HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-06-25 David Smith & Kristin Wolfgang From: Kristin Wolfgang
To: W PCtesti mons
Subject: Testimony Hope Dia-mend
Date: Tuesday,June 25,2024 4:37:37 PM
Aloha e Windward Planning Commision,
I am writing in support of Hope Dia-mend Ministries in Ocean View.
I have been a member of their ministry for the last seven years. Pam and her dear departed
husband Lance ministered to the community since then, but also for many years before that
(but prior to my experience). They openly welcome everyone to participate and hear the
good news of Jesus. They help people who are mentally ill, down on their luck, in need of
services and lost. They have offered support, Bible Study, Celebrate Recovery, children's
camps and Sunday School, food distribution and much more.
I got to know Hope Dia-mend when they were interested in starting a Celebrate Recovery in
Ocean View and made a commitment to drive a van for a crew of ten and sometimes more
to New Hope Volcano every Friday to attend the Celebrate Recovery here. This amount of
travel is a huge commitment and they did it for over a year. They helped out with our
Celebrate Recovery and brought food for meals after the meetings.
My wife, Kristin Wolfgang, and I also drove to Ocean View once a week to administer a
Celebrate Recovery Step Study on Tuesdays to train their attendees as leaders. The same
ten attendees completed the step study and became leaders. This is an eight month
commitment as well.
I have attended as many of their church services and always found that their team reached
out to the outcasts and undesirables as God used Hope Dia-mend as a conduit to help
people change their behavior and their lives.
I know that they sponsor numerous events to reach the youth in the community including
Halloween, Easter, Christmas and more. Giving the youth of Ka`u opportunities to
participate in much needed and safe activities near to their homes.
They work hard to gather donated food from as far away as Kona Costco and distribute it to
the community twice a month. During Covid, they were a major source of food for many
people in the Ocean View community.
I have known them as a safe place for anyone, especially children, to go and experience
Jesus' love.
I have read the Special Use Permit paperwork and the complaint. If Hope Dia-mend is able
to build a permanent structure, this will eliminate the problem with noise that bothers their
neighbors. I know Pam and the ministry team personally and fully believe that they will
carry out their building plan and will work to minimize noise until the building is completed.
Thank you for your attention to this matter,
David A. Smith, Ministry Lead, Celebrate Recovery, New Hope Volcano Christian Ministry
and
Kristin Wolfgang, Ministry support, Celebrate Recovery, New Hope Volcano Christian
Ministry
11-3870 Tenth St, Volcano, HI 96785