Eric Hasha Goes West
By Deane Langdon
CBF West Region
Almost 150 years ago Horace Greeley advised, “Go west, young man!” and this statement often has been attributed to him since that time. However, many strongly believe that John B. L. Soule wrote these words in an editorial of the Terre Haute Express in 1851, which predated Greeley’s advice by approximately fifteen years. Regardless of the identity of the originator of this recommendation, young men as well as young women have been “going west” since the mid-nineteenth century and continue to do so now.
Eric Hasha is one of the latest to follow the counsel to “go west, young man.”
The journey from the East Coast of the U. S. to Hawaii is about as far west as one can go and still be in the United States. Hasha’s westward journey was not begun in obedience to either Greeley or Soule, but following his perception of the call and leadership of God.
His westward journey began by traveling northeast from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama to Richmond, Virginia. After graduating from Samford in 2005, he studied at Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond, graduating in 2009. A residency church staff position at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Richmond helped to confirm his sense of God’s call to serve and love people. This multi-ethnic, multi-cultural church supported Eric’s desire to work at becoming the presence of Christ in our world.
The westward journey then continued when the University Avenue Baptist Church in Honolulu, Hawaii asked him to join them in ministry to students and young adults. “This church also is multi-ethnic and multi-cultural. I guess this is one reason it was easy for me to move such a long way west.” By this time his family included his wife, Cristy, whom he married in 2004 before graduation from Samford, as well as daughter Abigail, who had joined the family about 16 months before their westward trek.
Neither Greeley nor Soule could have imagined the impact this “go west” decision of Eric and his family will have on this church on the western edge of our country. Only God can imagine and bring to fruition God’s desires for this city, this church, and this family. Thanks be to God!
On Easter Sunday, we had an Easter Egg Hunt and games for the Karen children. When we suggested to the Karen leadership that we host an Easter Egg hunt, they were thrilled! In fact, they were so excited because the children had never experienced an Easter Egg hunt or the American traditions of Easter. After Easter worship, we gathered at a nearby park – one within walking distance, since many of the Karen people don’t have a car. Then, the food came – wonderful Karen food, and the typical American food – we brought 100 pieces of fried chicken. About 80 people were in attendance, 30 of them being children. The weather was beautiful. Each child received a little Easter bucket with their name on it and then they lined up – two groups – 5 and under, and 6 and above. They were excited. They saw us hiding the eggs in the many bushes around the picnic area and they were ready to find their fill! When we said “go”, they ran to find as many eggs as possible. The little ones, who went to an area that had eggs easily found on the ground, just stared at the eggs around them, and then stared at their moms. They really didn’t know what to do. After explaining, and showing them how to drop each egg into their bucket, they got the idea and took off running. After all the eggs were found, they joined the big kids trying to find some in the bushes!
As usual, there were a few that collected many and those who collected only a few. We had saved a few extra eggs to give to those who didn’t have enough. Everyone got plenty!
The Easter Egg coloring was also a huge hit! After the children finished their eggs, some of the ladies were eager to participate. In addition, we had sand art (in bottles), tattoos, balloon animals, coloring flowers and butterflies, as well as a bouncy house, volleyball, and other little games.
We were blessed to have, along with Fran and Pete Stevenson, two families from our church who came out on Easter afternoon to help us work this event. It was a great Easter celebration! Each family also received the Veggie Tale Movie: An Easter Carol. There were smiles all around!
Lita Sample,
CBF Global Missions field personnel