Wise Soul

Pastor Glenn Hirashiki

God revealed a powerful lesson to me through a wise humble soul, Pastor Glenn. I watched years of this amazing pastor quietly, sometimes silently lead his flock. He was an example of patience in my life. His prayer life was powerful, as God revealed the hearts of those in his care, he would teach them according to where they were in their own personal spiritual walk with the Lord. He never expected them to jump from the bottom of the ladder to the top as they spiritually walked with God. He met them where they were. He led them as a shepherd to the water, and taught them how to drink, then ever so patiently waited if they indeed desired and partook of the living water. He would listen endlessly to souls, and then

give them solid biblical counsel. He always pointed to Jesus and never did I see him point to himself. Funny thing was as he was leading me, I never felt pushed or pulled; just quietly lead in the right direction. It was as though he wasn’t watching or paying attention, but boy was he ever! He always knew when one of his flock were not around, and was struggling spiritually. If one was in trouble or hurting, he always knew. He would seek the Lord in the matter, and receive His direction on how to approach each person. I find this powerful. Along with his incredible patience and wisdom, he was surprisingly fun and real, all woven perfectly together.

I remember a time when he led a group of young men and women to an orphanage in Mexico. He never lorded over the group, but simply led, and they followed and learned by watching him interact with the hurt, broken children. You could sense his approval as he observed and enjoyed his group loving and caring for the hurt children in their arms.

He naturally and thoroughly enjoyed the young group of men and women; right down to getting into water fights and loving it when they T P-ed his home! He also kept a close eye on the ones in his group who loved Jesus, and desired to serve Him. He again gently guided and taught them how to lead; as a result, they felt valued. He was very close to the heart of God, and heard His voice clearly. God is using this man to develop young leaders into Godly leaders in His kingdom. I am so grateful and blessed God used this man to teach me by example the gentleness of Jesus’ way of leading.

“To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.” John 10:3-4