Testimonials

Avi: My time in Kaua‘i not only deepened my relationship with God, but also gave me the confidence and practical skills to step into leadership in all areas of life. During my first session, I built a strong foundation in Scripture and developed lasting friendships with people who continue to encourage me in my walk with Christ. In my second session, I stepped into more of a leadership role. I was helping guide new residents and I got to do more with running our sourdough baking and homemade goods operations. Through that hands-on experience, I grew so much and rediscovered a passion and skill set that translated directly into launching my own Christ-centered bakery business back home. The residency shaped me both spiritually and professionally, and it continues to impact how I live, lead, and create community today.

(delicious treats from Avi’s new bakery business)

(Kaleb and his fiance, Cami)

Kaleb: Kauai, the Garden Island, my second home. I will forever remember the 13-plus hour flight coming to an end, being met with a few alohas and mahalos, fanning the flame for the next 3 months of nothing but adventurous hunger for the Lord’s presence with brothers and sisters that I would end up truly calling family and inviting to my wedding… But before we get to that I just want to express deep gratitude to HLR’s founders, who are pioneers full of humility and passion for the next generation. Through getting your hands dirty on the farm and whipping up in the kitchen for the locals to feast on handmade foods, serving in the body of Christ at local churches, followed up with many opportunities to just pour into the island rather than just take, Eric and Lyn lead from a distance but always with integrity and no-excuses. Bearing witness, I grew to understand how this short season with friends from Genesis Collective would only multiply the harvest. The plow being pushed, the rich soil cultivated in the Hawaii Leadership Residency will produce the few who are called. 

Through decorated pastors, from leaders in their respected home churches, to church planters from around the globe coming to this hub for one goal in mind: equipping the next leaders to be devoted, laid-down-lovers for the Gospel, becoming like Jesus by any means available through our Helper, through the Holy Scriptures, through the work. 3 months in Hawaii is wonderful of course, but 3 months of concentrated adventure with Jesus is a no-brainer. Like King David said, “for there is one thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the House of The LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple.” This time is sacred, this time can change everything for the years to come. And it will only happen if you are willing, that is the one thing The Lord seeks: our “yes.”

Hawaii Leadership Residency helped set in stone what the Lord has done in my life since I met Him and surrendered my life to Him in 2023. Leading up to this residency, the Lord was doing deep work in me, with the Spirit and also with stepping my future as husband and as a youth-ministry leader. My time in Hawaii added more fear of the Lord, more hunger for the Lord’s will to be done, not just in my Christian-bubble but in the world. I will always cherish the 1-on-1’s and sessions of teachings. These are rich teachings from leaders who have devoted their lives to Jesus and I’m grateful they have imparted such blessings on me. Now as I prepare to be a married man, stepping into more of the picture of the Wedding Banquet, I have the strong families of the teachers to thank for their vulnerability and commitment to put on full display what it takes to be laid down like Christ laid down His life for us.