Saturday, October 24

I believe St Mark’s is Made with Goodness, to quote Desmond Tutu’s book, and being a member of this parish has connected me with God's loving-kindness, mercy, and blessings. I am thankful to St Mark’s for strengthening my life of prayer. The more I include St Mark’s in my life, the more I feel God's presence in everything I do.

During this pandemic I have tried with God‘s help to aid our thousands of farmers who own or operate small family businesses through my work for the State of Hawai’i. Those rural members of our community are many times overlooked when limited government resources are prioritized for education, public health, energy, and conservation, and yet we hear so much about the importance of food security.

In March and April, when the stay-at-home emergency proclamation order caused farmers markets, restaurants, and hotels to shut-down, there was a strong threat that our farmers could lose everything they owned. Thousands of acres were planted, and crops were harvested, while 40 to 60 percent of the market demand ended abruptly. I had a strong feeling that I needed do something quickly to prevent our farmers from going bankrupt or quitting. I was able to find funds within our department, as well as use state procurement exemptions due to the disaster, to award over 200 grants, each worth between $2,000 to $10,000 to farms and organizations, carrying them over until federal relief was available. Federal aid for agriculture followed 60 days after our Department of Agriculture COVID Farmer Relief Grant checks were issued. I believe I was able to use my influence to provide timely assistance with God’s help.

Since April I have focused on seeking federal and philanthropic funding to feed the unemployed and hungry, while also providing opportunities for farmers to grow fresh food for local consumption through food assistance programs such as the food bank, SNAP Double Up Bucks, and other nonprofit organizations. I believe I was called to do the work I am doing. During times of uncertainty like now with the pandemic, I ask God for guidance to serve according to His will.

For all of the blessings in my life, I am forever thankful to feel God’s loving-kindness. I am thankful to worship and be with God at St. Mark’s, and I am grateful for how this church continues to form me in my faith so that I can help others.

Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser
Chairperson - Hawaii Department of Agriculture
St. Mark’s Stewardship Team Leader