“Soul Surfer” is the inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton (inspired by Pastor Michael McCartney).
Bethany lost her left arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, through her sheer determination and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.
Bethany was born to surf. A natural talent who took to the waves at a young age, she was leading an beautiful life on Kauai, participating in national surf competitions with her best friend Alana, when everything changed. On Halloween morning 2003, a 14-foot tiger shark came out of nowhere and seemed to shatter all 13-year old Bethany’s dreams.
Soul Surfer reveals Bethany’s fight to recover from her physical ordeal and how she grappled with the question of her future. Strengthened by the love of her parents, Tom and Cheri, and supported by her church youth group leader Sara, Bethany refused to give in or give up, and began a bold return to the water.
Bethany wrote about her experience in her 2004 autobiography “Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board”, which was adapted into the 2011 feature film “Soul Surfer” in which she attributes her strength to her Christian faith. She is also the subject of a 2018 documentary, “Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable”.
Bethany’s mom shares how at age 15, just 2 years after the shark attack, they started praying for the Lord to show Bethany what the will of God was for her life. She has now been featured on prime time TV shows, talk shows and has spoken at a host of Christian events. She states in her documentary that her divine calling is “to share her faith, tell her story” and to help others with disabilities by inspiring them that with God all things are possible.
In spite of great adversity, Bethany Hamilton is fulfilling the divine purpose the Lord has planned for her life.
What about you? 1. “Do you know what the divine will of God is for your life?” 2.“Are you fulfilling your purpose for Him?” “Are you making a difference now with your life?” Remember, for our own stories to make a difference for eternity, it requires us to both know our divine purpose and then fulfill it for the Lord and His glory.
1 Chronicles 12 lists the men who joined up with David when he was on the run from King Saul. Verse 32 describes some unusual men “from Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do….” Wow! What a legacy! In the midst of adversity and great uncertainty, the men from Issachar joined forces with David and brought much needed encouragement and support to him in his time of need.
May we understand the times! May we know what we should do! In the midst of great darkness and turmoil in our nation and world, may Jesus help us to shine His light and show His love. Don’t just sit back. Don’t stay in your comfort zone. Instead, step out in faith to believe for and receive a miracle! Live the miracle!
This Sunday, July 24, we will be inspired by the ministry of Roger Huang, founder and director of San Francisco City Impact, a ministry to the Tenderloin district (sfcityimpact.com). In spite of great adversity, Roger is also fulfilling the divine purpose of the Lord for his life. Roger will be sharing at the 9:30am Adult Bible Class plus the 10:35am worship service.
Don’t miss Roger's powerful story and challenge. Please invite someone to join you at 10:35am in the building or online for the Live broadcast on either Facebook (Honolulu AG) or our YouTube channel (Honolulu Assembly of God). We Livestream every Sunday to both locations.
We had a thrilling Water Baptism last Sunday. Two people publicly declared their desire to live for Jesus.
Coming Up: An All Oahu Leadership Training event will take place August 13 from 9:30am-1pm (including lunch) at First AG (Red Hill). This training will make you a more effective leader for God. Please let me know if you would like to attend.
Aloha ke Akua!
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