Team for their awesome leadership while I took a sabbatical from September to December. It was really nice to sit back and watch things unfold from the sidelines without the pressure of getting things done and making things happen. But as most of you know, this ministry remains so much in my heart and mind that I’m more than ready to come back as the coordinator of this incredible ministry.
I’ve learned a lot from being just a “regular” member. One thing that I realized was how easy it is to make excuses to not come to our weekly Faith Sharing or any EPIC event especially when you’re not invested in it. “I don’t have to be there because it’s not like I have to do anything since I’m not in charge, so they won’t miss me if I don’t come. Plus I’m so tired from working all day and I’d rather just stay home and do nothing.” Thank God that mentality never won out. I mean, there were definitely days that I had to work all day without much of a break, and I just didn’t feel like going to Faith Sharing at the end of the day. I'm sure we all have days like that, and I’m sure there will be more days like that to come. But one thing I also realized was when I did show up, I was coming to my second home where my family was. Instead of becoming more tired, I actually left feeling refreshed and blessed. I realized that coming to Faith Sharing wasn't for when I was “up to it,” but really, it’s there no matter where I’m at, regardless of how I’m feeling physically, emotionally, or spiritually. And that’s really what EPIC Ministry is about: being a Christmas community of young adults regardless of where each person is in life. EPIC Ministry is a Young Adult Ministry family, or rather, a YAMily! So as we begin a new year, my challenge to everyone is to make that first step…just show up. If you’ve been gone from EPIC for a while or if you’ve been coming off and on, regardless of where you are in your life, this is an open-invitation to come back home to your YAMily. We miss you and look forward to seeing you! May the blessings of this new year be upon you and your home. Yours in Christ, Kainoa EPIC Ministry Coordinator  EPIC Ministry's mission statement is "to empower young adults to follow Christ by service, social, and spiritual paths." We take a look back through the many events and moments in 2014 that exemplify EPIC continuing this mission.
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