On February 27, 2009, tragedy struck as Asa Yamashita, beloved Waianae High School teacher lost her life due to a senseless, brutal crime that sent shock waves through the state – and changed the life of her family, forever. Four years later at sentencing, Bryan Yamashita, Asa’s husband told the assailant, “We mean no ill will toward you,” at his sentencing for the murder. Both the prosecutor and defense attorney lauded the husband as a “big person” and “big man” for being able to forgive. But, Bryan Yamashita later said his faith requires forgiveness. “If people see me as big, my God is bigger,” he said (Honolulu Advertiser, Ken Kobayashi, June 26 2013).
Bryan Yamashita is a teacher at Campbell High School and is a member of Grace Bible Church Pearlside. He is the father of Tori and Katie.
– Where were you when you received the call of Asa’s attack?
– How did you feel?
– When you went to pick up your daughter, what were you thinking?
– What did she ask?
– Describe what happened when you went downstairs for your early morning prayer – as you attempted to make your coffee…
– What does “The Power To Choose” mean to you?
– How did God give you the strength to forgive?
– Why is it so important to forgive?
– You gave a clear message to students at Waianae High School – what was it?
– What or who has God used to help you make it through these last 5 years?
Mark 11:25 “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”