Karl Sandbo, 27, a parishioner of St. Michael Church in Waialua, would watch the families setting up tents and sleeping in cars in Mokuleia Park, thinking there was nothing he could do about it. He didn’t hold that conclusion for long. Now he and his cousin Jordan Pebenito lead a group of young adult volunteers who regularly minister in the park. Here he tells us how the ministry began.
By Karl Sandbo | Special to Mana‘olana
For just over a year, SMaPPY! — the St. Michael and Sts. Peter and Paul Youth and Young Adults — have been helping the families living in Mokuleia Park on the Oahu’s North Shore. Most would call them “homeless.” They identify themselves as “temporary residents.”
Families have lived in the park for about as long as I can remember. I saw them in their cars and tents as I drove by or was headed there to watch the sunset, the gliders, or the kite-surfers. My heart broke each time I saw them, but I felt like there was nothing I could do.
Finally, I decided our parish group could do something. We started out small. Some people donated sandwich ingredients, chips and drinks, and a group of seven youth and young adults came together in the rectory with St. Michael’s associate pastor Sacred Hearts Father Johnathan Hurrell to assemble sandwiches and brown bag lunches. Loading up the lunches, we headed to the park.
There was some natural apprehension all around and it took prayers and some courage to approach the residents. But reality never matched our fears when time and again we would approach a family and be warmly received. Soon it just seemed natural. It really helped that we did it together.
The first visit broke the ice between the parish and park communities. Father Johnathan came along that first day and has since continued a close relationship with many park residents. He has also gotten them help through the parish outreach program. He and our pastor, Sacred Hearts Father Bertram Lock, are strong supporters of SMaPPY.
After three visits, one a month, the residents began to recognize us. Then we learned they didn’t really like the sandwiches. Now we bring things they need, like blankets and toiletries and occasional hot plate lunches.
For our part, we befriended an ever-shifting community. We’ve seen people come, and people leave and people move into more permanent homes. We’ve shared the residents’ frustrations when city police conduct sweeps and other initiatives to pressure them out of the park. We were touched by the babies and children who lived there.
If there is one thing I’ve learned, it is that you can’t generalize about the type of people at the park. They all have different circumstances and different reasons for being there.
This past Christmas and Easter, the whole parish — St. Michael Church and School and Sts. Peter and Paul Mission — got involved in this ministry. Parishioners donated a hearty holiday meal and gifts for each park resident.
Parishioners connected park residents with social agencies. Laura Morihara put several families in touch with the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program. And Kelly Godwin procured a social worker for a child with autism.
This ministry helps us follow all of SMaPPY’s three core values of “Spiritual, Service, and Social” and live more fully a Christian life. “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me. (Mt 25:40)”
There’s nothing extraordinary about what we do, except that God allows us to participate in his work and share in his love for a special group of people in our community.
If I had one piece of advice to others who may be considering this work of love, it would be “Live mercy and trust God. Don’t allow your fears to keep you from doing what your heart calls you to do.”