Spring 2012

CULTIVATING THE CULTURE | FAR-REACHING AND RELENTLESS | THE IMPORTANCE OF EDIFICATION

THIS IS NEW HOPE: Edication

Free VOL. 26

SPRING 2012

EDITOR’S NOTE

Dear Saints, This issue of Life at its Best magazine focuses on “edification,” a term used at New Hope Christian Fellowship (NHCF) to encourage new believers in their walk with Christ and help them grow spiritually. Matthew 28:18-20 is a key Scripture that represents this department — “Jesus came and told His disciples, ‘I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age’” (New Living Translation, emphasis added).

Several highlights include profiles on new ministries in this department—such as the Baking and Heart for Crafts Ministries—as well as a feature on the newlyintroduced NHCF Food Court, led by Executive Chef Aaron Siguenza. But these ministries are just the tip of the iceberg and a small part of the entire edification department. This powerhouse ministry consists of pre-marital classes, our membership classes, counseling, funerals and weddings, feeding the homeless, LifeChange, divorce care, support groups, sports groups, phone friends, benevolence, prayer and healing, water baptism, baby dedications, kokua pantry and much more!

Also included in this issue is an interview with John Bevere, who spoke at our DCAT 2012 Conference, “In the Power of the Spirit.”

Growing in Him,

2 Life@itsBest SPRING 2012

CONTENTS SPRING 2012 | VOL. 26

HEART OF NEW HOPE 05

MINISTRIES 12

Steps to Spiritual Growth The Importance of Edification Character Auditions

Sharing a Sweet Gift The Road to Recovery Crafting Relationships In Case of Emergency

e d i t o r i a l

editor-in-chief

Wayne Cordeiro Kelli Shiroma c o p y e d i t o r s Robin Hart, Clairelane Yoshioka, Makana Wahinepio and Donna Mae Katsura managing editor

d e s i g n

|

LIFE 20

p r o d u c t i o n

Larry Ganiron Larry Ganiron g r a p h i c d e s i g n e r s Larry Ganiron, Michael Williamson and Garett Mizunaka d e s i g n e d i t o r Keone Moore p h o t o c o o r d i n at o r T. Y. c o v e r p h o t o Mel Picardal production manager

c r e at i v e a r t d i r e c t o r

p h o t o g r a p h e r s

Derrek Miyahara, T. Y., Gaston Souza, Tish Buhr, Chad Brownstein, Tiani Inciong, Jerome Osurman, Ryan Bluebaugh, Christina Heaston, Mel Picardal and Gary Hisaoka w r i t e r s

Cultivating the Culture: Nurturing Relationships Allergy Alert Classic Comforts

EVENTS 30

Commissioning Leaders DCAT 2012 — “In the Power of the Spirit” “Footsteps of Paul” 2012 Marketplace Leadership Kickoff

‘OHANA 37

Edification: Building Others Up Learning to Listen Far-Reaching and Relentless Serving on Behalf of the King Community Connections

COLLEGES 53

Future Events at New Hope Christian College – Oregon

Wayne Cordeiro, Kelli Shiroma, Pat Takenishi, Paul Lam, Aaron Friesen, Sean McCartin and Frieda Takaki m a r k e t i n g

Kelli Shiroma

kellishiroma@eNewHope.org 808.842.4242 ext. 210

N E W H O P E O `A H U 290 Sand Island Access Road Honolulu, HI 96819 808.842.4242 | eNewHope.org Life@itsBest SPRING 2012 3

Join Us

QUEST Annual Plan Change Period

Hawaii’s largest network of doctors.

March 1 – 30, 2012

The state’s #1 keiki health screening program.

Local member service.

24/7 HMSA QUEST help to answer your questions and help you find a doctor.

Discounts and savings with HMSA365.

If you are enrolled in a QUEST health plan, you will get a Hawaii QUEST Plan Change packet in the mail soon.

• If you are already a member of HMSA’s QUEST plan and you want to stay with HMSA, you do not need to do anything.

• If you want to switch to HMSA, just choose HMSA and return your Plan Change form to Med-QUEST by March 30, 2012. if you did not receive your packet, call 948-6486 or 1 (800) 440-0640 toll-free.

TTY/TDD users, call 1 (877) 298-4672.

URAC

Welcome to the family.

ACCREDITED HEALTH PLAN

hmsa.com 1010-2401

1010-2401 QUEST Ad for Mar-April-May 12 Life at its Best(F).indd 1

4 Life@itsBest SPRING 2012

2/17/2012 2:15:26 PM

STEPS TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH FAITH INSTRUCT STUDY MATERIAL CONVERSIONS PRIVILEGE ENCOURAGE BIRTHS LIVES RESPONSIBILITY PRINCIPLE SERVANTHOOD NURTURED WORD DEVELOPED STORY CELEBRATING AUTHENTIC LEARNING CONCEPT BUILDING MOTIVES GDGS DISCIPLES THE IMPORTANCE OF EDIFICATION CLASS BASICS SPIRIT ABSORBENT CULTURE WATER BAPTISM WELFARE PURPOSE CONFESSION RESPOND CREDIBILITY EXPRESSION COMMITMENT CHRIST PERFORMANCES HEARTS BELIEVERS FAITHFUL CALL WEEKEND SERVICES PLATFORM CHARACTER AUDITIONS WELCOME PASSIONS ASSIMILATION EXTENSIVE SERVE ETERNAL DAILY DEVOTIONS COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY GLORY MATURE JOURNAL STRENGTHEN PROCEDURE RECORD COMMISSION SCRIPTURE

HEART OF NEW HOPE Spring 2012

Life@itsBest SPRING 2012 5

Steps to

Spiritual Growth byWAY N E C OR DE I R O photog ra phy by DE R R E K M I YAH AR A

Over the last month, more than 500 people stepped over the line of faith and received Christ. This is a gargantuan report, signaling the move of His Spirit in our midst. We are thrilled at the amount of conversions here at New Hope Christian Fellowship (NHCF). But likening these new “births” to what takes place in a maternity ward, we now pass the new arrivals onto the pediatrics department. Here, the young lives will be nurtured and developed.

Our small groups department is part of the pediatrics of New Hope. This is where the learning, caring, nurturing and building up (what the Bible calls “edification”) of believers takes place. Let me give you several aspects of some “next steps” new believers can take …

1. “Growing Deep, Growing Strong (GDGS)” Class The “GDGS” acronym stands for “Growing Deep, Growing Strong.” It is a class that gives each new

6 Life@itsBest SPRING 2012

Christian the basics of what is necessary to grow and an understanding of what it means to be a part of the New Hope ‘ohana. “GDGS” is designed for new Christians and those new to NHCF, providing answers to planting spiritual roots deep and strong in Jesus. Individuals will learn what makes up NHCF’s “DNA,” or the church’s Mission Statement and Core Values.

Those who attend this class will also learn the Five Essentials for every new believer: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Salvation Spiritual Growth Stewardship Spiritual Gifts Sending Forth

At the conclusion of “GDGS,” attendees will have an exciting and eye-opening opportunity to discover the many NHCF ministries available to serve in.

2. Water Baptism A second step in growing in your faith is being water baptized, a public confession of what God has done in your life. It is an outward expression of an inward commitment. Water baptism is something that Jesus Himself called us to do as new believers. It is an act that displays dying to the old (going under the water) and rising to a new life following Christ (coming back up). In Matthew 3, Jesus examples this important step in our faith.

3. Weekly Services A third step in growing as a Christian is being faithful in attending our weekend services. Here, you will learn more about Christ. Even as you were welcomed into the eternal family in Christ, so you will be able to welcome others as they, too, step over the line of faith.

4. Daily Devotions A fourth step is learning to feed yourself.

It’s all a part of growing up. In the beginning, babies have their moms to feed them, but as

they mature, they learn to feed themselves.

This is what our daily devotions is all about.

Using the Life Journal, we read the Bible daily and journal what the Holy Spirit is saying to us. We then apply that in our daily lives, which causes us to grow and build “faith muscles” as we strengthen our faith. We follow the “S.O.A.P.” method, which gives us a step-by-step procedure to record what the Lord is emphasizing to us for that day.

to learn more about God and His Word. You will find yourself among genuine people who love God and are learning how to grow.

No pretenses, nothing contrived; just simple people who care.

These are five beginning steps to a wonderful new life in Christ. You can find out more about our small groups or other places of involvement by going to our website, www.eNewHope.org.

“S” is for “Scripture.” You write the Scripture that the Lord is highlighting for you in your reading. “O” is a short observation of the theme — who the Scripture is referring to, where this is happening and what it is all about. Then “A” is for “application;” you simply write down how you will apply this lesson to your daily life. Finally, “P” is for “prayer” … you write out your prayer.

5. Small Groups There are dozens of Life Groups happening every morning, afternoon or evening somewhere near you. Get involved in one of our many excellent small groups around the island. These groups usually meet weekly in homes with people who are hungry

Life@itsBest SPRING 2012 7

THE IMPORTANCE OF

EDIFICATION byK E L L I S H I R OM A

When it comes to the edification fractal, many New Hope Christian Fellowship (NHCF) attendees might not know exactly what the department entails or what the term means. Director of Edification Keola Richards sheds some light on the edification ministries, aka Team “Eddy,” and the goals of this department.

The word “edify” means “to instruct or to encourage.” This definition underscores the principle idea of the edification department, according to its director, Keola Richards.

“In its most basic concept, it’s taking those converts that have said ‘yes’ to Christ and encouraging them into disciples,” he shares. “Edification by definition is the

encouragement of someone’s moral welfare, but applied here (at New Hope), it’s taking converts and changing them into disciples.”

At NHCF, edification is synonymous to discipleship and assimilation. There are four quadrants under the edification fractal, known as the “Four C’s,” according to Richards.

THE CULTURE

THE CALL

THE COMMISSION

THE COMMUNITY

• ‘Ohana Gatherings • ‘Ohana Tent • Food Court, aka “The King’s Table” • First Impressions • Cultural Communities • Community Events

• YES! Team • Phone Friends • “Growing Deep, Growing Strong (GDGS)” • Pastor’s BBQ • Water Baptism

• • • •

• • • • • •

8 Life@itsBest SPRING 2012

LifeChange Prayer Counseling Specialized Ministries

Learn@NewHope Centralized Teaching Life Groups Affinity Groups Ministry Groups New Hope Athletics

“The first ‘C’ would be the ‘Culture,’” he says. “That’s when someone comes in (to NHCF) and they just have an idea that Christ resides here. Ministries under the New Hope ‘culture’ include First Impressions ministries such as Hospitality, Greeters and Ushers.”

The second “C” is the “Call.” Once church attendees get touched by Christ through New Hope’s culture, they begin to understand that there is a call on their life to accept Christ as their Savior and serve Him. Ministries under the “Call” include the YES! team and “Growing Deep, Growing Strong (GDGS),” a class those interested in becoming NHCF members take. The “Call” naturally leads into the third “C,” or “Community.” “‘Community’ is where relationships occur,” says Richards. “(Under ‘Community’) we have affinity groups (like sports, crafting,

guitar, etc.), ministry groups (like your Ushers or Greeters) and small groups, which include your Bible studies, book studies and accountability groups.”

The New Hope Sports ministries— including paddling, surf, softball, tennis, soccer, etc.—are another section of the “Community” quadrant, whereas Bible studies such as the “Irresistible Church” series are considered life groups. Various classes that take place at Farrington High School during the weekends and at the NHCF Ministry Center during the week under the “Learn@NewHope” banner—such as “One Month to Live” and “The Purpose Driven Life”—also fall under this quadrant.

The final “C” of the edification fractal stands for “Commission,” which segues into the equipping fractal.

“Commission would include LifeChange, all the different ways that we serve

in marriage/pre-marital classes and celebrations of life — weddings, funerals, house blessings and baby dedications,” Richards says. “Counseling falls under ‘Commission’ as well; this quadrant is pretty extensive.”

The edification fractal has a two-part mission, according to Richards. Discipleship, or getting new believers involved in the community of Christ, is the first part. The second part is celebrating who they are in the community of Christ or in the Church.

“Celebrating that relationship is helping them get to know who Christ is,” Richards says. “The vehicles of doing that are encouraging them to serve and study the Word and to let them know they’re loved and cared for. Connecting new believers to Christ and to each other is our heart (in edification).”

“It’s great when people say ‘yes’ and respond to the call (God has placed on their life), but a lot of times, they don’t know what they’re saying ‘yes’ to. Edification is key because it’s taking someone that’s said ‘yes,’ pointing them to Jesus and encouraging and celebrating them in their walk or return to Christ.” – KEOLA RICHARDS

Life@itsBest SPRING 2012 9

byWAYNE COR DE I R O

“If you’ll understand your role as servants here and when we worship and serve, God will have usable material of pure heartedness through which He will route the darkness of hell and we will begin to see God do great, great things.” – PASTOR WAYNE CORDEIRO

10 Life@itsBest SPRING 2012

I

t is a great privilege to be a servant of God, but it’s also a great responsibility. What if we had auditions for servanthood? What if we had character auditions?

Here are several things that New Hope is not:

1. New Hope is Not an Entertainment Agency We are not in any way an entertainment agency to bring attention to you because it’s not to self-promote.

If I have flesh mixed into my serving—if I am leading as a leader with ulterior motives—is the Holy Spirit going to help me? No, He’s going to oppose; the flesh opposes the Spirit. You can have a beautiful song but the Holy Ghost won’t use it; if you have flesh mixed in, you can shorten the spiritual shelf life of that song. On the other hand, if you give God pure hearts, He can use those to change the world.

2. New Hope is Not a Traveling Theatrical Company You’ll see different dramas and performances, but we’re not a theatrical company because we’re not a group of people who get a rush from applause. As God’s servants, we understand that everything we do has a purpose to it.

are going to work with you not only on your guitar playing, but on your character. God puts us together with common affinities so He can do spiritual surgery on you and you don’t run away so quickly. You can be a great singer, but if you’ve got character problems, you’ll never pass the character auditions. But if you will grow, you will delight God in your serving and change people’s lives because God will be able to take what you’re doing and use it for His glory.

2. A Personal Growth Program One of the things we do here at New Hope is daily devotions. You need to be a person of daily devotions because you’re a servant of God and you have to understand the spiritual principles of why you do what you do.

3. A Serving Ministry You pour water onto a sponge and once it’s saturated, it cannot absorb any more water. Some of you have been sitting in church way too long; you’re saturated and you can’t learn anymore. That’s why we say please get involved somewhere because you need to wring out your sponge so that you’re absorbent again. When you wring out your sponge, you’re giving somebody a drink of water in the name of Jesus.

4. An Opportunity to Celebrate Our Story In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat appointed praisers, singers and dancers to go out before the army; they were the frontlines. They were bringing the attention off of the battle and onto the Lord, and the armies against them began to destroy one another. This is a spiritual warfare principle that God uses to route the enemy so that people’s hearts are freed and released so the Word of God can change lives.

This is what every leadership group or ministry in New Hope is:

1. A Mentoring and Discipleship Program To be part of serving here is a privilege because He doesn’t need us. Some of you might be here because you play a guitar or drums or you’re part of the Frontlines group. In reality, God brought you here not because you’ve got tons of talent, but because you’ve got tons of problems. Because you love music, you’re going to come here and meet pastors and elders that

Someone looks at you and the attitude with which you do what you do and they think, “You have a story, don’t you? Something happened to your life. That’s why you’re serving with the exuberance, love and passion that you are.” Everything that you do is an opportunity to celebrate your story. Remember, a mind will reach a mind but only a heart will reach a heart. That’s why servants serve with all their hearts.

5. A Ministry that Influences Lives You don’t realize that people are watching you; even when you don’t think they’re watching you, they’re watching you. People watch us and what gives us authenticity up on this platform is what we’re doing off of the platform. That’s what gives us credibility. We are here to influence lives and people are going to be watching us to see if we’re really like this when we’re not at church. That’s what makes it all authentic.

Life@itsBest SPRING 2012 11

SHARING A SWEET GIFT START WORKOUT CONNECT NEW ADDICTION PURPOSE CRAFT MIX MONTHLY JOY SMALL ENERGY RECORDINGS BUILD POSITIVE EFFECTS WATCH FELLOWSHIP RELATIONSHIPS POTENTIAL THRIVE ROTATE COUNSEL CREATION LIST LIFE BEGINNING SHARING THE ROAD TO RECOVERY INVITE PHONE REQUESTS TRAINER THEME CRAFTING RELATIONSHIPS PRAYER PROJECT EXERCISE HOSPITAL VISITS HEALING FAITH ATTENDEES ELABORATE EDUCATION RECIPES BASICS STATEMENTS IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CHOICES CHANGES LEADER LEARNING IMPORTANCE AWE CARE DESIRE GIFTS QUESTIONS ARTIST PARTICIPANTS WELLNESS TIPS NUTRITION TIME MANAGEMENT EXPEDITE CONCLUDE PROCESS SESSIONS SLEEP PLAN BROKEN PRODUCTIVE LIGHT HOURS MINISTRIES

12 Life@itsBest SPRING 2012

Spring 2012

Sharing a Sweet Gift byKELLI SHI RO MA

J

pho t o g ra phy by T I S H B U H R

anuary marked the start of several new ministries at New Hope Christian Fellowship (NHCF), and starting in February, the New Hope Baking Ministry was thrown into the mix. The ministry, led by Tish Buhr, started on Feb. 16 and will be held every other week on Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. at the Buhr residence.

“It’s like a small group at my house,” confirms Buhr. “I’m limiting it to 10-12 (individuals) because that way, people can see and they won’t have to peek over others’ shoulders.”

Sign-ups for the ministry’s meetings will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. Buhr encourages potential attendees to watch for the ministry’s announcements in the NHCF weekend bulletins.

At the beginning of each ministry gathering, the group will open with introductions and a short sharing of Scripture or devotion before launching into the baking project. Never baked before in your life? No fear, says Buhr, as the ministry will not focus on elaborate recipes.

“We can do a lot (of baking) in an hour and a half,” she says. “I’m not making hard stuff; I just want to teach people the basics.”

Buhr said starting the NHCF Baking Ministry stemmed from a desire to share

the gifts God had given her. She wanted to share the baking tips that she had learned over the years with others, especially lessons she gleaned while raising her children. Some of these tips include leaving butter at room temperature to expedite the baking process, as well as the tips on how to end up with light cookies and other products.

“When you have babies, you don’t have that much time!” Buhr laughs. “What was normal (for me) was five hours of baking, but I had to cut it down to one hour. I’m going to take a good recipe and just share the tips throughout the years that I’ve learned (in order to) simplify (the process) and make it go faster.”

Buhr is excited to meet other interested bakers through this ministry and for all that God is going to do through their meetings.

“My main goal during the meetings is to share how baking can be easy and fun,” she says. “You don’t have to put so much thought behind it … don’t stress over it! If you have the basic tools, you can do quite a bit. I’m looking forward to sharing more of what God has given me with others.”

Questions about the Baking Ministry? Contact Tish Buhr at lbuhr@douglasengineering.com or (808) 486-9853.

“I know that God has blessed me and my heart is to share what He’s given me.” – TISH BUHR

Life@itsBest SPRING 2012 13

The Road to Recovery byKELLI SHI RO MA

pho t o g ra phy by J E R OM E OS U R M A N

A

n expression of satisfaction combined with a hint of sadness crosses Bill Weatherton’s face, as he reflects on the time he led the New Hope Christian Fellowship (NHCF) 12 Step Recovery Group, which concluded its meetings at the end of January.

“It’s been a good trip and a long trip and I have joy and sadness all at the same time, but it’s time to move on and find another way to help Christians in recovery,” Weatherton says.

Weatherton has been leading this ministry since June 1996, while NHCF wasn’t even a year old yet. Weatherton had been a former alcoholic in recovery for many years before attending NHCF, and he strongly felt the Lord calling him to start a recovery group for

alcoholic, Weatherton asked Senior Pastor Wayne Cordeiro if they could start a NHCF recovery group.

“He (Cordeiro) said, ‘Yes, but Jesus Christ has to be the higher power (for healing),’” Weatherton recalls.

Since its creation, the group has met weekly at Kaumakapili Church. Meetings usually open with prayer and then attendees read the “Serenity Prayer.” Then, group members take turns reading the 12 steps to recovery.

Weatherton explains that the 12 steps to recovery—including those like “we admitted we were powerless over alcohol and drugs and that our lives had become unmanageable”— the group uses are based on the 12 steps of recovery found in other secular recovery groups, with the difference of Jesus “Our desire is to help other people to find being incorporated into the New Hope recovery and Jesus Christ. To see other people group.

“There’s 12 recover is the greatest joy of a recovered months in a year and we have 12 alcoholic.” – BILL WEATHERTON steps, so each month focuses Christians suffering from alcohol and drug on a different step,” Weatherton says. “After addiction. Weatherton, who had been involved (reading and discussing the steps), everyone with secular 12-step recovery groups until gets a turn to talk and the meeting leader 1966 (when he became sober), remembered shares his testimony.” the positive effects these groups had on his While the NHCF 12 Step Recovery Group recovering from the addiction. has been geared toward Christians, non“On Dec. 12, 1966, I found fellowship Christians have been invited and welcomed to with other alcoholics in recovery and because the meetings as well, as long as they respected of their sharing God as they understood Him the faith of those present at the group. with me, I was able to stay sober and I’ve been “We’ve had a lot of non-Christians come sober ever since,” Weatherton proudly states. to our meetings (over the years) and they don’t “I haven’t had any drinks or drugs since that leave without hearing about Jesus because we time.” use that in our testimony,” Weatherton says.

Together with Billy Andrade, another former While numerous individuals have attended

14 Life@itsBest SPRING 2012

the Recovery Group’s meetings, Weatherton says that, as of January, five to 10 people come on a regular basis. While this is good news, as those who have recovered from their addictions no longer attend the group, he knows it’s time for the ministry to conclude.

“Our meetings have compressed because folks don’t need to be there anymore,” Weatherton says. “Our meeting on Jan. 31

was the last one. I talked with the people present at the last meeting and we all agree that God’s money needs to be used to help (the majority) of people … and we’re down to a few people at our meetings.”

While he feels that God is moving him to help recovering Christian alcoholics in other

ways, Weatherton expresses that, if the need for the Recovery Group arises, the group will answer the call. He is grateful for New Hope’s support, both through prayer and financially, for the ministry.

“The people of New Hope have been tremendously supportive of Christians in

recovery,” Weatherton says. “Under God’s guidance and with the Church’s support, we have helped many men and women recover from alcohol and drug addiction. They now take their rightful place in society, becoming healthy, productive and respected citizens, sharing their victory through Christ with brothers and sisters that are still suffering.”

Life@itsBest SPRING 2012 15

Crafting Relationships byKELLI SHI RO MA

pho t o g ra phy by T I A N I I N C I ON G

“My goal (through this ministry) is to build relationships with one another and to help the ones that feel lost to know that there is hope and joy that comes only in knowing Christ.” – NAOMI HEW

W

hile New Hope Christian Fellowship (NHCF) is considered a large church, it can also seem really small. Just ask Naomi Hew, the leader of the Heart for Crafts Ministry.

“The crafts class is a great time of drawing closer to the Lord through the other women that are there,” says Hew, reflecting on the ministry’s first meeting. “I was in awe how God connected women. (For example) one woman just lost her mom and now, she has the time to do something she’s always wanted to do. She wanted to learn to paint, and there was another sister there (in the ministry) who’s an artist and teaches classes.”

Hew smiles, thinking about how God has worked through the ministry so far.

“I just sit back and go, ‘Wow God, this is so amazing, only You could have brought them (the women) here,’” she says.

The Heart for Crafts Ministry started in January and meets monthly in the Kahoolawe Room at the NHCF Ministry Center. During the two-hour meetings, ministry members share devotions and participate in a craft project, which usually centers on a theme.

“The theme would be based on a holiday for that month,” Hew says. “That’s what God placed on my heart (for the theme) … for example, (during our April meeting), we’ll do something centered around Easter.”

God first placed the idea of starting a crafts ministry on Hew’s heart while she was serving in LifeChange.

“God had placed (the idea of) doing some kind of craft to bring relationships among the women facilitators,” Hew remembers. “Then, Arlene Iwano approached me and asked me about starting a crafts ministry. It was neat how God had already placed on my heart (that desire) to do crafts to build relationships.”

The Heart for Crafts Ministry is on the smaller side, with just 10 participants every meeting. Hew says anyone interested in joining the ministry can contact her via e-mail, which is listed in the NHCF weekend bulletin.

“If there’s anything beyond the 10 (people who first sign up), I put them on a wait list,” she says. “As we get closer to the time of meeting, I call them (the first 10) up just to be sure they’re coming. And if I find some that aren’t going to be coming, I’ll call the ones on the wait list and invite them to come.

The ministry is open to both men and women, even though only women have attended so far.”

As the ministry continues to meet and different participants attend the craft sessions, Hew is excited for the ways in which God will connect the ministry members.

“The goal (of the ministry) would be to build relationships with one another, to let (participants) know that there’s more to life and there is joy in the Lord,” she says.

Interested in joining the Heart for Crafts Ministry?

Contact Naomi Hew at naomi.hew@gmail.com.

Life@itsBest SPRING 2012 17

In Case of Emergency byKELLI S HI ROM A

D

id you know that there is a New Hope Christian Fellowship (NHCF) number you can call in case of emergencies?

If there is an emergency after NHCF business hours, individuals can simply call the church’s main phone number (808-842-4242), according to Pastor Richard Waialeale, senior pastor of New Hope O‘ahu South Shore and one of the pastors in the Community Care Ministry.

The individual will hear a set of recordings and he or she can select the number that pertains to emergencies.

“That will take you right to the emergency cell phone,” Waialeale confirms.

In the past, NHCF pastors used to rotate carrying the emergency cell phone.

However, for the past four years, NHCF staff members in the Community Care Ministry have overseen the responsibility.

“We’ll rotate the emergency cell phone among six or seven people (and we change every Tuesday),” says Waialeale. “(These staff members) will respond as ministers for the church. It’s better if we (the Community

Care Ministry) take care of it (the emergency calls) because we have the ability to counsel.”

The majority of emergency calls are prayer requests, in addition to some hospital visits, according to Waialeale. He states that the staff member receiving the call will respond in the manner most appropriate.

“The (common) belief is they need a pastor (in emergencies), but any one of us in Community Care can handle it,” Waialeale says. “The (staff) people that are in Community Care have been there for a while.”

Sometimes, the emergency calls pertain to suicide or broken relationships. In these cases, Waialeale says that the staff member has the individual come in for counseling.

“If someone’s contemplating suicide, we try to immediately direct him or her to the suicide hotline,” Waialeale says. “If the situation is about relationships, we’ll try to get them to come in for a counseling appointment. I’d rather see them face to face than try to explain something over the phone.”

IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION? Call the Ministry Center at (808) 842-4242 and stay on the line for the emergency number.

18 Life@itsBest SPRING 2012

Surgical Weight Loss Institute at

Castle Medical Center

Our Surgical Weight Loss Institute helps people who are obese regain their health through weight loss surgery. The institute offers a comprehensive program that brings together a team of experts to assist with the physical and emotional effects of obesity through surgery, education, diet and exercise. Working hand in hand with our Wellness Center, caring for body, mind and spirit, we successfully transform lives.

Castle Medical Center’s Surgical Weight Loss Institute is a designated Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence, credentialed by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery, designated

by Blue Cross Blue Shield America (BCBSA).

For more information on the Surgical Weight Loss Institute, please call 263-5176, or visit our Web site at castlemed.org

ÂŽ

SEEKING REFUGE IN THE RIGHT PLACES REWARD JOY TRIGGER MENTOR ATMOSPHERE WORK WAGES RESPONSIBILITY THRIVE SPICES BEAUTIFUL STRENGTH MEDICATION POETIC GRACIOUS MEETINGS IMMUNE SYSTEM PRECIOUS TESTIMONY EQUIPPING DETERMINATION BOIL SNEEZING CULTIVATING THE CULTURE: NURTURING RELATIONSHIPS RECIPES LOYALTY PAIN AMBIENCE PACKED LOVE POWER DEDICATE IMPORTANT TEAM DANCE FELLOWSHIP DEEDS ABOUNDING ALLERGY ALERT TASTE HEART TOIL PRAYER DELIVER VAIN RESOLVE DILIGENCE EXONERATE FACILITATE MESSAGE THOUGHT CHOPPED SCARCE INTEGRITY RESPONSE UNDYING DEVOTION CLASSIC COMFORTS GENUINE TENSION GROWTH BLESSING SOUL ANNOUNCEMENTS FAITHFUL KINDNESS MORAL SAINTS EXCELLENCE

LIFE

Spring 2012

DAILY DEVOTIONS title

date

SEEKING REFUGE IN THE RIGHT PLACES April 5th Devotion

S

“May the Lord reward your work and your wages be full from the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge” (Ruth 2:12).

O

This must be one of the most beautiful verses in the Book of Ruth. Its poetic rhythm and its gentle presentation are precious.

Ruth’s testimony—her track record—was “fully reported” to Boaz and it brought favor in his sight. Even though Ruth’s love, determination and loyalty were expressed privately, it became known publicly.

Make no mistake — who we are will be known; our deeds done in the name of the Lord will always receive His reward. 1 Corinthians 15:58 reminds us, “Always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not vain in the Lord.”

Ruth’s diligence and determination didn’t necessarily exonerate her from her daily needs. She still was required by life itself to provide food and shelter, and there would be days where that would be scarce indeed.

LifeJournal.me is an online journaling website launched by New Hope Life Resources last September. Go to http://lifejournal.me and create your free account today!

But herein lies her integrity. She didn’t deny her needs, but instead, committed to fulfill them only in a way that pleased the Lord. Later on, in Ruth 3:10, Boaz will commend her when she had a chance to carouse — “You have shown your last kindness to be better than the first by not going after young men, whether poor or rich, for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence.”

Her excellence was found in her moral excellence, mental excellence and in her wisdom, diligence and determination to fulfill her needs only according to God’s ways.

A

I will have needs just as anyone else, but where I seek refuge will be crucial. We can find placebos in many places. We can find counterfeits in the world, but only under His wings and in His time will our deepest needs be fulfilled.

This requires character through patience, diligence, self-control, more patience and more self-control. Then trust. Trust that God’s ways are the best and that He will reward those who diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6).

P

Heavenly Father, I have known times when I tried meeting my needs in ways other than Yours, but they have only left me hungry and empty. Thank You for reminding me, by Your mercies and grace, that You are the only way. Under Your wings I take refuge. In Jesus’ name, amen. byWAYNE CORDEIRO

Life@itsBest SPRING 2012 21

Culture is ...

Culture is the atmosphere in which churches thrive or die. It is our reputation, our calling card. It is what people will remember about us. It is what we will be known for. It is our legacy.

Every church has a culture. It is the atmosphere, the ambiance that we exude just by who we are. Our culture can work for us or it can work against us.

Every church has to decide what kind of culture it is going to have. This can be applied to our family, our business, our associations and basically everything. Our culture is extremely important. When we change the culture, everything changes.

Eight Qualities of New Hope’s Culture

Cultivating the Culture

Nurturing Relationships byWAY N E C OR D E I R O pho t o g ra phy by DE R R E K M I YAH AR A

A lot of people have a heart that might be frozen or shriveled on the inside. Then, when they come to church, it should be a culture that begins to allow growth to take place.

We have to decide what that culture is. After a lot of prayer and thought, we at New Hope decided what kind of culture we want here.

1. Harvest Church We will connect everything to a soul because that is why we exist. If people are not coming to Christ, then why do we exist? The Bible says we are to equip the saints for the work of the ministry.

The word “equip” is a Greek word, katartizo.

In the Book of Mark, it says, “James and John, sons of Zebedee, were in the boat with their father and they were mending their nets.” The word “mending” is the same word, katartizo. Why were they mending their nets? As they fished, they may have ripped some of the nets, so they were mending them.

The reason you mend nets is to throw them back in the water to catch fish. It is the same thing with churches — they are given pastors for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry.

God does not mend us to sit on the sidelines or go to the grandstands. It is to throw us back into the water so that we will catch more fish. We decided early on that we would connect everything to a soul.

Everything that everybody does is connected to a soul.

we do with all our hearts. Throw your heart across the line and live heart first.

3. Build Emerging Leaders

well; hire those who can facilitate those who will do it well.” Volunteers … we are doing church as a team.

5. Undying Devotion to God and His Word

You will see a lot of young people around our church. They start real young, but we thought, “Let’s allow all of these young people in so that we can mentor them and build emerging leaders.” This is the reason we have a Bible college. It is because our culture is to grow young leaders.

“‘Behold, days are coming,’ declares the Lord GOD, ‘when I will send a famine on the land, not a famine for bread or a thirst for water, but rather for hearing the words of the LORD’” (Amos 8:11).

4. Doing Church as a

God is saying that, in the end days, He will send a famine for hearing the words of the Lord. It is time we break that famine. We have to be a people of undying devotion to God and His Word.

Team We decided that we would be lean on fulltime staff and large on volunteers. That is where the heart is going to be found. God said to me, “Do not hire those who do it

It is part of the New Hope culture to read the Bible and do daily devotions. We read the Bible here!

2. Live Heart First “Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy and a glad heart … therefore you shall serve your enemies …” (Deut.

28:47-48).

God wants us to serve Him with all our heart. Remember this — a mind might reach a mind, but only a heart will reach a heart.

We are trying to reach people’s hearts; therefore, we have to serve and do what

Life@itsBest SPRING 2012 23

6. Gracious in All of Our Dealings We are dealing with problems all the time. Some of the common denominators of growing churches are problems and pain. We have to be gracious; otherwise, we will not be able to resolve problems.

We need to be gracious in all of our dealings. If we are a leader in a church, we are going to be the culture-setter in that church. If we violate one of these qualities, it will destroy the culture.

Leaders are culture-setters or culture-breakers. Your words can build or destroy. Leaders, not only will you set the culture; you have to make sure that you are maintaining it. Cultures are fragile.

7. A Culture of Joyful Servants We want a culture of joyful servants where people truly enjoy serving.

Some of the best people in the world serve at New Hope! We want to develop a culture of joyous serving.

8. Genuine and Healthy Relationships Genuine and healthy relationships are absolutely critical. I want to encourage us to make sure that everything that we have is built on genuine and healthy relationships. Do we maintain it like that all the time? No. But when relationships go bad, we will feel tension because something is wrong.

The tension is good because God is saying that something needs to be resolved. God is saying, “I would like you to take care of this. Do not let this continue. Do not tolerate it. Let us resolve it.”

Take the responsibility to resolve the tension.

“Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering” (Matt. 5:23-24).

God is doing something greater; we have to be released to a greater cause. Is there going to be tension? Yes! Take the responsibility to restore broken relationships. When we do, we will begin to understand that there is a much greater cause that is at stake and it will make all of us servants. When God sees that, He says, “Well done, my good and faithful servant; enter into the dance of your Master.” Let us be servants.

24 Life@itsBest SPRING 2012

HEALTH TIP

Allergy Alert byPAT TAKENI S HI , Rph

W

hat do the spring season and Kona winds have in common?

They both tend to trigger allergy symptoms in allergy sufferers. Pollen, vog (smog from the Hawaii volcanoes), dust, pet dander and bee venom are just a few examples of allergy triggers. Although the effects of these triggers are very minor for many of us, the effects of these irritants for others can range from coughing, sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes to lifethreatening breathing problems. Through medications, lifestyle changes, staying well hydrated, or allergen avoidance, we can decrease our susceptibility and intensity of these allergic reactions.

When your body encounters a foreign matter, it produces antibodies through your immune system. These antibodies remember these foreign invaders. Thus, the next time an antibody encounters one, it will set off an immune response and the antibodies will attack the unwelcomed foreigner. One of the chemicals released in an immune response is histamine and it is responsible for symptoms such as runny nose, nasal congestion, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes, mouth or throat.

These symptoms may be relieved by taking over-the-counter antihistamines such as Benadryl, Claritin, or Allegra.

These products (except Claritin) should be used with extreme caution, due to the drowsiness they may cause, especially with Benadryl and to a lesser extent with

Allegra. Caution should be taken when using these types of medications and anything that requires attention should be avoided. It may be prudent to point out that Benadryl is the active ingredient that causes sleep in products such as Tylenol PM and Simply Sleep. There are also prescription antihistamines available; however, drowsiness is also a major side effect in these prescription antihistamines for most people.

Some lifestyle changes for those who suffer from severe allergies include wearing a mask while outdoors, frequently washing bedding in hot water to decrease exposure to dust mites, vacuuming regularly with a vacuum that has a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter and avoiding damp areas that may contain spores. It is also important to stay well hydrated due to the increased formation of mucus if you are taking an antihistamine. Those who are sensitive to vog may want to avoid going outside, keeping the windows closed and turning on the air conditioner to decrease the chances of difficulty breathing.

ASK PAT Have questions about prescription medications, over-thecounter products or herbal supplements? Ask pharmacist Pat Takenishi! Call 691-8925 to get your health-related questions answered today!

Life@itsBest SPRING 2012 25

RECIPE

Classic Comforts

byF R I E DA TAKAKI photog ra phy by GAS T ON S OUZA

For seven years, Frieda Takaki led New Hope Christian Fellowship’s (NHCF) Cooking Ministry, “The Joy of Cooking.” The two-hour monthly meetings were always packed with 40-50 people, as attendance was limited. For $5 each meeting, Takaki would teach participants how to make several dishes, including choi sum and chow funn. Over the course of the class, Takaki shared about 300 recipes with various ministry members. In this issue, Life at its Best magazine got a taste of some of Takaki’s beloved classics.

MOCK BIRD NEST SOUP INGREDIENTS

1 lb. pork hash 1 pkg. cooked ham, sliced in ¼-inch strips 1 can water chestnut, chopped 1 C Shiitake mushrooms, sliced 1-2 pieces ginger root, sliced 1 bunch watercress, cut to 1 ½-inch lengths 3 cans chicken broth 2 eggs, beaten 1-2 tsp. salt to taste 1-2 pkg. long rice, soaked and cut in 3-inch lengths

26 Life@itsBest SPRING 2012

INSTRUCTIONS

Brown pork hash, ham and ginger. Add four cups water and bring to boil. Add water chestnut and mushrooms and chicken broth. Beat in eggs. Add salt to taste. Add watercress just before serving.

SHOYU CHICKEN INGREDIENTS

3-5 lbs. chicken thighs ½ C shoyu ½ C water 2 tsp. sugar 1 T oyster sauce 1 clove crushed garlic 1 piece crushed ginger 3 T liquor ½ tsp Chinese five spice 1 lb. bean sprouts

INSTRUCTIONS

Bring all the ingredients to a boil except the chicken and bean sprouts. Add chicken to sauce mixture and simmer 40 minutes; turn chicken over once or twice to even brown. Blanche or par boil bean sprouts and drain. Line on platter and arrange chicken over bean sprouts. Add cornstarch mixed with water to remaining sauce to thicken. Pour over chicken. Garnish with parsley.

SWEET SOUR SPARERIBS INGREDIENTS

3-4 lbs. spareribs ½ C sugar ½ C vinegar ¼ C shoyu ¼ C oyster sauce 1-inch ginger root, sliced 3 cloves garlic, smashed Daikon, sliced (optional) Carrots, sliced (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Lightly season ribs with garlic salt and pepper. Flour and fry ribs.

Put ribs in pot with all ingredients and simmer 1-1 ½ hours or until tender. Add daikon and carrots about 15 minutes before removing from stove. Serve over blanched mustard cabbage or broccoli (squeeze water out).

Life@itsBest SPRING 2012 27

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NHCF SURF MINISTRY

Every third Saturday of the month, 8 a.m.

Kalaeloa Beach Park — Campgrounds area, call for directions Contact Kirk Miyashiro, (808) 396-3380 The New Hope Christian Fellowship (NHCF) Surf Ministry is geared to deliver the Gospel to all who will join us at the beach. Free surf lessons are followed by a message and worship.

A 40-ft. swim test is required for those who want lessons. It’s okay to bring your surfboard, but one is not required; we have boards on hand for beginners.

BABY DEDICATION

May 12, 5 p.m.

May 13, 9 & 11 a.m.

Contact Community Care Ministry, communitycare@eNewHope.org Dedicate your children to the Lord — that His blessing, protection and provision would be with them until the time comes when they are able to make their own decision to accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior.

28 Life@itsBest SPRING 2012

D.E.S.I.G.N.

June 23, 8:30 a.m.

Ministry Center Contact Donna Mae Katsura, donnamae@eNewHope.org God has a plan and a design for you! Come find out what yours is by taking a Spiritual Gifts test! Sign up online at http://www.enewhope.org/nextsteps/design/ or at the Servants’ Entrance table.

MPL BUSINESS DIRECTORY – 4TH EDITION

Contact Kelli Shiroma, kellishiroma@eNewHope.org Online registration is now available for the fourth edition of the annual MPL Business Directory. The deadline to register is March 30; deadline for ads is April 16.

COMING SOON … MEN’S 45 AND OVER SOCCER MINISTRY

Saturday afternoons Contact Clarence Rodrigues, (808) 285-2595 or caring1260@yahoo.com Do you love soccer? Interested in playing for New Hope? Seeking men ages 45 and older who love fellowship and playing soccer while impacting others.

HBA_NH-ad-Feb2012-L@iB_PRESS_revised.pdf

1

2/22/12

4:01 PM

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Life@itsBest SPRING 2012 29

COMMISSIONING LEADERS EXECUTIVE POTENTIAL MANTLE DISCUSSION SERVING RAISE COMMAND APART MINISTRY SPECIFIC PRINCIPLES LOGISTICS ADMINISTRATION INTEGRITY HONOR CURRENT PROTECT FAITHFULNESS CONFIDENTIALITY TRUST INDUSTRY COMMIT SHEPHERD SUPPORT DCAT 2012 – “IN THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT” GUIDES INNOVATIVE ANOINTED INSPIRING PANEL RELIGIOUS ALIVE BLESSED COORDINATE PROCLAIM DISCOVER PROFESSIONAL MISSIONS UNDERSTANDING FAITH FERVOR CITIES SPIRIT WORD TRIPS ENTREPRENEURIAL CUISINE MEANINGFUL “FOOTSTEPS OF PAUL” FRIENDS HONESTY TRAVELING JOURNEY TOURS CORE VALUES EXPERIENCE BACKGROUND SITES DEVOTIONS LEADERSHIP WONDER MARKETPLACE LEADERSHIP KICKOFF WORSHIP EVENTS

30 Life@itsBest SPRING 2012

Spring 2012

Commissioning Leaders byKELLI SHI RO MA

pho t o g ra phy by G A S T ON S OU Z A

D

uring the Midweek service on Feb. 8, Pastor Wayne Cordeiro officially commissioned Pastors Rod Shimabukuro and John Tilton as executive pastors of New Hope Christian Fellowship (NHCF).

Both Shimabukuro—who currently serves as the NHCF director of equipping—and Tilton—NHCF administrative pastor—have been serving in ministry for many years, and Cordeiro acknowledged that God has been using them in great ways. He explained that the Lord was asking him to extend his mantle on several individuals and raise up leaders.

Before commissioning Shimabukuro and Tilton, Cordeiro referenced Acts 13:2, stating that, just as how the Holy Spirit commanded the Church to set apart for Him Barnabas and Saul, God was calling him to set these two pastors apart for Him. Shimabukuro will serve as the executive pastor over the New Hope ministries, including the staff and undershepherds, while Tilton will serve as executive pastor over administration, including finances, accounting and logistics. Cordeiro called the Church’s elders on stage—Dave Yogi, Dan Shima and George Iranon—and he asked Shimabukuro and Tilton four questions, to which they replied, “I will”: “Will you carry out your ministry with integrity, honesty and faithfulness, the ministry which God has given to each of you? Will you honor God in all things and always commit to God’s best for each and every person in our congregation?

Will you honor God’s Word in all that you do? Will you shepherd God’s people with the heart of Christ, not out of compulsion, but voluntarily?”

Following this, Cordeiro asked the congregation four questions, to which NHCF members replied, “We will”: “Will you support your pastors as they lead you toward Christ? Will you pray for them and believe God’s best for them? Will you protect their families and pray for their families? Will you honor your pastors as those God has appointed and those God has anointed?” The elders then laid hands on Shimabukuro and Tilton, as Cordeiro led the congregation in praying for them.

Life@itsBest SPRING 2012 31

A DCAT Experience!

Power 32 Life@itsBest SPRING 2012

the topics of “Spirit-filled Relationships” and “Living in the Power of the Spirit”—and the NHCF equipping team discussed the importance of spiritual gifts.

On Feb. 1, Cordeiro’s evening plenary was titled “Power of the Spirit,” during which he talked about the dual mission of the Holy Spirit—to reveal Jesus to and through the believer—as well as the gifts of the Spirit.

The next night, Bevere discussed the spiritual law of honor and how to demonstrate it to both God and man in his evening plenary, “Honor.” The conference concluded on Feb. 3 with an evening of powerful worship, as Cordeiro emphasized the significance of praise and gestures in worship through his message, “The Canopy of God.” During the conference, Cordeiro commissioned several New Hope church plants, including New Hope Myanmar, New Hope Gifu (Japan) and New Hope International Yangpyeong (South Korea).

phot o g ra phy by DER REK MIYAHA RA

n Feb. 1-3, approximately 2010 individuals attended New Hope Christian Fellowship’s (NHCF) annual “Doing Church as a Team (DCAT)” Conference. This year’s theme, “In the Power of the Spirit,” invited individuals to be empowered through inspirational messages to live beyond the comforts of life and take risks to live by the Holy Spirit. The evening plenary sessions featured Pastor Wayne Cordeiro and author/speaker John Bevere at the Farrington High School Auditorium.

Various afternoon breakout sessions were held at the NHCF LEAD Center and the Disabled American Veteran’s Hall (DAV) on Feb. 2-3, featuring speakers such as Lisa Bevere, Pastor Mike Kai of Hope Chapel West O‘ahu, Pastor Matt Higa of New Hope Kauai and Dawn O’Brien, morning show host.

Each breakout session covered different aspects of living a Spirit-filled life—including

O

byKEL LI SHIROM A

“In the Power of the Spirit”

DCAT Conference 2012 –

Life@itsBest SPRING 2012 33

FOOTSTEPS OF byPAUL LAM

photos c ourtesy of ” FAI T H JOUR NE YS”

Paul Lam is the managing director of “Faith Journeys,” a provider of religious, inspirational and educational travel. His wife, Susie, serves as the director of women’s ministries at New Hope Christian Fellowship (NHCF).

34 Life@itsBest SPRING 2012

F

or the past 12 years, my wife, Susie, and I have been blessed to coordinate Pastor Wayne Cordeiro’s tours to the Holy Land and Europe, as well as some mission tours for the New Hope churches. These trips have been some of the most meaningful experiences of our lives and we have been blessed to make dozens of new friends from New Hope by traveling together.

This fall, we are excited to join Pastor Wayne and Anna on the “Footsteps of Paul” journey, scheduled for Oct. 9-22. We’ll visit Greece, Turkey and Italy, where the Apostle Paul traveled on his missionary journeys, wrote 14 epistles of the New Testament and was believed to have died (in Rome).

Ever since Susie and I began working with Pastor Wayne to organize these tours, our goal has been to reinforce New Hope’s Core Values. During the tours, in addition to receiving wonderful historical background from professional guides about the biblical sites we visit, we have daily devotions together each morning. As a group, as we also share many inspiring moments as Pastor Wayne gives lessons on faith, discipleship and spiritual leadership while we travel from place to place.

During the “Footsteps of Paul” journey, we will cruise the sun-dappled Mediterranean and exotic Byzantium coast and tour the wonders of Italy, including the grandeur of ancient Rome. Our stops will include: •

•

Athens, where Paul challenged, “I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship — and this is what I am going to proclaim to you” (Acts 17:22-23).

•

Ephesus, where Paul beseeched, “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil … Having your loins girth about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness … taking the shield of faith … the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God” (Eph. 6:11-17).

•

Rome, where Paul penned the epilogue to his ministry, “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God … “( Rom. 1:1).

•

Florence and Venice, two spectacular historical cities that were not on Paul’s original missionary routes

As we journey to Greece, Turkey and Italy, that which is history will become part of our daily lives.

We will have greater understanding as we read the Scriptures and a greater depth in our walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. Many testify that the Bible comes alive for them like never before when they journey to the places it describes and the places where it was written.

New Hope tours are more than just a vacation; they are travels with a purpose. You will have many wonderful opportunities to enjoy being with old friends while making new ones, see spectacular historical sights, sample delicious regional cuisine and have fun shopping in each destination. Best of all, though, you will gain a greater understanding of God’s Word and Paul’s evangelistic fervor as you walk in his footsteps with the Lord Jesus, Pastor Wayne, Anna and friends from New Hope.

Interested in “Footsteps of Paul” or want to learn more information about New Hope tours? Contact Arlene Iwano at (808) 842-4242 ext. 420 or arleneiwano@eNewHope.org.

Corinth, where Paul encouraged, “That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God” (1 Cor. 2:5).

“We will embark on an unforgettable journey, following in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul through Greece, Turkey and Italy, to discover firsthand the places Paul visited and perhaps even experience some of the same feelings he had as he ministered in that part of the world. We’ll gain a greater understanding of people there and of Paul’s passion for them to know Jesus!” – “FAITH JOURNEYS,” ON “FOOTSTEPS OF PAUL”

Life@itsBest SPRING 2012 35

Marketplace Leadership Kickoff byKELLI SHI RO MA pho t o g ra phy by D E RRE K M I YA H A R A & C H R I S T I N A H E A S T ON

O

n Feb. 17, the Marketplace Leadership (MPL) Ministry gathered for the first MPL event of the year. The MPL dinner was held at the New Hope Christian Fellowship (NHCF) LEAD Center from 6-8 p.m. During the event, potential and current MPL Ministry members enjoyed fellowship, a delicious dinner and a message from Pastor Wayne Cordeiro about the ministry’s new season and vision.

In his message, Cordeiro addressed the numerous innovative and entrepreneurial Ministry members, stating that, as key business leaders, they are able to positively impact their spheres of influence for Christ. Members of the MPL Ministry were invited to sign up for forums, or discussion groups that would meet regularly throughout the year. Those who signed up for the forums would be grouped according to industry or individuals in their specific fields. Members of the selected MPL Council would be in charge of leading one forum, in which members would discuss topics and principles significant to the business community. Each forum would decide how frequently the group would meet; the entire Ministry would meet quarterly for dinners or lunches and hear a panel discussion.

While the forums would meet to discuss key business issues, Cordeiro emphasized how each forum would also serve to connect marketplace leaders. Not only would the forums be a good way to connect individuals in the same industry, but they would serve like small group, where brothers and sisters in Christ can meet for prayer and simply “do life” together. Cordeiro highlighted three essentials that every forum should have among its members — high commitment, high confidentiality and high trust level.

The event concluded with a question and answer session, a prize drawing and an exhortation for business leaders to sign up for the fourth annual MPL Business Directory, to be released in June.

Interested in joining the MPL Ministry? Contact Mary Waialeale at (808) 842-4242 ext. 113. For questions about the 4th Annual MPL Business Directory, contact Kelli Shiroma at kellishiroma@eNewHope.org.

36 Life@itsBest SPRING 2012

EDIFICATION: BUILDING OTHERS UP GOAL WEIGHT PROCEEDS FEAST FELLOWSHIP LISTEN STRUGGLE BLESSED EFFORT DESIRE BROKEN IMPRISONED FACILITATE ESSENTIAL CRAVINGS PIONEER SMALL GROUPS LOVE REPAID PEACE WORD FUNDRAISERS SOULS PLAN STUDYING CALL COUNSELOR MEALS SERVANTS LEARNING TO LISTEN WORSHIP JOY PRAYER GENEROSITY FAR-REACHING AND RELENTLESS EXPAND NEEDY SHARE ENCOURAGE WORLD SERVING ON BEHALF OF THE KING FULFILLMENT QUALITY ANXIETY RESOURCES PARTICIPATORY INFLUENCE VENTURE EDIFY GOODNESS QUESTION DIRECT LIFE SEASON FOCUS SPIRITUAL BACKGROUND ROLE HOPE DEVOTIONS COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS DEVOTIONS GROOM FAITH RELATIONSHIPS GIFTS PROVISION MOLD HEART FAVORITES ‘OHANA

Spring 2012

Life@itsBest SPRING 2012 37

PHOTO STORY

EDIFICATION

N

ew Hope Christian Fellowship’s (NHCF) edification fractal encompasses a variety of ministries, ranging from those

designed to build up and train new Christians to affinity or athletics groups. Meet several dedicated volunteers from the edification department, who share how they serve in their various ministries.

38 Life@itsBest SPRING 2012

MARY ARAKAKI

THE LORD’S WEIGH MINISTRY “I have been helping people to lose weight in a clinical setting for several years. People are surprised that even after reaching their goal weight, they still struggle with cravings and emotional eating. It is my desire to serve God outside of my job by helping my Christian brothers and sisters find that only God can fill those cravings. God gave us bountiful nutritious food to feed our bodies, but only His Word can feed our souls. I am motivated to help people develop an eating plan, expand their taste for whole foods and let God use their emotional wounds to grow closer to Him.”

Life@itsBest SPRING 2012 39

CAMERON CORTEZ

YES! TEAM / CONCIERGE TENT “‘Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification’ (Rom. 14:19).

As a 12-year-old, I started to serve alongside my mother in the Hospitality Ministry and developed such wonderful relationships with people who loved serving God’s people. Twelve years later, I still have relationships with those same servants whom God has used to encourage, instruct and build me into the person I am today.

Now that God has increased my ministry and influence, I am humbled by the fact that the lessons I learned from all those years in the Hospitality Ministry is used to edify the Body of Christ, whether it be praying with a new believer as a YES! Team member, answering a question under the Concierge Tent or sharing life with a fellow student at New Hope Christian College (NHCC) – Hawaii.

In this season, it is my turn to build others up in Christ, just as others have built me up. I serve in these ministries in order to reach a soul—who will eventually reach another soul—for Jesus and that’s what edifies me.”

40 Life@itsBest SPRING 2012

JUDY NAKANO

COMMUNITY CARE MINISTRY “Even though I sporadically help outside of Community Care in projects, I have no doubt that I am in my current Community Care Ministry roles because, in this season, that is exactly what and where God’s plan and desire is for me. Though I know I am in His current role choices for me, that’s not how I initially got involved.

I jumped into the ministry initially about 10 years ago because I knew I could do whatever the ministry was recruiting for.

However, God used my initial volunteer years to groom and mold me into discovering, learning, understanding and transforming me to do things His way, not my way, and to establish a personal relationship with Him. He is still continuing to refine and sand my rough edges and working to help me to expel all the ‘opala that remains in me.”

Life@itsBest SPRING 2012 41

Learning to Listen byKE LLI S H I R OM A

Whether she’s counseling during the week or leading the Prayer Ministry at the New Hope Christian Fellowship (NHCF) weekend services, Gina Pe’a always strives to “listen with God’s ears” in order to share His love with others. Wonder how Pe’a got involved at NHCF as a volunteer and the unexpected ways God has worked in her life? At Life at its Best magazine, we’re all ears.

T

he word “counselor” evokes a sense of sympathy from some and wonder from others. But for Gina Pe’a, one of New Hope Christian Fellowship’s (NHCF) biblical counselors, the calling brings joy and a sense of fulfillment.

“A lot of times, people will share (comments like) ‘I could never listen to everybody’s problems because you get bogged down,’” she shares. “But I love counseling … I have the desire to want to help people, to help them find peace and hope in their struggles. It gives me joy.”

Pe’a is quick to clarify, though, that she would feel drained or “bogged down” if she were listening to others with her own ears, instead of relying on God for help.

“As I’m listening (to people), I think, ‘Lord, how can I direct them to You and focus on You to give them the hope, faith, peace and joy that comes from You?’” she explains. “God always brings something (for me to say). If I’m listening with my own ears, I wouldn’t know what to say to them.”

A former mortgage broker, Pe’a didn’t imagine she would be serving on staff as one of the Church’s biblical counselors when she first started attending NHCF in 1996. After she started regularly coming to NHCF, she felt called to start volunteering in ministries.

“When I (first) came to New Hope

42 Life@itsBest SPRING 2012

in 1996, I was broken and struggling emotionally,” she recalls. “The first thing I did was I got involved in a small group and I started volunteering as a receptionist at the Ministry Center.”

As she grew in her relationship with the Lord, Pe’a felt a call on her heart to help other women who were struggling emotionally. In 1999, she transitioned from volunteering as a receptionist to helping in the Community Care Ministry (CCM).

As a volunteer, Pe’a especially remembers answering phone calls for prayer requests.

“I helped in a class that was for women that were struggling with anxiety and post-traumatic disorder,” Pe’a says. “I also (volunteered by) praying with people over the phone and talking with them about their struggles, sharing Christ with them and giving them more faith and hope in their walk with God.” During her time as a volunteer, Pe’a’s first husband died from cancer. She remembers struggling during that time, not knowing what God had in store for her.

“After losing my first husband, I wasn’t sure what to do with my life, but one thing I did know was I could rely on Jesus,” Pe’a says.

After her first husband’s death, Pe’a quit her job but continued to volunteer in the CCM. It became clear to Pe’a that

photog ra phy by M AR DI S AVAGE

God gave her a heart to help people who were struggling emotionally and share His hope and love with them. In 2006, she was asked to join the NHCF staff as a biblical counselor. Like the other NHCF counselors, Pe’a trained for the position, taking classes, studying and serving in LifeChange, a 12week course designed to help individuals become all that God created them to be.

In addition to counseling, Pe’a also leads the NHCF Prayer Ministry. The Ministry has a prayer tent outside the Farrington High School Auditorium where people can go and receive prayer and be healed emotionally or physically through prayer. There is also a prayer room in which prayer warriors pray over prayer requests—from the prayer tabs in the weekend bulletins—during the services.

“At least three to six people pray over each service, and they (also) pray over the prayer tabs (from the weekend bulletins),” Pe’a says. “We’re looking for volunteers who love to pray (to join the Ministry).”

Pe’a’s job on staff at NHCF—as well as her second marriage—are testaments of God’s goodness and provision, showing her indeed that His plans were greater than what she imagined.

“After becoming a Christian, working through my struggles and being healed

by Christ … it’s (counseling) something I would have wanted to do, but never thought I would,” Pe’a shares. “Little did I know that God had a plan for me to serve Him on staff at New Hope and also to remarry — Ed and I have been married for almost five years now. This is a second marriage for both of us and we believe God put us together for His purposes. We both volunteer in the LifeChange Ministry (where we met), currently leading the Intercessory team.”

Interested in joining the Prayer Ministry? Contact Gina Pe’a at (808) 842-4242 ext. 423 or ginapea@enewhope.org.

“My own struggles and challenges in life help me to counsel others.

It’s a privilege to be able to share Jesus’ love with others who are struggling.” – GINA PE’A

Life@itsBest SPRING 2012 43

&

Far-Reaching Relentless c om piled byKE LLI S H I R OM A photog ra phs c ourtesy of THE BEVERES

44 Life@itsBest SPRING 2012

Marked by passion and boldness, John Bevere is the renowned author of numerous best-selling books and award-winning curricula, as well as an influential and powerful international speaker. In this candid conversation between DCAT breakout sessions, Life at its Best magazine catches up with John Bevere, who brings us up-to-date with his life and shares about his new book and some of his goals for this year.

“My greatest joy outside of my relationship with Jesus is my family. I have four sons and two g-babies (grandbabies) and we have a blast together. My wife and my children are really … they’re just a source of joy. God has given them to me as a great, great source of joy.” – JOHN BEVERE

L@iB: Right now, you and Lisa are in Hawaii for our annual “DCAT (Doing Church as a Team)” Conference … what else have you been up to recently?

JB: We travel quite a bit. About four or five months ago—October and November of last year—between the two of us, we were in 10 nations over those two months. (Before this) we just got back from Korea. It’s very nice for us to get away together … we’re here in Hawaii together; we were in Korea together.

Our main focuses right now — for Lisa, she’s traveling and writing; I’m traveling and speaking about my new book that just came out last December.

L@iB: How many books have you written?

Can you talk about your latest book and some of your favorite ones?

JB: I’ve written one fiction and 14 nonfictions. The latest one is called Relentless … Relentless deals with how to never give up in the face of adversity and hardship and how that, when we press through hardship, it builds us spiritually and brings us to another realm of authority in the Spirit. A lot of people don’t have a lot of authority in the Spirit because they have not weathered and handled adversity correctly. Relentless teaches people to stay strong in the face of adversity.

The book that has been the most popular up until now is The Bait of Satan; it deals with offenses. Offenses are traps of the enemy — when a person holds and harbors an offense, they end up becoming prisoners (instead of) the ones they’re holding unforgiveness against. The book exposes that.

I think the most powerful book thus far that God has had me write—that has deeply impacted people—has been Driven by Eternity. That book is all about the judgment seat of Christ and a lot of believers do not understand that, one day, we will stand before Jesus as our Judge. There are two judgments the Bible speaks about. One is the White Throne Judgment, where sinners will be judged for their sin; however, at the believers’ judgment, our sins have been eradicated by the blood of Jesus. We won’t be judged for our sin; we’ll be judged on how we lived as believers, (how) we effectively built the Kingdom of God and how we have impacted and influenced people’s lives. If you look at the Scriptures, the Bible says that eternal judgments are one of the foundational doctrines of Christ. If you think about what you get in elementary school, you get the foundations to build the rest of your education. Can you imagine building your high school or college education not knowing how to read, not knowing how to write?

It’d be impossible. That’s how ridiculous it would be for a Christian to build an effective Christian life without understanding eternal rewards and judgment; yet, most Christians in our western society don’t even know and understand that there is a judgment seat and there are eternal rewards and judgment. It is a real impacting book.

L@iB: Any specific goals for 2012?

JB: Last year, we had a miracle — we were able to give away 271,000 books to pastors and leaders in 47 nations. This year is a much Life@itsBest SPRING 2012 45

bigger undertaking than what we did last year.

Scriptures are written for us. We need to We have a full-blown curriculum that we do focus on what’s written to us, (but) we do with each (Relentless) book (12, 30-minute want to read the Old Testament (too). I CDs; 12, 30-minute DVDs, the workbook) always tell believers to get into the Word. The and we will put a DVD rom 9 in the back Word is what will change you, the Word is so it’ll have a PDF of the book (that can be what renews your mind; renewing your mind printed). What they (pastors and leaders) can is what will transform you into the image of do is go to a website and download the entire Christ. The third thing that I would encourage curriculum, so not only can they do it, but believers to do is make sure they keep a very their entire congregation can do it; they can healthy prayer life. If a believer does this— really study the curriculum together. We’re plants into the church, grows on the growth scheduled to do 10 languages this year, which pattern the pastor is leading in that church, will cover 4.2 billion people; they’re the 10 is reading Scripture, praying—he’s going to of the top 20 languages in the world. A big be successful. challenge will be once the governments of those countries discover the websites; they’ll, L@iB: Switching gears a bit … what do you of course, shut them down and we’ll give like to do for fun? them (the church pastors and leaders) search JB: My number one fun activity is being words where they can find new websites with my family and my definite number two (to use). Our people will be monitoring fun activity is playing golf. A few years back, and making sure that those websites are I wrote a prayer to God and I said, “Lord, I constantly up, no matter what URL address really like golf. It clears my head; it’s a lot of we have to use. It’s pretty exciting because fun, so I’m asking You to make me a scratch we really believe that these pastors are so hungry. We were “God has ordained the local church to be families where they will actually giving away impact the city and reach the lost but they will also be havens Scriptures (before), where young believers can grow into maturity and change their but people in one of those countries— world of influence.” – JOHN BEVERE China—said, “We’re so grateful for the Scriptures, but we have those. What golfer (a golfer whose handicap is zero).** we really need is teaching.” That’s why we’re At that time, my handicap was nine. And really focusing on giving the messages to for the last five years now, my handicap has them, so we’re hard at work at that right now been scratch or below scratch. That is to the and it’s a big goal. glory of God … it is amazing how the Lord did it. One of the ways (was) I became really L@iB: Relating to that topic, this magazine good friends with a PGA golfer named Aaron issue’s theme is centered on edification, Baddeley; just playing with Aaron and the or encouraging new believers to become grace of God brought my handicap down. disciples. Do you have any thoughts to share, When I’m traveling, I’m always looking to regarding spiritual growth? play some of the top courses in the area. My JB: First and foremost, for a new believer, wife’s funnest thing to do is ride her Ninja it’s very important that they get plugged into motorcycle. We’re kind of different in that a local New Testament church. If you look respect … she thinks golf’s pretty boring. at a seed, it will never grow unless it’s first That’s because Lisa likes hunting, motorcycle planted; once it’s planted, then it will grow riding, surfing and skiing. She’s an extreme into its destiny. All those young believers sports woman. have a destiny that God has placed into their life. Secondly, I would encourage every new ** A handicap is a numerical measure of an amateur believer to spend a lot of time in the Bible, golfer’s playing ability, based on the tees played in a especially the New Testament. The reason is given course, allowing players of various proficiencies because the New Testament Scriptures are to play against each other on more equal terms. written to us, whereas the Old Testament

46 Life@itsBest SPRING 2012

Life@itsBest SPRING 2012 47

SERVING ON BEHALF OF THE KING byKELLI SHI RO MA

pho t o g ra phy by C H A D B R OW N S T E I N

“‘But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.’ Now when one of those who sat at the table with Him heard these things, he said to Him, ‘Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!’” (Luke 14:13-15).

48 Life@itsBest SPRING 2012

W

hen asked how he thought of the name “The King’s Table”—the New Hope Christian Fellowship (NHCF) Food Court— Executive Chef Aaron Siguenza refers to Luke 14:13-15, where Jesus is talking about generosity and giving to those in need out of love.

“Jesus was telling them (His disciples) that you don’t bring your friends to the buffet table; you bring the needy,” explains Siguenza, who used to own Creations in Catering, a large catering business. “That’s basically what we’re trying to do — to feed people (here at church). It’s like giving back to the people who come to service rather than going to other (expensive) places.

This is cheaper, but it’s still good food with quality and they can share and talk story (at the same time).”

Siguenza first helped Pastor Dom Kaaihue build the food court at New Hope Sand Island around 2001 and it has grown and expanded since then.

Pastor Wayne Cordeiro wanted to build a similar food court at NHCF and asked Siguenza to help pioneer that effort.

“His (Cordeiro’s) vision was to make

to keep prices around that range.

“We’re trying to take care of the (church) members,” he says. “We’re keeping it below $7 and water is separate for $1. The Church provides the funds to buy the products and the proceeds go back to the Church.”

“The King’s Table” has served up local favorites like beef stew, chicken curry and Okinawan shoyu pork.

However, Siguenza has many plans for the food court. He mentions that other NHCF members have food businesses and may eventually take part in the food court.

“Right now, we’re doing local food, but later … I want to have more concessions,” he says. “As we grow, we’ll have more vendors around. We’ll probably do sushi later and a salad station. Pastor Wayne’s vision is to also have a grill so that we can grill the food

and microwave it,” says Siguenza.

“We’re (also) going to venture into doing fundraisers for mission trips.

So people can sell tickets and pick up kalua pig or beef stew. We might eventually do some oriental dishes like nishime and chicken hekka.”

Those who are interested in volunteering at “The King’s Table” are welcome, says Siguenza, who is still building his team.

“There’s usually about six of us,” says Siguenza, during our interview in late January. “Right now, I’ve only got a handful (of people) … but I love my volunteers; they ’re so dedicated.”

Interested in serving at “The King’s Table?” See Chef Aaron Siguenza during the weekend services.

“The future is to build a nice community tent that has a variety of food choices, where people can stay and fellowship.” – AARON SIGUENZA a food court so people can gather and fellowship (in between or after services),” Siguenza explains. “We try to give people choices and keep the prices down. It’s good to see people come, sit down and fellowship.”

“The King’s Table” debuted at NHCF during the Jan. 14-15 weekend. Plate lunches are $6-7 and Siguenza intends

from raw steak and cook it over here.”

Siguenza says that “The King’s Table” will eventually look into doing fundraisers and create more portable meals for the church attendees’ convenience.

“What I’m going to do is freeze it (beef stew or chicken curry) in microwaveable containers so that a lot of people can just buy it, take it home

Life@itsBest SPRING 2012 49

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

byKE LLI S H I R OM A photog ra phy by T. Y. & JE R O ME OSURMAN

“The connections (in a small group) are so deep and it’s wonderful … if a small church needs it, so much more does a big church. At New Hope, you can come and go and not be connected, so it’s important that people get connected.

The Body of Christ is where people get connected.” – RANN WATAMULL

RANN & GINA WATAMULL

A

s leaders of one of New Hope Christian Fellowship’s (NHCF) oldest care groups—one that formed 15 years ago—Randall (Rann) and Gina Watamull have years of experience in small groups. The couple remembers first coming to NHCF right before the church’s first anniversary and immediately looking for a care group to join.

“As soon as we started coming to New Hope, we visited a care group in Hawaii Kai (where we lived),” Gina says. “Within the first two to three weeks, the leader of the care group was asked to lead another fractal in New Hope and asked us, ‘Can you take over the care group?’ We’ve had that same care group (ever since).”

The Watamulls—who previously served in the Multimedia Ministry, Rann as a video director and Gina as a technical director— acknowledge that their care group has changed over the years, birthing another group from it because it got too big. However, on a regular basis, they say about 10-12 individuals attend the group regularly.

The Watamulls remember how small groups were conducted as they were growing up, in which the leader of the group carried most of the responsibilities — hosting the group in their home, choosing songs for worship, selecting the study and providing snacks.

However, in the Watamulls’ care group, all members share the group’s responsibilities.

“We thought, ‘let’s do care groups as a team,’” says Rann, adapting New Hope’s familiar “doing church as a team” motto.

“Our group is very participatory. We meet at the house of the one of the other people in the group, so that’s their ministry as the host.

Somebody else in the group does the communication with everybody.

Anyone can choose a song (for worship) in our group, and at the end, we fellowship and everyone will bring snacks.”

Gina shares that their group has gone through novels such

as The Irresistible Church, by Pastor Wayne Cordeiro, and The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. At other times, the group shares devotions with one another.

“That’s really good (sharing devotions) because it forces people to do it and bring one to share,” Rann says. “We want them to write down what God speaks to them. That’s the real key — applying what we learn to our lives.”

In this season of leading their group, the Watamulls sense a call and need to equip themselves and others more in the spiritual gifts realm. Rann explains how small groups are the perfect place to discuss and start to develop spiritual gifts.

“The spiritual realm is real and the more the Christian can understand and have the tools working for them, (the better),” he says. “Small groups are a good, safe place to listen to the Spirit and start to move in the gifts of the Spirit.”

As they reflect on their years of being involved with small groups, Rann and Gina emphasize the importance of getting connected in a group in order to facilitate spiritual growth and develop deep relationships with others.

“We have seen how care groups are so essential to our growth in the Lord — lasting friendships, connections to the Body (of Christ),” Rann says. “We encourage everybody to get connected somehow, whether it be a ministry group or a small group, where you are regularly with people who get to know you so there’s accountability, friendship, encouragement and real connection over a long period of time. That’s where real, genuine growth happens. (At New Hope), you have the wonderful resources of a huge church that has outreaches around the world, but care groups give you connection to the Body of Christ in real life-changing and life-lasting ways.”

HEATHER WONG

D

oing kempo karate for 12 years and earning a black belt. Growing up doing martial arts activities.

Working as an instructor for Egan Inoue at Egan’s Fit Body Wong understands how imprisoned one Scriptures during the workout.

Bootcamp. As she reflects on her can feel and knows that God used that “At the end of each workout, I give them background and passion for martial arts, experience to prepare her for this ministry. (participants) a Scripture for the day,” she Heather Wong admits that starting the New “My addiction was almost nine years says. “And then I say, ‘Close your eyes and Hope Fit Body Bootcamp Ministry was not ago,” says Wong, who has been attending imagine yourself being held by God. He is completely unexpected.

NHCF since 2001. “Coming to church and so in love with you just the way you are. And “I really got interested in working out getting very involved in the halau—making you are totally beautiful and He sees you when I started working at Egan’s Fit Body God my new addiction—is what saved me.

I and you are amazing.’”

Bootcamp,” she says. “I started attending know what it’s like to be in bondage.

Some In this new year, Wong hopes that God and about four months later (June 2011), they asked me to be an instructor.

There was a group of women that “My favorite Scripture is 1 Corinthians 9:24 — ‘Do you not know that I knew wanted to get in shape, so I volunteered to teach them and do those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in classes for them (and that’s how the such a way that you may obtain it.’ I don’t love this verse just because ministry started).”

Wong has been leading the New I’m competitive … there is only one prize and that is to know God Hope Christian Fellowship (NHCF) bootcamps since last November. The and know where you’re going and what His will is for your life. You’re group started out with two or three never going to get anywhere without God.” – HEATHER WONG individuals and has since evolved to 6-10 women. The workout sessions are on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4-5 p.m. of these ladies are in bondage (in that) they will continue to expand the ministry and that at Keiki O Ka’aina Family Center in Kalihi. feel like they’ll never be in shape again. I she will be able to use her gifts to reach The group starts out with slow burn activities, feel like I’m waging war against the enemy others struggling through different addictions focusing on the body’s larger muscle because I know I’m doing for them what he and areas of bondage. groups, and segues into cardio workouts. wants them to feel like they’ll never be able “I want people to know that it’s step by “I provide equipment and sometimes to do for themselves.” step that you get better every day,” she says. we use medicine balls or bands for muscle In addition to leading the ministry “We have nothing without God. While I’ve shaping,” Wong explains. “I bring shields members in a good workout, Wong goes come so far and overcome my addiction, and we do some kicking, punching and over diet, nutrition and overall wellness and because I’m a black belt, I can think I’m some fun, MMA-type workouts. My goal is to with the group.

Even though the ministry the strongest person in the world. But none help people see that their body is a gift from is “results-oriented” and designed to help of that (accomplishments) means anything God and that they need to take care of it.” each individual achieve their personal goals, unless you have a relationship with God.” Wong shares her heart to help other Wong is sure to emphasize that each person women be released from bondage through is loved by God just the way she is and Interested in attending the New Hope Fit Boot Camp? exercise. As a former crystal meth addict, incorporates other biblical messages and Contact Heather Wong at heatherwong@hawaii.rr.com.

52 Life@itsBest SPRING 2012

FUTURE EVENTS AT NEW HOPE CHRISTIAN COLLEGE – OREGON MINISTRY WELCOME DREAMS CERTIFICATION PASTORS LEADERS TRAIN OPPORTUNITY DEGREE COLLEGE CAPACITY MARKETPLACE GUIDANCE POSITION CHURCH PLANTING SMALL DISTANCE EDUCATION EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT WORSHIP YOUTH DIRECTOR PRODUCTION PERSONAL PILLARS KNOWLEDGE GROUP MISSIONS PRAYER SUPPORT DONATIONS COSTS PARTNER CAMPAIGN OUTREACHES COMMUNITIES TEAM MINISTERING VENUES LOVE COMPASSION MINISTER HOST GUEST STORIES ADVENTURES DREAM STUDENTS DEDICATED INFORMATION VISIT STUDY SENSITIVE NEEDS SOAKED PROTECTION SAINTS INFLUENCES CHARACTER FRAGILE PATIENCE TRUST EMPTY GRACE PRAYER BUILD RESTORE INTERCEDE COLLEGES

Spring 2012

Life@itsBest SPRING 2012 53

New hope christian college by aaron friesenSean Mccartin

photography By ryan bluebaugh & gary hisaoka

WELCOME, NEW STUDENTS!

DREAMS FOR CHURCH PLANTING

An unusually warm and sunny winter was a sign of bright things to come at New Hope Christian College (NHCC) – Oregon as it welcomed its largest group of new students (in more than 10 years) for the spring semester. In what has typically been a very small number for this time of the year, 22 new students enrolled at the College for the start of the second semester. NHCC now boasts nearly 160 students dedicated to Jesus and the focused study of their area of ministry.

With the help of the Foursquare Northwest District, NHCC will take a closer look at church planting and its role in sharing Christ with our neighborhoods, cities and world. On March 28, New Hope will host a guest panel of church planters who will share their stories with the student body. Gabe Barreiro, AJ Swoboda, Ryan Sari and Brad Williams will present their personal adventures of church planting. In addition, the Northwest District is sponsoring awards to the top three papers received from NHCC students that reflect their dream of a church plant.

NEW HOPE MINISTRY CERTIFICATION We receive e-mails and letters all the time from pastors and other ministry leaders looking to train leaders within their current context of ministry. Many leaders don’t have an opportunity to go to college for a full degree, but still want to grow in the capacity of a ministry leader. Others already have a marketplace degree and are in need of guidance in how to best transition their marketplace acuity to a ministry position.

In order to meet these needs, we are pioneering a Ministry Certification Program through the Office of Distance Education. The Certificate Program targets nine key areas of church ministry: Lead Pastor Executive/Assistant Pastor Worship-Arts Director Youth Pastor Children’s Ministry Director

54 Life@itsBest SPRING 2012

Video Production Web/IT Director Volunteerism Personal Life of a Ministry Leader

MISSION TRIPS With ministry experience being one of the four pillars of NHCC training, we are always looking for ways in which students can put the knowledge they are gaining in the classroom into practice in real ministry situations. Three upcoming missions trips are on the calendar for NHCC students. All of these teams covet prayer support for their trips and any donations for ministry expenses and travel costs for students would be greatly appreciated. Those wishing to partner financially may send checks made out to NHCC, designated to a specific mission trip or to the missions program in general.

Australia Pastor Gary Matsdorf is leading a team of students in May to Australia. The team will be partnering with CCCLive.tv church on the Gold Coast of Australia during their “Love This City� campaign. The campaign will include various outreaches and ministries to the local communities and neighborhoods of Coolangatta. The team will also

have the opportunity to visit Sydney and attend a service at Hillsong Church.

Scotland For two weeks in May, Pastor Steve Poetzl and his wife, Carolyn, will lead a team of students to Inverness, Scotland to help serve the community alongside local church plant, New Hope Inverness. A focus of the trip will be ministering in church and public venues through creative arts. They will also look for ways to care for the elderly, incapacitated and vulnerable people in the city who need to experience the love of Christ.

Mexico During spring break, a team of students led by the Poetzls will be heading to the border town of Tijuana, Mexico to minister the love and compassion of Christ alongside Open Bible missionaries, Mike and Cathy Brandt at Puente de Amistad mission base. The team will minister at some of the many drug rehab houses, AIDS hospices and orphanages in Tijuana, as well as to the homeless and prostitutes on the streets.

For more information on New Hope Christian College, visit us at NewHope.edu.

Life@itsBest SPRING 2012 55

multisite locations

weekends East Shore

Sunday: 10 a.m.

Eastshore.enewhope.org

Honolulu

Saturday: 5 p.m. • 7 p.m.

Sunday: 7 a.m. • 9 a.m. • 11 a.m.

Honolulu.enewhope.org

Aiea

Sunday: 10 a.m.

Aiea.enewhope.org

Sand Island

Sunday: 9 a.m. • 11 a.m.

Sandisland.enewhope.org

Manoa

Sunday: 10 a.m.

Manoa.enewhope.org

South Shore

Sunday: 10 a.m.

Southshore.enewhope.org

West O‘ahu

Sunday: 10:30 a.m.

Westoahu.enewhope.org

Nueva Esperanza

(New Hope Spanish Ministry) Sunday: 6 p.m.

Town

Sunday: 10 a.m. http://newhopetown.org

Internet

Saturday: 5 p.m. • 7 p.m.

Sunday: 7 a.m. • 9 a.m. • 11 a.m.

Internet.enewhope.org

wednesdays

LEAD Midweek Service

Wednesday: 7 p.m., LEAD Center www.enewhope.org