I first reviewed New Hope HI Kai (NHHK) Christian Church more than five years ago. It continues to be my church of choice, and its offerings have never wavered. With the start of COVID-19 in mid-March 2020, the "new normal" for NHHK has changed; however, NHHK has not stopped being a church.
COVID-19 has opened new doors and opportunities, as the "new normal" has changed how things are being done. These include:
* Sunday sermons, formerly held at Kaiser High cafeteria, are now online. While we miss seeing each other in person each Sunday, we can still listen to our Sr. Pastor, Pat McFall, and chat with church members online at the same time. The online service is convenient, as you can watch it from your living room or wherever you are. The online service continues to reach not only our church members, but also non-church members, and those living outside of HI. Worship songs and sermons are pre-recorded one or two days before Sunday and will be streamed online in the near future. In-person re-gatherings will occur when it is safe to do so.
* Small group meetings via in-person or Zoom. Church members are encouraged to join small groups that meet weekly to discuss Biblical scriptures and their applications to one's self, as well as encouragement and support of daily living challenges.
* Kokua Center was established, where church members' needs are accommodated by church volunteers. Those who are struggling financially receive much needed groceries and shopping assistance, and widows and the elderly obtaining yard cleaning by abled church men.
* Kokua for Koko Marina. NHHK reimbursed its church members a maximum of $50, or up to 50% of the total bill, for purchases of food or items from Koko Marina Shopping Center merchants. This initiative generated $24,000 income in support for the merchants, and in turn, blessed its church members.
* Food Drive for the Food Bank. In partnership with Koko Marina Shopping Center, NHHK collected 900 lbs. of food and raised $2,100 in a four-hour period to benefit the local Food Bank.
* River of Life. Food and personal hygiene items were collected and delivered to the homeless and those in need.
* Long-term care homes. Gifts of stuffed animals, cleaning supplies, personally-made face masks, and clocks were given to Hale Malamalama and Lunalilo Care Home in the HI Kai community.
* Meal trains were established for church members who were returning home after surgery in the hospital or having given birth. Church volunteers took turns and donated dinners by signing up one day for a two-week period to assist with meals as the church member was recovering.
* Water baptism. Normally held several times a year for the entire church at Maunalua Bay, it is now held on a personal basis in the backyard of a member or one's swimming pool to avoid having large gatherings.
* Boxed chocolates for the elderly kupuna. The Women's Ministry had its ministry members personally deliver boxed chocolates with a personal written message card to encourage our kupuna and to provide personal interaction.
* LifeChange Training. Leadership training via Zoom in transforming ourselves to living the way God wants us to live by healing the areas of our lives that are hindering us from His intended design.
* Pastor Counseling. Whether it be some addiction, domestic violence, unhealthy thinking, or continued walk with Jesus, the pastors are always willing to counsel you without shame, fear, or rejection.
* 21 Days of Prayer. Done twice per year, learning how to intentionally seek God daily in prayer to believe in Him to move in powerful ways.
* Missions Ministry. Although we can't physically travel to Japan right now, we continue to build relationships with our Christian churches in Japan through training sessions and mutual conversations via Zoom, e-mail, text messages, etc.
* Baccalaureate Event. Graduating seniors and youth progressing from certain grades to higher levels of Sunday School are honored, prayed over and encouraged in their walk with God. This year, NHHK partnered with Hope Chapel East Oahu at Niu Valley to hold this event at their church.
And the list goes on! There is always something that would be of interest to anyone. Through my involvement with NHHK, I've found this church to be very caring, giving, generous, and loving. NHHK provides a safe place where you are not judged, but are accepted just as you are. It's my church that I am proud of and trust that it is looking out for me in developing my natural gifts in having a purpose in life. Life has many unexpected challenges, and NHHK has taught me how to turn frustration and disappointment into confidence and blessings by having Jesus as the center of my life. Where there's pain, there is joy and abundant life in Christ. NHHK is truly ohana (family), as the church is not a building, but it is the people. A place that you can call home! read more