Posted on: Saturday, August 28, 2004

EXPRESSIONS OF FAITH
Try to rise from ashes and shine

By Russell Higa

How vividly I remember that morning, waking with a sore throat and congestion, then dragging myself to the living room to "zone out" before the TV set.

As I watched the unveiling horror show, I felt even sicker. It was Sept. 11, 2001.

As Americans watched the hijacked planes crashing into the World Trade Center, America was shocked and devastated.

Like a battle-weary prizefighter, nearly knocked out, America regained its focus. Volunteer rescue workers from throughout America came to New York to help. Individuals, churches and corporations donated huge amounts of money to relief organizations. Myriads of unsung heroes united their hearts and efforts to help America rise from the ashes.

Did you know that "rising from the ashes" is a recurring Bible theme?

Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused of rape by Potiphar's wife and thrown into an awful prison. But God raised him up to become a great leader in Egypt.

Years later, Israel, in bondage to Egypt, is delivered through an unlikely hero, Moses. Through Moses, God devastates Egypt, delivers Israel from suffering and brings them into the promised land.

God raised a whole nation from the ashes.

In the New Testament, a poor, uneducated, cowardly fisherman, Peter, is raised up to become a great leader of God's church.

Hawai'i has numerous examples of people rising from the ashes.

Roy Yamamoto, after a decade of ice and cocaine abuse and four years in prison, fell to his knees in his cell and prayed for help. God answered. Today Roy, a pastor at New Hope Christian Fellowship, has a ministry that helps prison inmates.

Dennis Sallas rose from Papakolea's poverty to become a Roosevelt High football legend and a UH basketball star, playing with the Fabulous Five. But this legend crashed under the influence of drug abuse. Dennis cried out to God, embraced Jesus and rose from the ashes. Today, Dennis is a pastor at Hope Chapel South Shore who passionately helps the homeless.

God is still raising men and women from the ashes.

Sept. 11 will mark the third anniversary of that infamous day. As we have witnessed how America has risen from the ashes, remember that God desires your life to rise and shine.

Russell Higa is a pastor at Honolulu Christian Church, which is working with other churches to promote the Honolulu Men's Conference, "Rising From the Ashes," on Sept. 11.