Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) tells us, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

I have read this verse countless times since becoming a believer. Over the years I have heard, and even preached, multiple sermons based on this verse. I am confident you are familiar with it as well. Yet, I wonder how many of us can articulate in simple terms what this verse really means.

In a recent worship service, I heard it put in one of the most clear and concise forms I have ever heard:

“When you make God your first choice rather than your last resort, you will find peace, provision, and protection.” 

As we speed along into this second month of 2024, I want to encourage you to truly make God your first and chief pursuit. If he is, he will ensure that you have everything else you need to successfully live life on planet Earth.

Second Peter 1:3 (ESV) says it as follows. “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,”

Let’s seek God and put him first in every area and realm of our lives--spiritual, physical, mental/emotional, financial, relational, vocational… every area, every realm. 

I am reaching out on behalf of the Hawaii Church of God to share our ambitious goal for the Youth Camp. Currently, the cost per child to attend the camp is $350, but our mission is to make this transformative experience accessible to more youth by reducing the cost to $150 per child.

To achieve this, we are seeking your support in reaching our fundraising goal of $20,000. Your generous contribution will directly impact our ability to subsidize the expenses and create opportunities for a more significant number of young individuals to benefit from this enriching journey.

To contribute to our goal of reducing the cost to $150 per child and supporting the Hawaii Church of God Youth Camp, please visit our website at [www.hawaiicog.org].

Thank you for being a crucial part of making this positive change in the lives of our youth.

Pastor Brian

Pastor Brian

YD

Church of God in Hawaii

Photo by Randy Tarampi on Unsplash

If money were no object, what would you do? That question is probably the ministry equivalent of the game “Would you rather….?” 

Our dream is to build three homes on the land adjacent to the Hawaii Church of God Ministry Center. One would provide housing for the State YD Director and Pastor Newtown. The other two would be to help church planters have a place to live while raising funds while initiating the church planting process.

There are people groups that we have yet to reach on the Island. It would be a great partnership to work with church planters of various cultures to reach the great harvest of Oahu.

Photo by Kier in Sight Archives on Unsplash

Photo by Jens Behrmann on Unsplash

Hawaii’s population is 1,455,271.Two-thirds of whome live on the island of Oahu which is approximately 953,207. While being the 40th largest state in population, it is the 13th largest in population density. Let’s put that in perspective. There are 39 states that have populations larger than Hawaii. But only 12 states have more people per square mile. That means we are closer in proximity to the harvest than most other states. The latest estimates project 222.9 people per square mile. Within each square mile on Oahu is over 200 people! The harvest field is most definitely ripe. 

Resourcing the local church and ministers

Hawaii Church of God Spirit Care Representative, Cecilia Hoopai 808-757-2617

The Church of God has a place for anyone who has the desire to minister. There are world missions, medical missions, local pastors and chaplains. January was one of the two times per year that the Church of God Chaplains Commission does both Level 1 and Level 2 training in a 40-hour intensive. 

The classes began at 9 AM Eastern Standard Time and were scheduled until 5PM EST. Among the 53 students in the class were people from the mainland, Jamaica, England, and the Hawaiian Islands. This made time a little tricky for Dr. Brenda Pace. She managed to adjust to tell the students to come back from lunch “in exactly1 hour and fifteen minutes from now."

We are extremely proud to have four students from Hawaii represented. When asked why they were taking the class, Bishop Rob and Candie Taylor spoke on the need for the training in light of the recent Maui Fires. They felt the training will help them with the community in the months and years of coming rebuild. Rev. Pati Seivers stated her desire to enroll stemmed from interest in helping Veterans. Further, Rev. Charletta Wilson already has an interest in the medical field and sees where her ministry calling and career choice could meet the physical and spiritual needs of patients. 

For the students from Europe enrolled in the class, they adjusted to the 5-hour time difference. They logged on at 2 PM GBT and stayed until 10PM. Meanwhile, the Hawaiian students shared a 5 hour time difference as well, but made the adjustment the other way. Logging on at 4 AM HST meant one was finished for the day and ready for a nap by 1 PM HST. 

Congratulations to all who completed Level 1 and Level 2 training!

Spoken Word - Life in 6 Words 

Kauai Church Serves 40 People Christmas Eve

Pastor Dave Pennington is probably one of the nicest people you will meet. He comes to the table with a soft spoken, yet strong, manner and a million dollar smile. If you are traveling around the Kalaheo area with Pastor Dave, you will be greeted by many a local who refer to him as “Pastor Dave.” He and his wife TJ serve the community as if each individual were a member of the church. While oft carrying the burden of the people who attend his church, Pastor Dave and TJ do all they do for the congregation of Maranatha Church of God with excellence. Likewise, they serve their community with excellence and care. 

We celebrate with the church as they saw a great attendance at the Christmas Eve Service. Pastor reported:

"Sunday, December 24th saw a record 40 in attendance in a Sanctuary that seats 60. It was like a full house!

It was awonderful mix of children - young adults - middle age and elderly. We enjoyed the potluck and party following the service.

As we say - a picture paints a thousand words!

Thank you for your continued prayer and support. We believe God is doing great things through this local body in Kalaheo, Hawaii."



The Christmas celebration was complete with a meal and gifts for the students. Lucy’s love for the children at the orphanage stems back to her own childhood in Thailand. She encourages the students with a full heart of love and shared experiences. She gives hope through the love of God.

We are proud of both Pastor Evan and Lucy for their example of serving Christ through serving others. Thank you.

Sunday, December 24th, Pastor Evan and Lucy Palmer shared Christmas service with the children from the House of Faith orphanage in Chiang Dao, Thailand. There, Lucy shared the word with the children and workers. 

Hawaii is an Island of abundance. There is abundant sunshine, ocean and sand, and termites…Yikes!

Did you know there are 7 termite species we must contend with at any given time? Every shipping container may be hosting the arrival of our next new gnawing neighbor. 

• Drywood termites: Kalotermes approximatus and Incisitermes minor
• Subterranean termites: Coptotermes formosanus and Reticulitermes flavipes
• Dampwood termites: Neotermes castaneus and Zootermopsis angusticollis
• Conehead termites: Nasutitermes corniger

Pest control is a necessary and expensive need for our island homes and churches. There is a risk of loosing the complete building to termite damage due to untreated infestations. COVID closures made termite pest fumigation more complicated as local churches struggled to survive week-to-week. 

With the support of Church of God World Missions and matching partnerships, tenting season and repairs have begun.

January saw the arrival of the first tent for the Church of God. The state parsonage in Aiea was tented. A contracted, monthly treatment has begun. Pastor Brian Whitelock repaired the damage the termites had wrecked on the parsonage walls. 

Maili December 15

North Shore Oahu- November 16

Big Island-January 26