Kauai, the northern most island of the state of Hawaii, is known for its lush vegetation, clear waters, and mountain cliffs. It’s a paradise escape for rest, relaxation, and revitalization.
Tucked within the island is Kauai Christian Fellowship (KCF). Led by Rick Bundschuh, one of the church’s founders, KCF was started by placing a high priority on reaching island youth and families through relationship building. The church, started in 1991, had humble origins.
“We launched with no money, no salaried staff,” Rick said of the church’s inception. “Even our chairs were rented on Saturday and returned on Monday. We had no safety nets in case no one showed up.”
Rick spent a considerable part of his career developing youth ministry curriculum. He also was a freelance writer and illustrator for Surfer Magazine. Rick’s background in storytelling, coupled with the KCF culture, helped catalyze a ministry that is meaningful and impactful to the locals. Kauai Christian Fellowship truly exudes the spirit of “Ohana” when it comes to building a family culture in their missional work.
A Practical Learning Experience
After 35 years of pouring into the locals, Kauai Christian Fellowship continues to serve while expanding their reach beyond the island. In an effort to replicate what they’ve done on Kauai for the benefit of the Kingdom, KCF started Anchor House Kauai, a one-year Bible college.
“The school’s intent is to bring in people from all over the world who want to have a gap year or maybe before they get into college and get a good foundation of what they believe and why they believe what they believe,” Rick said.
“It’s designed to deepen students’ faith through Christ-centered Bible training and hands on practical experience.”
Anchor House Kauai’s residency program serves up to 40 students a year. The college offers courses in Apologetics, Christian Living, Early Church History, Science, and Faith. Courses are taught by both local staff and visiting lecturers.
One of those impacted by the ministry of Anchor House was Colin Gosse. As a senior in high school, Colin planned on traveling Europe for a year before returning to his hometown in Wisconsin. Yet while attending a Bible conference, he met a speaker connected to Anchor House. Colin applied and was accepted in the program. After completing the program, Colin stayed in Hawaii. Years later, he actually became a youth pastor at KCF.
In summarizing his journey of ministry (which started with his Anchor House experience), Colin offers, “I am learning to walk and trust. God makes it known.”
A Kingdom Partnership
In order to start Anchor House, KCF needed the ideal location. Providentially, land formerly owned by the Watchtower Society was made available to KCF for less than asking price. All that was needed was to secure the financing needed to build the space for housing and teaching students. This was a bigger challenge than Rick expected it would be.
“As it turned out, banks are extremely hesitant to loan money to churches. Nothing personal, they assured us — it is just that there are no attractive assets in case of foreclosure, and the potential for the bank to get a social black eye if they did foreclose makes loaning to a church a no-fly zone.”
Someone suggested that KCF reach out to CDF Capital. In 2021, the church was able to secure a CDF loan to complete the construction of a 6,500 square foot building. By fall 2022, Anchor House was able to enroll its first cohort of students.
As Rick testifies, “thanks to CDF and their desire to serve our Lord, the Anchor House stands and changes the lives of young adults to this day.”
