Aloha from the Church of God State Office.



When Candie and I were appointed to serve as Administrative Bishop of Hawaii, we experienced a profound mix of emotions—gratitude, excitement, humility, and anticipation. From the outset, we sought God’s guidance, praying for His anointing and empowerment over our leadership. During that time of prayer, I felt God impress upon my heart the acrostic Hawaii CARES: Connecting, Affirming, Resourcing, Evangelizing, and Serving. This framework has since guided our mission and continues to shape our priorities, helping us focus our time, energy, and resources effectively. We have learned that there is a time and place for yes, as well as a time and place for no. I have been blown away by how often I sense God saying “yes”. As we begin this new church year, I want to take a moment to thank God for the incredible work He has done—and is doing—through the Church of God in Hawaii. 

Candie and I arrived on Oahu in August 2022, just months after Hawaii reopened following the COVID-19 shutdown. We immediately sensed a deep hunger for fellowship and connection across the islands. In response, we launched the Aloha Welcome Tour, allowing us to personally connect with pastors on each island. Since then, we’ve hosted three impactful Camp Meetings, three Women’s Conferences, two Men’s Conferences, a World Missions Blitz, the Aloha Missions Tour, and are now preparing for the Aloha Worship Tour this October. Our ministers have gathered for two statewide Ministers Meetings, and we’ve held several live and virtual training and resourcing events. Through these efforts, we’ve seen the first letter of our Hawaii CARES framework—Connecting—come to life. God is truly enabling us to build meaningful relationships and strengthen the Hawaii Church of God Ohana.

When we arrived in Hawaii, the Church of God had 31 credentialed ministers—myself included. Pastor Robert Noah, also credentialed, was in hospice care at the time. Nearly half of the ministers were spouses of pastors already serving in local churches. It was clear to me that the future of ministry in Hawaii depended on raising up a new generation of leaders—leaders who call Hawaii home. I am pleased to share that by the time our current CAMS, MIP, and CAMS for Students cohorts graduate in Summer 2026, we will have over 75 credentialed ministers. This growth reflects the second principle in our Hawaii CARES framework: Affirm. We’ve Affirmed the call of God on more than 40 individuals, guiding them through our Ministerial Development programs and placing them in active ministry roles across the islands. Let’s rejoice together—this is a significant milestone that will shape the spiritual landscape of Hawaii for years to come.

One of the most consistent challenges in ministry is having the necessary resources to serve effectively. As I reflect on our time in Hawaii, I’m continually amazed by how faithfully God has provided—often in miraculous ways. Not only has the State Office been resourced, but we’ve also fulfilled the third principle of our Hawaii CARES framework: Resourcing. Through God’s provision, we’ve restored and relaunched multiple ministries at our Ewa Beach facility. Teams from the mainland have contributed over $300,000 in labor and improvements across various Church of God properties. Every church building under Hawaii Church of God has experienced tangible blessings through these efforts. We’ve acquired essential equipment and services for the State Office at significantly reduced costs, allowing us to enhance operations while stewarding finances wisely. Currently, we’re restoring our Wailuku facility, which will be rededicated on October 26, 2025, and will become the regular meeting place for The Bride Church. In Lahaina, we’re witnessing a miracle unfold—a three-part rebuild following the 2023 wildfire. By year’s end, we will have paid off the adjacent property (doubling our footprint), constructed a new three-bedroom parsonage, and built a 3,000 sq. ft. church facility.

These are just a few of the remarkable ways we’ve seen Resourcing come to life. God’s faithfulness continues to empower the Hawaii Church of God to grow, rebuild, and thrive.

Evangelism is experiencing a powerful resurgence in the Church of God. At the 2024 International General Assembly, a new department dedicated to Evangelism was officially reinstated. Hawaii Church of God quickly aligned with this vision by electing our first-ever State Evangelism Director, Ian Mateo. As a native Hawaiian, gifted leader, and passionate worshipper, Ian has already made a significant impact on our ministry efforts across the islands. We’ve joyfully welcomed Pastor Lawrence and Alona Sabangan and The Church of the Lord COG into our growing Ohana. This month, we’re excited to receive Pastor Tender Rickysach and the Micronesian (Chuukese) congregation he leads. Additionally, The Bride Church, our new church plant on Maui, has launched under the leadership of Pastor Jason and Jeralyn Albino. They will soon be in their building and meeting regularly. Our Hawaii Men and Women of Action initiative has already engaged in two major projects, with another work trip to Maui scheduled for the end of September. Beyond the Evangelism Department, our State Youth Director, Brian Whitelock, led another impactful summer of youth camps, where 41 students made decisions to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior. The fourth principle of our Hawaii CARES framework—Evangelize—is being lived out daily across the islands. God is moving, and we are honored to be part of His work in Hawaii.

The final letter in our Hawaii CARES framework is S for Serving—and it’s one we see lived out daily across the islands. I’ve rarely witnessed the level of joyful, selfless service that defines the Hawaii Church of God. Whether it’s operating a video camera or sound board at a state event, preparing and serving incredible meals, engaging in construction projects, leading in prayer, or simply lending a helping hand—our Ohana is faithfully serving. The impact of this service is profound. While we may never fully grasp its reach on this side of eternity, we know lives are being changed.

Candie and I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to every Pastor, Credentialed Minister, Member, and Faithful Attendee of the Hawaii Church of God. We are deeply honored to serve alongside you. We stand in awe of what God has already done—and in faith, believe the best is yet to come.

Bishop Rob and Candie Taylor

Mark Your Calendar for These Events

Calling And Ministry Studies (CAMS)

This is Hawaii's fourth CAMS class. This year we have 10 students from two islands.

Christal Agoony, Irene Cabatic, Fritzy Ann Canico, Rhechelle Carino, Leilani and Glenn Dequez, Kathrina Malaria, Rivera Sabino, Allan Tagayuna, and Kylie Takashima. The CAMS committee consists of: Destiny Albino, Malu Brown, Sefanie Calico, June Guevarra, Ofelia Serrano, Syralyn Vergara.

ADOPTION LIST FOR MINISTERIAL COUPLE OR A WIDOW/WIDOWER FOR CHRISTMAS 2025

CHURCH/PASTOR

ADOPTEE

Garden Isle/Ofelia Serranto/Lihue, Hawaii

Al & Estelita Tagayuna

CrossPoint/James & Maria Jimenez

Toagamalu Brown

Hilo COG/June Guevarra

Winston Elliott & Margaret Tioaquen

Life In Christ/Jerry Racamara

Fulgencio & Editha Cortez

Newtown Aiea/Brian Whitlock

Ino & Gloria Bobcobo

Aeto Atimura

Newtown Ewa Beach/Brian Whitlock

Mack & Carol Evans

Vi Feleti

Kona COG/Keith Elliott

Claudia Noah



Honolulu COG/Bro. Evan Palmer

Ryan & Ramona Shrable

Proposed Additions to 2026 SpiritCare Plan

• Have each church adopt their couple for the year 2026, send complete bio to adopting Minister of the adoptee.

• Institute Quarterly Bible Studies, via Zoom, facilitated by Retired Ministers on a rotation basis.  Bro. Ino will facilitate first quarter study

Resourcing the local church and ministers

Serving Each Other, Our Communities, Hawaii & Our World

Weekly Prayer Force Reminders