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From: Kristin Wolfgang <br /> To: W PCtesti mons <br /> Subject: Testimony Hope Dia-mend <br /> Date: Tuesday,June 25,2024 4:37:37 PM <br /> Aloha e Windward Planning Commision, <br /> I am writing in support of Hope Dia-mend Ministries in Ocean View. <br /> I have been a member of their ministry for the last seven years. Pam and her dear departed <br /> husband Lance ministered to the community since then, but also for many years before that <br /> (but prior to my experience). They openly welcome everyone to participate and hear the <br /> good news of Jesus. They help people who are mentally ill, down on their luck, in need of <br /> services and lost. They have offered support, Bible Study, Celebrate Recovery, children's <br /> camps and Sunday School, food distribution and much more. <br /> I got to know Hope Dia-mend when they were interested in starting a Celebrate Recovery in <br /> Ocean View and made a commitment to drive a van for a crew of ten and sometimes more <br /> to New Hope Volcano every Friday to attend the Celebrate Recovery here. This amount of <br /> travel is a huge commitment and they did it for over a year. They helped out with our <br /> Celebrate Recovery and brought food for meals after the meetings. <br /> My wife, Kristin Wolfgang, and I also drove to Ocean View once a week to administer a <br /> Celebrate Recovery Step Study on Tuesdays to train their attendees as leaders. The same <br /> ten attendees completed the step study and became leaders. This is an eight month <br /> commitment as well. <br /> I have attended as many of their church services and always found that their team reached <br /> out to the outcasts and undesirables as God used Hope Dia-mend as a conduit to help <br /> people change their behavior and their lives. <br /> I know that they sponsor numerous events to reach the youth in the community including <br /> Halloween, Easter, Christmas and more. Giving the youth of Ka`u opportunities to <br /> participate in much needed and safe activities near to their homes. <br /> They work hard to gather donated food from as far away as Kona Costco and distribute it to <br /> the community twice a month. During Covid, they were a major source of food for many <br /> people in the Ocean View community. <br /> I have known them as a safe place for anyone, especially children, to go and experience <br /> Jesus' love. <br /> I have read the Special Use Permit paperwork and the complaint. If Hope Dia-mend is able <br /> to build a permanent structure, this will eliminate the problem with noise that bothers their <br />