Hawai‘i Convocation Celebrates Fellowship
On March 20-21, the island of Hawai‘i hosted its annual island-wide convocation on the northeastern side of the island. The weekend brought together five churches and four schools from across Hawai‘i Island, including Mauna Loa School, Mauna Loa Preschool, Kohala School, and Kona Adventist Christian School.
Each year, the convocation serves as a time for the church community to come together, celebrate ministry efforts taking place across the island, and be spiritually encouraged through worship, fellowship, and special presentations.
This year’s guest speaker was Matthew Kirk, president of the Guam-Micronesia Mission. Throughout the weekend, Pastor Kirk shared messages focused on the three angels’ messages, Adventist identity, and the importance of preparing ourselves and others for Christ’s return.
The convocation was held at the Kurtistown Samoan-English church on the east side of the island. Churches and schools were highlighted through ministry videos produced by the communications department, showcasing how God is working through each local congregation and campus. Various groups also shared their gifts through special music and worship performances throughout the weekend.
The weekend concluded with a final message from Pastor Kirk, encouraging members to continue the work of ministry within their churches and communities. Hawai‘i Convocation was a joyful reminder of the unity and mission shared across the island, and we are grateful to everyone who helped make the weekend possible. We look forward to seeing what God has in store for the coming year.
During the Sabbath evening program, attendees participated in breakout sessions centered around five important ministry topics: conflict management and resolution, youth and young adult ministries, literature evangelism, discipleship and interpersonal relationships, and stewardship and commitment.
By Miguel Manzo
Adventists On Big Island Reach Community With Gospel Music
All day on Feb. 1, the downtown community of Hilo, Hawaii, experienced the love of Jesus through gospel music. This was because of a music event organized by the Hilo church with support from Adventist churches from the areas of Kurtistown, Captain Cook, Kohala, and Keeau.
The event took place at the Mo’oheau Bandstand, a community fixture that is often the site of various events that rally the community. The event, called “Big Island Gospel Jam Festival” provided activities for families and kids, games, food, testimonies, a powerful sermon by Michele Siebel—who had been leading a prayer series at the Hilo church leading up to the gospel festival—a prayer booth, and of course live Christian music from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Participants sang about the love of Jesus, shared poems, gave encouraging messages, and mingled with community visitors who came to be blessed. One person who attended said, “This is so fun and amazing. I am so happy Hilo church is doing this today. We really should do this again or more often.” The gospel jam drew about 140 people, and organizers hope to build on the success and do it again in the future.
By Andre Weston