May 2025

 

In grade school the music teacher taught our class a song during the months of April and May. I cannot remember the entire song, but I do recall the line that proclaims, “April showers bring May flowers…” Although Hawaii enjoys year-round beautiful weather and a continuous season of growth, I am certain we can all still relate to that children’s song as it speaks of an ending of Winter’s lifelessness and the beginning of Spring’s new life and growth. As I am writing this article, playing in the soundtrack of my mind is that line of the ancient children’s song on repeat. Beyond a cute children’s song, that offers teaching of the change of seasons, it reminds me of one of the most exciting aspects of this part of the Christian calendar. We have just celebrated the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday. Much attention is given annually to this monumental event. It should be. However, we often move from Easter with little understanding of its impact beyond the conclusion of the holiday season. Just as in the mainland, April showers bring May flowers, Jesus’ death and resurrection offers a newness of life that changes everything. If you have celebrated Easter and simply moved on, I encourage you to hit pause and revisit all that Christ’s resurrection provides. We will see that its impact is for both time and eternity. In John 10:10 we read: “…I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (NKJV) Further, 2 Peter 1:3 says: “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (NIV) Moving beyond the scope of time, 1 Corinthians 15:19 says: “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.” (NIV) In follow-up, 1 Corinthians 15:51-55 says: “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” (KJV)

I hope you enjoyed your celebration of Easter. I pray its lasting impact will be the framework for the rest of your life. Candie and I love you and are praying for God’s best blessings in your life.


Candie and I love you and are praying for you. 

Blessings,

Bishop J. Rob Taylor

Administrative Bishop

Church of God in Hawaii

Bishop Rob and Candie Taylor

Bishop Brian & Zara Whitelock

Fire Within Conference

All who work with students are invited to this exciting time of training, resourcing, and fellowship. It is scheduled for Saturday, May 24, 2025. We will be gathering at the Hawaii Church of God Ministry Center in Aiea. Registration is required. Please register now.

YWEA


Youth World Evangelism Action is a means of helping our students get involved in giving to World Missions. Each year Church of God students from all over the world work together to impact a specific project. Hawaii has a rich heritage in YWEA. Our Ministry Center was a YWEA Project in the 1070's. We have also given a significant amount of money over the passed 50+ years of YWEA. This year focuses on Grace for Greece and provides an opportunity for oour students to make a real difference.

Aloha from the Hawaii Youth & Discipleship Department 

PRAISE REPORT – We did it!

We’ve officially reached our Journey to 21K goal! Thank you to every church, leader, family, and individual who prayed, encouraged, and gave. Because of your generosity, youth camp will be more accessible than ever—and lives will be forever changed!


SHOUT OUT – Car Wash Champions!

Huge shout out to all the churches and amazing people who came out to support our HYD Car Wash Fundraiser. Together, we raised over $1,500! Your support washed more than just cars—it helped pave the way for spiritual breakthroughs this summer.


CAMP PRAYER COVERAGE NEEDED

With summer right around the corner, we’re shifting into high gear for Youth Camp 2025. Please join us in covering every detail in prayer:

   •          Every camper

   •          Every leader and worker

   •          Every service and moment of ministry

   •          Every church sending youth

We believe God is going to do something powerful, and it all starts with prayer.


Matthew 19:26, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Let’s be real—sometimes life hits us with situations that feel bigger than us. Whether it’s a family issue, financial struggle, health concern, or a burden you’re carrying for someone you love—it can feel impossible. But that’s where faith steps in.


If you’re facing something that feels too big to handle, put your eyes on Jesus. We’re not called to carry the weight of impossibility—we’re called to walk in faith. God doesn’t ask us to do what only He can do.


We’re called to the possible: to show up, to obey, to trust.

And He’ll handle the impossible: to heal, to restore, to redeem.


This summer, we’re believing for the impossible: lives transformed, callings awakened, chains broken, and a generation ignited. The mission may seem impossible—but with God, it’s Mission Possible.



With Aloha and Gratitude, 

Pastor Brian

Pastor Brian

YD

Church of God in Hawaii

How You Can Help?


As we move forward, we invite you to be a part of these works of ministry. If you would like to help with the remodel of our Wailuku Church Building, we encourage you to join our Hawaii Men & Women of Action Group and make a tangible impact for the Kingdom.

A Special Thanks

We want to give a special shoutout to our Evangelism Board for their leadership and dedication to this mission: Pastor Jason Albino, Rev. Jozie Hawthorne & Rev. Elisha Whitelock.



Their commitment to evangelism and church development is helping to transform lives and communities across Hawaii.

KITV.com Interview - Island Life Live

with Rev. Ian Mateo and Rev. Jason Albino.

Hawaii Evangelism Ministries


The mission of evangelism is alive and active across Hawaii, and we are excited to share how God continues to open doors and stir hearts in this season of ministry.

 

This month, we continue to support and stand alongside Pastor Jason and Jerlyn Albino as they prepare to launch The Bride Church of God in Wailuku. Church planting is no small task—but when God is at the center, what seems impossible becomes Mission Possible. Please keep them in prayer as they build a launch team, prepare the facility, and reach out to the Wailuku community with the hope of Jesus.

 

At the same time, restoration efforts in Lahaina are moving forward. We are partnering with a contractor and ICF Church of God to rebuild what was lost in the fires. This project is more than just physical reconstruction—it’s about reclaiming hope, restoring faith, and rebuilding community.

 

Rise For Lahaina: A Worship Experience

We invite everyone to join us for a powerful night of worship at Rise for Lahaina: A Worship Experience—

Friday, May 30th | 7:00–10:00 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30 p.m.)

Location: Calvary Chapel, 98-1016 Komo Mai Dr., Aiea, HI 96701

 

This night of worship, prayer, and unity is focused on helping us reach our goal of raising $50,000 toward rebuilding the Lahaina Church Building, which was destroyed in the fires. Come ready to encounter God’s presence and be a part of something bigger than ourselves. Every donation, every song, every prayer—it all helps rebuild what the enemy tried to take away.

 

The Why Behind What We Do

Jesus didn’t just call us to build buildings—He called us to build people. Church planting, outreach, and church restoration are all about making room for more to encounter Jesus. As Romans 10:14 reminds us,

“How will they hear without someone preaching to them?”

When we support home missions, we’re investing in changed lives.

 

Get Involved

If you’d like to be part of the remodel team for the Wailuku Church Building, we invite you to serve with our Hawaii Men & Women of Action Team. Whether you can build, paint, organize, or encourage—there’s a place for you in this mission.

 

Thank you for praying, giving, and going. Together, we are not just working—we are witnessing.

Let’s keep reaching the lost, restoring the broken, and advancing His Kingdom across Hawaii!

 

Rev. Ian Mateo 

Hawaii’s Evangelism Director 


Hawaii Church of God Media Ministry

Hawaii Church of God State Media Ministry

Hawaii Church of God recognizes the importance of media ministry in today’s culture. Rev. Wayne and Merry White are coordinating the media ministry for the state office. They are willing to travel to local churches to help the church be more effective in their digital media.



Rev. Wayne eagerly awaits the opportunity to help train, equip and involve your church in digital media. Reach out to him to help you with your media needs. He and Merry are here to serve you and your church. 


Mark Your Calendar for These Events

TV Interview - Island Life Live

with Rev. Ian Mateo and Rev. Jason Albino.

Be sure to check our website often for updates and more information. HawaiiCOG.Org

Affirming every individual & his or her calling

Spirit Care Leadership Appointed


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.


Scholarships are available for those in need. Contact Pastor Brian Whitelock or Rev. Ian Mateo for more information.

Photo by Siora Photography on Unsplash


Resourcing the local church and ministers

Interested? Contact Rev. Ian using the link below. 


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.

Free Resources for Minister Taxes




Minister's Compensation Manual

This simple to read guide provides step-by-step directions to the church and the pastor on setting up a compensation package that meets the requirements of the General Assembly Minutes and the Internal Revenue Code.


English Spanish

COMMUNITY SERVICE CHAPLAINS TAKE HOPE BEYOND CHURCH WALLS


Around the world, Community Service Chaplains (CSC’s) are answering the call to bring the hope of the gospel beyond the walls of the local church. The Church of God Chaplains Commission not only endorses ordained ministers for vocational chaplaincy, but also certifies both clergy and laypeople to represent their local church as volunteer Community Service Chaplains.


The CSC program offers practical, Spirit-led training that equips and empowers individuals for ministry in everyday settings. Participants gain tools to support personal growth, family care, and community outreach. Topics include serving in a pluralistic environment, ministry of presence, grief, death notification, prayer in public spaces, moral injury, crisis care, and a host of other topics relevant to community ministry.


Frank from Florida shared, “I was truly blessed by the CSC training. As an ordained minister, I’m proud that our organization provides such professionalism in chaplaincy. The course opened my eyes to a new world of service.”


DeAnna from Indiana added, “The CSC class was life-changing. I gained confidence and a deeper desire to serve. The instructors, curriculum, and guest speakers were exceptional.”


Don’t miss the next training opportunity, June 23-27, 2025. Participants can register for both Level One and Two at a significant discounted rate, or take just one level:


  • Level One: Monday–Wednesday morning
  • Level Two: Wednesday afternoon–Friday

Join in person at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary in Cleveland, TN, or attend via Zoom from home. This dynamic course will prepare you for meaningful ministry wherever God calls.



#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. 


 




GA24 HARVEST NOW GRAPHIC RESOURCES

Download the graphic logo resources for the Harvest Now theme in English and Español.




KUKA AFRICA WWAM VIDEO


CAMP MEETING OFFERING FOR OUR WOMEN'S PROJECT WEDNESDAY EVENING SERVICE


Evangelizing to Win Souls for the Kingdom


If you’d like to partner with Rev, Reagan and team, you may do so through our world missions link button below or by sending the funds directly to the team at Kona Church of God. 

Kona Church of God Team Carries Gospel to remote Villages in Nepal



Rev. Reagan Daniels and team from Kona Church of God have been training for their ministry expedition to the remote villages of Nepal. They left Friday, March 14 2025 for their ten day journey. They had been preparing by hiking up Mona Kea using weighted vests to simulate their trek. 


Hiked up remote mountains in excess of 17,000 feet to contact and connect with indigenous people in the villages. They carry on their bodies their hiking gear and digital media presentations of the gospel. 


Help us celebrate the success of their journey. 




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



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