Candie and I walked off the Delta jet into the Daniel Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, upon returning from our holiday break and the screen that greeted us said, "January 1, 2025". Hours earlier that same screen had said the year was 2024. Not much had changed in those few hours, and yet the screen reflected an entirely different year. A sense of excitement and anticipation grew within me as we walked out into the warm Hawaiian sunlight. 2024 had been a good year. Reflecting upon it brought several milestones and highlights to mind. A few include the following:

• We graduated a second class of CAMS students, and our first MIP class in twenty-five years.
• After a multitude of hours labor and thousands of dollars, we rededicated a completely renovated Ewa Beach property.
• We welcomed into the Church of God, Church of the Lord with Pastors Lawrence and Alona Sabangan.
• We selected and approved Hawaii’s first Evangelism Director, Rev. Ian Mateo.
• We installed James Jimenez as Pastor at Cross Point Church on Hilo.

Many other great things happened in 2024. Yet, our focus and excitement have shifted onto 2025.

We have several challenges we are facing and are confident God will give us victory in each one. Looking ahead we plan the renovation of the Wailuku property and the launch of a brand-new church in that once unusable facility. We have a team coming to Molokai for a major project completely replacing the church floor. Another team is coming to help us level a sagging floor in North Shore at the Jesus is Alive facility. We are targeting other areas for church plants and revitalizations. We have launched our first ever CAMS for Students class with seven students. We are planning for another CAMS and MIP class in the fall. Women’s Conference, Camp Meeting, and Youth Camp are going to be amazing. Additionally, Hawaii’s Got Talent will give our students an opportunity to develop and deploy their talents for God’s Glory. I invite you to join Candie and me in prayerful expectation of God doing above and beyond all that we can ask and imagine. We love you and are so very thankful to serving as your Administrative Bishop. 

Bishop Rob and Candie Taylor

To our knowledge, this may be the first time an individual has occupied the office of Evangelism Director in Hawaii. Rev. Ian has been on the field in response to the Maui fire, the rebuilding efforts of the Lahaina Church , and in other church reconstruction efforts, namely the Ewa Beach Church and Wailuku. He comes to the Evangelism Department with a missional mindset of building the Kingdom of God through church planting and revitalizing of struggling churches.

Rev. Ian is the husband to Benita and father to Anaia and Avary. He continues to influence the community through his local business and volunteer projects.

Join the Executive Committee for a call to Global Prayer, live on Facebook (@COGHQ) on Tuesday, January 14, at 2:00 pm HST.

Your participation and prayer for the ministries of the Church of God for 2025 and beyond will be appreciated!

Mark Your Calendar for These Events

#WEGROW

Great news! 

The We Grow YouVersion Plan is now live on The Bible App. 

If you haven't downloaded The Bible App simply visit bible.comon your mobile device and follow the prompts. 

Once the app is installed on your phone simple click the button below to access January 13th, reading.

Once you start the plan, go to "day 13" to access today's content. 

Enjoy!

Bishop Gary Lewis

Resourcing the local church and ministers

2024 Women's Ministries Africa Project

Thank you Hawaii CoG, your efforts to date show over $8,000 contributed to help with the Hurricane relief efforts.

The Church of God Executive Committee announces a call to prayer for the residents of California suffering from the devastating effects of current wildfires. Please pray for the families of those who have experienced the loss of loved ones and homes, and for the thousands of firefighters deployed to battle the blazes.

to neighbors as a way to connect and share the love of Christ. As they knocked on doors, they offered prayers, spreading the message of God's grace. They were able to bless 50 families, with this simple yet powerful gesture touching many hearts. We are THE CHURCH, a church that moves and serves. As Scripture reminds us, we are called to go into the world and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. This Thanksgiving, we give thanks to God for His unwavering faithfulness and loving kindness.

Weekly Prayer Force Reminders

Charla Madden

Member of the Women's Ministries Advisory Council and wife of Secretary General Thomas Madden.

We rejoice in all that God has done through the remodeling of Newtown Ewa Beach Church of God! From start to finish, this journey has been a testament to His faithfulness and provision. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported us with your prayers, encouragement, and generosity. This transformation would not have been possible without you. We hope you are blessed as you watch this video and celebrate with us what God has accomplished!

The relaunch occurred the first Sunday of January with 51 in attendance. Once again, Hawaii Church of God proves the power of partnership. When we give our lives as resources, God gives his blessing and we make a difference for those in need.

Already, 135 families have been impacted by the church's presence. On Nov 21, 2024, Newtown Ewa Beach was the give site for a large community outreach. Each of the families received a ham, turkey and all the fixings for a Thanksgiving meal. Neighbors poured out of their homes to see who was giving the meals to them and why. "We just want to serve the community and let you know Jesus loves you, and so do we!" was the reply.

On a finger shaped island in the Hawaiian chain sits a small Church with a BIG mission. The Church of God sits across the street from what was once the Coconut groves of the Ali'i or kings of Hawaii. Revs David and Shirley Nanod have made their life's mission to Pastor the Church and Community of Kaunakakai on their island of Molokai. Pastor David is a faithful servant leader. He is a hard worker who has given of himself in countless ways. When asked what help would benefit the church, Pastor Dave knew what to highlight. The termite eaten floor of the Church was a project that was bigger than he could handle alone.

The power of ministry partnership went into full effect. Pastor Dave flew to Oahu to purchase wood, carpet, and other materials to have them shipped to Molokai to await the team being led by Rev. Harold Hanks. Rev. Hanks had raised the funds and sent the money ahead to purchase the equipment needed.

Sister Shirley and the church ladies are ready to provide meals and transportation for the team coming from the mainland. They are organized and ready to serve those who have dedicated their time to raise the floor for the Molokai Mission.