Meet the Van Wagner’s

We, DiRon and Hailee, have been married for just about 8 years now.  DiRon use to come hang out at the coffee shop Hailee worked at, he came ordering an orange juice and cherry Danish and ended up with a wife! Our sweet Keala came into our world a year and a half later.  And then in another 16 months she became a big sister, to Hilton.  Life with two little ones keeps you on your toes, but there is always a laugh in our house! 

DiRon grew up in the church, but faith was never a priority until the last few years.  God had a plan for him, but he was not always interested in going where that plan led.  Callings don’t always fit into to our comfort zones and, being a natural introvert, following a call into ministry can be a scary thing.  Thankfully we serve an awesome God, who can use our weaknesses to show His strength.

Hailee grew up attending the LDS church with her family.  She has always had a passion for people and a heart after God.  From a young age she wanted to be a missionary.  By her senior year in High School she really started spending time in the Bible, knowing now that it the only true Word, in doing so she met her Savior.  She soon realized there was only one God and He wanted her to choose Him above everything, even if it meant losing her family.  It hasn’t been a cake walk, but God is always with us no matter what!

Together, we have a passion for serving God wherever He sends us.  We are very excited about the heart behind Big Island Faith Communities.  Going to Hawaii doesn’t hurt for the sun and surf loving DiRon and Hailee can’t wait to start throwing parties for God’s sake.  Keala and Hilton are outdoor lovers, so getting from the Washington rain to year round sunshine is also a big draw.  Hawaii sounds great, especially knowing that we are headed there because God has a plan for Hilo and our family.

 Now for a little Q & A:

1.   What are you excited about?

DiRon: warm weather, growing in Christ by taking a step of faith

Hailee: to grow as a family until and closer to God

Keala: to learn how to surf, to swim in water and to build a sand castle, oh and to fly a plane!                                                            

Hilton: excited to speak Hawaiian talk…like gracias!

2.   What makes you nervous?

DiRon: the unknown, leaving everyone we know, spending that much time with the Nobles’ (just joking!)

Hailee: Leaving my family and friends and being an ocean away from them.

3.   What has God told you about our adventure?

DiRon: We have to trust Him; it’s ok to be crazy!

Hailee: He wants me to choose Him first again, like when I first became a believer.  God wants all of me.

Keala: God told me we were supposed to go and teach people about Him.

Hilton: To go and make new friends.         

4.   How can we pray for you?

DiRon: for Gods direction and provision

Hailee: for His wisdom and that God will move our hearts and those in our path

Keala: I’m going to miss my friends, pray that I can make new friends and teach them about Jesus.

                       Hilton: pray that I can tell people about Jesus