The Weight of Your Words
There are some really heavy words that are often tossed around lightly during the month of December. Words such as love, joy, and peace are used in greeting cards, on television programs, in countless songs, on gift tags, and by people from all walks of life. They are often used with little thought to their true meaning.
As we think about the depth and meaning of these words we quickly realize how weighty they truly are. These are not words to be spoken tritely. To say that one loves another is more than having a positive or warm feeling toward them. Love is a covenant commitment to the best for that person’s life. Joy is far deeper than mere happiness which can be fleeting, as it is dependent upon favorable circumstances. Joy is rooted in the holiness of God and emanates from being in right relationship with God. Peace is not simply the absence of conflict, it is actually an abiding sense of stability regardless of one’s situation. It is about being built upon the unshakable foundation of Jesus Christ.
Love, joy, and peace are wonderful words. During this Christmas season, I challenge us all to use them thoughtfully, intentionally, and purposefully. As the scripture says in Psalm 19:14, Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. (NKJV)
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Bishop Rob and Candie Taylor
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As you celebrate Christmas may you experience a fresh revelation of the love, joy, and peace of God. May that fresh revelation of Jesus shine brightly through you to all you come in contact with this Christmas season. Candie and I love you and are praying for you.
Blessings and Mele Kalikimaka,
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Bishop Rob
Administrative Bishop
Church of God in Hawaii
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Mahalo for your continued support through prayer, donation of goods, and financial support toward recovery and rebuilding.
Hawaii Church of God
Disaster Relief
PO Box 866
Aiea, HI 96701
We give our 100% with 100% of your contribution.
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Bishop Brian & Zara Whitelock
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Aloha from the Hawaii Youth & Discipleship Department
As Christmas approaches, I’m reminded John 3:16
God loves us that much, He sent His only Son, not Gabriel or Michael the Arch Angel, but His only Son. He did not just send a thing, but a person. He did not just give a person, but His Son. He did not just give His Son but His only Son.
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I will never forget when my wife told me she was pregnant with our first child. I did what every man does, go into denial. That test was broken, so we went and brought two more, not the cheap ones either. Each one came back positive. Still not ready to accept the news, I called my mom. She was so happy that her baby boy was going to be a daddy. This was not what I wanted to hear, so I hung up on her. After much thinking and pacing, the thought came to me. The only way to be ready is to put Christ in the Center of being a father. Every night for nine months I read and prayed over my wife’s belly. Because of our child was stubborn (we will not say who he got that from) he would not turn over we had to schedule a C-section.
On the big day our son was to be born, we went to the hospital early in the morning. They prepped my wife to go back. Later, they brought me in. Standing next to her trying not to look over the curtain, knowing if I did I most likely would pass out. Without going into details, not many men can say they have seen the inside of their wives. Back to the main point The moment we heard and saw our son for the first time, was a moment I will never forget. The nurses took him over to the cleaning station. Boy was he crying. Wow, those lungs were healthy. In the middle of everything going on, I looked at him and said Elisha, "It’s ok, mommy and daddy are here."
He instantly stopped crying, turned his head, and looked right at me. The doctor and nurses said they have never seen anything like that. I explained to them about reading the Bible and praying every night for nine months over him in my wife’s belly. The doctor said he knows your voice.
At that moment is when I realized how much God loves me. That He sent His only Son for me, something that I could never do.First John 4:8 tells us God does not just have love, God is Love. He loves us more than we can comprehend. Don’t focus on how much you love God, but rather focus on how much He Loves You.
Thank you for all your prayers and support
Pastor Brian
Pastor Brian
YD
Church of God in Hawaii
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Connecting churches to each other, the church to the community and the community to Christ. | |
Minister and Spouse Christmas Gathering | |
Be sure to check our website often for updates and more information. HawaiiCOG.Org
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Affirming every individual & his or her calling. | |
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December Birthdays
Claudia Noah 25
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Minister Testing
January 6, 2024
Anyone who has completed CAMS (including current class) may test for Exhorter license. Anyone who has completed MIP previously, and anyone advancing to Ordained Bishop, being qualified according to the Church of God Book of Minutes, may test. Intention to test must be made, by December 6, 2023.
Credentialing Page
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Church of God Chaplaincy Zoom Training Available January 2024
Intensive: Levels One and Two
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Course Fees
Both Levels (J-Term Discount):
Individual $450
Married Couple $675
Level 1:
Individual $360
Married Couple $510
Level 2:
Individual $300
Married Couple $475
Fee includes certification, background check, and ID card. If paying via PayPal, first complete this form and click the "Submit Registration" button below, then use the PayPal button to pay.
A deposit of at least $50 is required in order to receive your course materials.
The remaining balance must be paid in order to recieve certificate and ID card.
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WHEN
January 22-26, 2024
Level One:
January 22-23: 9:00AM-5:00PM
January 24: 9:00AM-12:00PM
Level Two:
January 24: 1:00PM-5:00PM
January 25-26: 9:00AM-5:00PM
WHERE
Pentecostal Theological Seminary
900 Walker Street
Cleveland, TN 37311
This is available online via Zoom and in person and will be taught in English.
CONTACT
Dr. Brenda Pace
Email: bpace@cogchaplains.org
Phone: (423) 478-7740
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Welcome to the Chaplains Commission | The Chaplains Commission provides the official endorsement for ordained ministers to serve as Vocational Chaplains and certifies training for Community Service Chaplains. They serve in Healthcare, Military, School, Prison, and more workplace settings as well as in communities in need around the world. | | | |
Spirit-Led Evangelism Challenge | |
Hawaii Church of God Spirit Care Representative, Cecilia Hoopai 808-757-2617 |
Join the Plan | Church of God Benefits Board (COG) | Online application process to apply for membership participation. | | | |
Purchase as a set or individually | |
CHURCH OF GOD ADULT DISCIPLESHIP INTRODUCES OUR NEW 6-VOLUME SERIES FOR MAKING SPIRIT-FILLED BELIEVERS. YOUR PEOPLE WILL LOVE THIS SERIES!
More Information
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Evangelizing to Win Souls for the Kingdom
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HOW MUCH DO YOU HAVE TO HATE SOMEONE TO LET HIM GO TO HELL? | |
Reviving Evangelism | Leadership | Alpha | Free Church Resources from Life.Church | This executive summary takes a look at evangelism in the local Church. Explore what the collaboration between Alpha USA and Barna Group has learned about the latest trends in evangelism in Reviving Evangelism, and how the Church can mobilize a new generation of evangelists.Special thanks to Alpha for providing this resource. | | | |
Serving Each Other, Our Communities, Hawaii & Our World
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Hawaii Hosts World Missions Blitz | |
November 3rd brought to Oahu a ministry team from the mainland. Church of God World Missions partnered with Church of God Ministers from Maryland, New York, Alaska, Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee to inspect specific projects for partnership.
For over a week, the team of 9 well-respected ministry couples (18 individuals) toured churches in need of assistance.They evaluated current building situations, and encouraged Hawaii ministers through preaching and fellowship.
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Distinguished as they are, each minister and spouse rolled up his or her sleeves and evaluated the needs of the individual project. Some of the churches were able to be visited, while some needs were expressed through photos and verbal description. | | |
Awaiting the new adventure are the 22 men and woman of the 2023 World Missions Blitz. From left to right: Rev & Mrs. Mike Cleckler (AL), Rev. & Mrs. Darrin Pendley (MD), Rev. & Mrs.Hugh Nelson (NY), Rev. & Mrs. Harold Hanks (FL), Bishop Taylor & Candie, Bishop & Mrs. Tom Gillum (TN) Rev. & Mrs. Glen Vaughn (AL), Rev & Mrs. Jarrett Lovelace (AL), Rev & Mrs. Fred Ledbetter (AK), Bishop & Mrs. Martin Taylor (TN). Not pictured: Pastor Brian & Zara. |
This team balanced work with fun. A day spent with MIP candidates wrapped up at Haleiwa Joe's in Kaneohe, which later led to a late night visit to the iconic Honolulu Church.
New relationships formed quickly and easily. (Right) Pastor Brian and Zara converse with Lady Diana Nelson at a stop on the island tour. Our hearts are full because we have new Ohana to love.
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Sunday services were opportunities for further project evaluation. New relationships launched over Sunday lunches. A trip to Molokai via Mokulele connected the island church to mainland ministry in Florida. Fellowship on the lawn after service and a conversation with Sister Peggy netted a coconut to be mailed to Rev. and Sister Hanks' grandson. | |
Though the CoG Ohana is over 8 million people in 191 nations, the sea is the only separator. Bishop Tom & Cathy Gillum brought greetings to Sister Nakashima from Sister Priscilla Hensley of North Carolina. Brother & Sister Hensley pastored the Hilo Church in the mid 1900s.. | |
Open Q&A at MiP allowed Hawaii MIP candidates to hear from great leaders and several different ministry perspectives.
Among the ministers was Bishop Hugh Nelson. Not only does his credentials include Pastor and inner city community leader. He is a MIP instructor for the CIMS portion of the training.
A Hawaiian feast at the ministry center was a token Mahalo for investing in the future of Hawaii. MIP Candidates lunched with team members. Kaluha Pig and Laulau introductions were made for the mainland guests. The meal did not disappoint.
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An emergency surgery, kept Hawaii World Missions Rep, Dr. Terrell Brinson on the Mainland. Bishop Martin Taylor competently led the team.
Bishop Martin Taylor, once Pastor Brian's State Bishop, filled Newton's pulpit. His sermon on the paralytic lowered through the roof into a missions context. Though the work was hard, the roof was removed so that someone in need could get to Jesus. That's what ministry partnership is about.
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Hello Everyone,
The purpose of the prayer force is primarily to lift up the needs and burdens of one another and to give God the glory in the victories in life. When I received Sister Claudia's message, I was stricken by the beauty of God's grace in the middle of adversity, grief, and loneliness. It reminds me this scripture
Isaiah 43:2 says,
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you."
Notice the word used three times there - Through. The next keyword there is - With. God didn't say around, over, or under, He will go with us through the water as he was with Moses and the people of Isreal. He will go with us through the flames with us as he was for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He will go with us through our nights in the lion's den as He was for Daniel.
Praise the Lord we have Him through our life's tragedies, trials, and tribulations! I hope you are blessed by Sister Claudia's message of comfort, strength, and reliance on the Lord in tough times.
Hawaii Church of God
Prayer Force Focus for the Weeks of:
November 5-18, 2023
Pastor Claudia Noah
Alpha and Omega Church of God
Hawaii
FROM SISTER CLAUDIA
Praise God! Father God is always good. Guess He knew that one of his needs more prayer than usual. But first, let me give praise to the Father. Granddaughter Courtney who walked away from God had decided to start reading again and also began to have her two sons and daughter reading. Courtney owed a large sum of money to her daughter who is in preschool, schooling. She called me two days ago. The school called her in and told her someone had donated some money and seeing her struggle, they waivered in payments, that they paid off her debt. She said, Amma, I know it's because I decided to come back to Him that he blessed me. All glory to God. So, thank you all for your prayers for my family and for the church!
I am still struggling with my grief and decided that I need to have counseling because I just can't do it on my own. It helps somewhat, but still can't cope. It's hard to talk about it, because, it seems like it took some time to hit me. They say, that because I was a care provider, I had to make sure everyone was okay, which is what I did. But now since I'm very much alone, it is harder to cope. He took me everywhere with him, even to work on his deliveries. We were always together, and being alone was and still is hard. I'm alone most of the time leaving me to think and causes me to just want to go and drive, just drive anywhere. So, do I need prayer, yes, I do. My emotions are high, and sometimes I think I can't get a message together. But Our Father is Awesome, beyond measure. I tell Him, you promised, that You would never leave me nor forsake me, and so it's all on You Lord. I'm here, I'm your vessel use me, speak through me, for whatever You want Your people to know. You know them better than I do, So, I'm here and I am more than willing. And He does it every week. I just trust in Him, that He is gonna do what He is gonna do, not for me, but for the ones He places in my hands.
- So, pray for each one of them, the little handful in my care. That God will minister to them, in a way that they will only desire to be more like their savior, and trust Him with all of their hearts to use them to bring Him glory and honor in everything they do.
- Pray for the leading of the Holy Spirit as they read, pray, and worship.
- Pray also for my children, Robert Jr. Victoria, Catherine, and Jason. They all need God in their lives, running away from God, yet knowing that God is Good.
- Pray that my grandchildren and great-grandbabies will all come to know Jesus as their savior.
- Pray also for salvation throughout the islands, and thank God for repentant hearts on every man, woman, and child, that they turn their hearts to Jesus.
- Pray also that people's eyes are opened to the truth of the bible as they witness what is going on in Israel. That the scales be removed from their eyes and that every lie spoken be diminished, and the truth be seen and felt in their hearts.
All praise and glory to Our Lord and Savior! Thank you each and every one of you for holding me up, and being the shoulders to lean on. God bless. Hallelujah!
Claudia
PRAYER NEEDS ACROSS THE STATE
· Pray for the people of Maui and the Lahaina church in their ongoing efforts to rebuild their lives after the wildfires.
· Continue to pray for Brother Tom Tioaquen for his ongoing health
· Pray for Sister Shirley Nanod as she rebuilds her strength following the completion of her treatments and praises the Lord for her recent great report from her doctors of being declared cancer-free.
· Pray for Pastor Brown’s ongoing health concerns.
· Pray for Sister Claudia as she ministers in her church
· Pray for Pastor Hoopai for her ongoing heart condition
· Pray that Brother Padilla can find a suitable organ donor for him as he undergoes dialysis for several hours every day.
May God bless you abundantly for your faithfulness.
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In Christ's love,
Pastor Evan and Lucy Palmer
Prayer Force Leaders
Prayer Request
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Maui Recovery Through Hawaii Church of God and Samaritan's Purse Partnership | |
Samaritan's Purse: Service Opportunities | Samaritan's Purse provides emergency relief to victims of tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters in the United States and around the world. | | | | | | |