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Aloha from the Church of God State Office.
August closes out another church year. (The official church year is September 1 - August 31 each year.) The 2024-2025 church year brought many significant challenges, and many more miraculous victories. I stand more in awe of God today than I ever have been before. I see God’s grace, mercy, love, and compassion through eyes seasoned with tears and a heart poured out in prayer like no other time in my life. Let me quickly state, God has always been faithful, I have not always been adept at seeing. That brings me to the point I wish to make in this article. If we, by the Holy Spirit, will have eyes to see, and ears to hear, we will be amazed at all God is doing in our day and in our world.
It is easy to allow the busyness of our schedules, and the distractions of our challenges to cloud our vision and dampen our hearing. Rereading a familiar story in Isaiah 6 encourages us to see also the Lord. Isaiah was in the midst of a national tragedy and personal heartbreak at the death of King Uzziah (Azariah). We are not privy to the length of time that had passed with Isaiah in this state of being, but we are told that at a particular point in time he saw also the Lord. What we find is that God enabled Isaiah to see him in spite of the national tragedy and personal heartbreak. In comparison to God, all the other concerns and heartbreaks paled. Isaiah saw the eternal. Isaiah saw God enthroned: sovereign in spite of the king’s death and the uncertainty of transition. Isaiah saw God exalted: high and lifted up - other than any other, holy, holy, holy. Isaiah saw God immense: larger and stronger than all the troubles in the world. Isaiah also saw God worshipped: adored and declared holy by the seraphim in heaven and humanity on earth.
May we all have eyes to see and ears to hear during this coming 2025-2026 church year. God is present. God is speaking. God is working. May we see it. May we hear it. May we worship God, and serve him by participating in what he is doing. I am confident God has more for us, than we can think or imagine. Let’s see, hear, and do in order that we may receive and participate in his plan for our lives and his church.
Candie and I love you and continue to be thrilled to serve you here in Hawaii.
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Bishop J. Rob Taylor
Administrative Bishop
Church of God in Hawaii
| | | | Bishop Rob and Candie Taylor | |
Bishop Brian & Zara Whitelock | Camp Meeting Youth Night Service | |
“We are the Fellowship of the Redeemed!”
What an unforgettable summer we’ve had! Our 2025 Hawaii Youth Camp was one for the books — from powerful altar moments to hilarious games and friendships forged for eternity. Most importantly, we saw 43 young people give their hearts to Jesus, many baptized in the Holy Spirit, and countless others rededicate their lives and answer the call to ministry. That’s what it’s all about!
Thank you to every leader, sponsor, and volunteer who helped us reach our goal of $21,000. You didn’t just fund a camp — you invested in a generation.
And guess what? The journey to 21K for 2026 has already begun! We’ve received our first $500 donation — praise the Lord! 🙌
| | Aloha from the Hawaii Youth & Discipleship Department | |
Back to School, Not Back to Normal
📖 “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” — Luke 9:23 (ESV)
Summer may be over, but the mission hasn’t changed. As students head back to school, this isn’t just a return to the classroom — it’s a return to the battlefield. The bell rings not just for learning, but for living out your faith in real-time.
Jesus didn’t say, “Take up your books and follow me.” He said, take up your cross — daily. That means walking into school with purpose, knowing who you are and Whose you are. It means standing for truth, showing kindness when it’s not returned, and being the light in a place that often feels dim.
You’re not just going back to school — you’re stepping onto holy ground, because wherever you go, Jesus goes with you.
Challenge:
Before you walk into class, pause and pray:
🟡 “Jesus, help me carry Your presence today.”
🟡 “Help me be bold, even if I feel alone.”
🟡 “Use me to make someone’s day brighter.”
Upcoming HYD Events:
Fellowship of the Redeemed Rally
Hawaii COG Ministry Center
Saturday, September 6th @ 6 p.m.
Come ready for worship, Word, and wild games. Let’s keep the camp fire burning!
HYD Car Wash Fundraiser
Hawaii COG Ministry Center, Aiea
Saturday, September 13th
Time to shine—both cars and hearts. All proceeds go toward 2026 youth camp!
With Aloha and Gratitude,
Brian Whitelock
Youth & Discipleship Director
Church of God, Hawaii
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Shoutout to Our Boots on the Ground
A huge mahalo to our Men and Women of Action Team of Hawaii who recently partnered with The Bride Church of God and Pastor Jason to begin remodeling their church building. The work has officially begun, and lives are being touched already.
Also, we’re excited to report that materials are now on-site to begin construction for the Lahaina Church of God in partnership with ICG Church of God. What the enemy tried to destroy, God is rebuilding — stronger and more beautiful than before!
Let’s keep reaching. The harvest is ready.
Our Mission:
The Church of God Ministry of Evangelism is built upon the philosophical and strategic vision to complete the Great Commission of Jesus Christ in the Spirit and Power of Pentecost.
We focus on the following key areas:
- Church Planting
- Church Revitalization
- Church Health
- Soul Winning
- Serving
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Hawaii Church of God Evangelism Department
Giving That Goes Beyond the Walls
“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”
— 2 Corinthians 9:11 (NIV)
When we talk about evangelism, we often think of bold preaching, street ministry, or mission trips. But one of the most overlooked tools of evangelism is this: giving.
In 2 Corinthians 9, Paul isn’t talking to evangelists — he’s talking to everyday believers. And he reminds them that their generosity leads to people giving thanks to God. Think about that: when you give, someone else meets Jesus. A meal is served. A tent revival gets funded. A church is planted.
Giving isn’t just a financial act — it’s a faith act. It’s how we say, “Lord, I trust You. Use this seed for Your glory.” And in God’s economy, no seed goes wasted.
Every dollar given to the work of the Lord is like fuel in the fire of evangelism. Whether it’s a dollar in the offering plate or a check for church planting — it’s all Kingdom currency.
Top Ten Reasons We Give in Church
1.Because Jesus Gave First
John 3:16 says it best — God so loved that He gave. Generosity started in Heaven.
2.Because Obedience Opens Blessing
Malachi 3:10 reminds us that tithing isn’t just about money — it’s about trust. And when we trust, He pours out.
3.Because It Breaks Greed Off Us
Giving reminds us that stuff doesn’t own us — Jesus does.
4.Because We Want to Build the Kingdom, Not Just Buildings
Your giving helps fund missions, church planting and so much more.
5.Because We Can’t Take It With Us
But we can send it ahead by investing in eternity
6.Because Generosity Is Contagious
When we give joyfully, it stirs faith in others. It becomes a movement, not a moment.
7.Because It’s Worship, Not a Wallet Check
Giving is just as spiritual as singing — it’s a declaration that God is our provider.
8.Because We’ve Seen Too Much Not To
After all God’s done for us, how can we not sow back into His house?
9.Because Miracles Still Happen
Giving opens the door for God to show up in ways that don’t make sense on paper — but make perfect sense in Heaven.
10.Because We’re #Blessed to Be a Blessing
We don’t give to get — we give because we’ve already got more than we deserve.
| | | Hawaii Church of God Media Ministry | |
Building Bridges: Effective Social Media for Ministry
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In today's interconnected world, social media has become an indispensable tool for Churches seeking to connect with their congregations, reach new audiences, and spread their message. Far from being just a promotional platform, social media offers unique opportunities for fostering community, sharing spiritual insights, and facilitating real-time engagement.
Why Social Media Matters for Churches:
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Expanded Reach: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube allow ministries to transcend geographical boundaries, reaching current members and attracting new individuals who might not otherwise encounter their message.
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Community Building: Social media creates spaces for believers to connect, share prayer requests, offer encouragement, and engage in discussions about their faith, fostering a sense of belonging beyond Sunday services.
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Content Dissemination: Ministries can easily share sermons, devotional content, inspirational messages, event updates, and valuable resources through various multimedia formats, including live streams, videos, and images.
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Real-Time Engagement: The interactive nature of social media enables immediate communication, allowing ministries to answer questions, respond to comments, and offer spiritual guidance in a timely manner.
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Storytelling: Sharing personal testimonies, mission trip experiences, and stories of faith can be incredibly powerful, demonstrating the impact of the ministry within the community and inspiring others.
Best Practices for Effective Social Media Ministry:
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Understand Your Audience: Tailor your content to the demographics and interests of your community. Are they young families, students, or senior congregants? Knowing your audience helps you create relevant and captivating posts.
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Define Your Purpose: Every post should have a clear goal – whether it's to educate, inform, or engage. Avoid simply posting for the sake of it.
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Diverse Content: Keep your feed engaging by using a mix of visuals, videos, inspirational quotes, scripture passages, event announcements, and behind-the-scenes glimpses.
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Promote Engagement: Ask questions, create polls, and encourage comments and shares. Respond actively to your followers to foster a sense of camaraderie and facilitate two-way conversations.
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Be Consistent and Professional: Maintain a regular posting schedule and a consistent brand voice. Use high-quality images and videos, and always proofread your content.
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Focus on "Doing" Ministry: Instead of just promoting events, use social media to actively engage in ministry. For example, invite people to pray now rather than just announcing a future prayer meeting.
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Tell Stories: Share authentic testimonials and stories of how God is working in people's lives. These personal narratives resonate deeply.
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Leverage Visuals: Images and videos are highly effective in stopping the scroll. Use photos of people from your church and create visually appealing graphics with scripture or sermon quotes.
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Consider a Content Calendar: Plan your posts in advance to ensure consistency and a well-rounded content strategy.
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Encourage Next Steps: Include clear calls to action, such as links to your website for more information, event registrations, or ways to connect further.
While social media offers immense benefits, it's also crucial for ministries to be mindful of potential risks, such as heated discussions, negative comments, and the need for confidentiality regarding personal information. Having clear social media guidelines and a dedicated team to manage accounts can help mitigate these challenges.
By embracing these best practices, Church ministries can harness the power of social media to strengthen their communities, extend their reach, and continue to share the Good News in meaningful and impactful ways
— Bishop Wayne White (aka B-Dub)
Hawaii Media Director
| | Mark Your Calendar for These Events | | |
Zoom Schedule
August 5
Meet and Greet w/ Author-
Molokai Hosting
August 12
Ch 1 Kauai
August 19
Ch 2 Church of the Lord/ NT Ewa
Beach/Good News
August 26
Ch 3 JIA/Honolulu/Maili
September 2
Ch 4 Maui Churches
September 9
Ch 5 Kona Churches
September 16
Ch 6 Hilo Churches
| | There are 5 copies of the book available at the state office. Contact Candie Taylor for yours today. $15.00 each | | Be sure to check our website often for updates and more information. HawaiiCOG.Org | | Affirming every individual & his or her calling | |
Spirit Care Representatives
Spirit Care representation is an important part of Church of God care for our retired ministers and widows. Rev. Mack and Carol Evans have answered the call to join with the Church of God Ministerial Care Office to coordinate efforts of care and community. The Evans are choice ministry leaders and will serve well.
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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
| | Scholarships are available for those in need. Contact Pastor Brian Whitelock or Rev. Ian Mateo for more information. | | Resourcing the local church and ministers | | |
Interested? Contact Rev. Ian using the link below.
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Free Worship Instrument Training
Aloha Hawaii COG, the State Music Department is happy to present Worship Music and Worship Instrument training. If you are interested in learning how to play drums, base, acoustic guitar, and the keyboard, then this program is for you. We will start in person classes along with online classes to help you learn or sharpen your gifts and talents for the Lord.
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GA24 HARVEST NOW GRAPHIC RESOURCES
Download the graphic logo resources for the Harvest Now theme in English and Español.
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| Evangelizing to Win Souls for the Kingdom | | Serving Each Other, Our Communities, Hawaii & Our World | | | |
The Revs. Holland to Lead Hawaii Church of God Prayer Force
Through miraculous partnership, Revs. Joel and Ryan Holland continue to build on the foundation of the Maranatha Church of God on Kauai. Their heart for God and people shines bright. This makes their appointment to lead the HI prayer initiative exciting. Look for news and opportunities to engage in prayer in the coming days.
We are asking each church to forward to the State Office the name and contact information of an individual to join the prayer ministry team as a representative from the local church. God still answers prayer.
| | | Weekly Prayer Force Reminders | | | | |
