This Sunday I’ll be teaching from Mark 10. Mark contrasts blind Bartimaeus’ story contrasts with the rich young ruler. Both encounter Jesus — but only one chooses to follow. Following Jesus is a personal decision, and it will cost us something. Watching this unfold, Peter says, “We have left everything to follow You.” Was that...
I am so grateful for the friendships we are making — encouraging, growing together as Jesus ‘ohana. While we continue to pray for those on our hearts and prayer lists, I believe even in the middle of so much hurt, there is still unshakable hope. Our resurrection celebration continues everyday of our lives! All around...
If you know me, you’ve probably heard me say this before: ”What is a Good Friday for us was a gory Friday for Jesus.” We can celebrate Good Friday on this side of the resurrection of Jesus because it was a day of suffering, sacrifice, and surrender for a crucified King. He experienced the weight...
I want to believe with all the suffering, loss and devastation as a result of the storm that hit our islands, our God is full of aloha and compassion! And He’s using people — lots of people — who are coming together to serve, support, and help the hurting and needy. The comm-unity is COMING...
With so many difficult, even devastating, things going on around us in our community, nation, and world, I initially did not find any peace in Matthew 10:34-35! Oh my…! Are you kidding me, Jesus??!! This passage has confused, challenged, and bothered me! “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth....
My “father-sons” trip with Kai and Koa last weekend was memorable and unforgettable! And… I got to watch service last Sunday from Las Vegas! What a blessed and powerful gathering it was! I’m so grateful for Rodney and Steve leading worship and Malia teaching an encouraging and enlightening message! My heart is overwhelmed with gratitude...
This weekend, I am on a father-sons trip with Kai and Koa, checking off a “bucket-list” desire! We will be cheering on MMA legend and Hawai’i’s very own, Max “Blessed” Holloway, live in person at UFC 326! But the other “bucket-list” desire fulfilled is happening this Sunday at our church 🙂 Malia is delivering the...
What do you personally think about or feel when you hear the words: humiliation, shame, being judged, sacrifice, or suffering? These words may conjure up experiences you faced or supporting a hurting friend or family member. Can you imagine Jesus, the Son of the Living God, enduring what He went through towards His crucifixion!? He...
Have you ever looked (or talked) down upon someone who disappointed you? How did you feel when someone mistreated you? The hard reality is that others can affect our thoughts and hearts. Or we “allow others” to affect us, don’t we? The hurt can turn into deep disappointment and bitterness if we’re not careful. And...
“God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” 1 John 4:16b NIV Do you remember the story of Saint Valentine? There were actually a few saints named Valentine or Valentinus. One was known to have defied the emperor who thought single men made better soldiers. He forbid these young men...
Pastor Rod has been in ministry for more than 38 years. He has shepherded and overseen a variety of ministries, including children’s, youth, college, community/missions, discipleships/small groups, worship and the arts, as well as assisting and consulting with several church planters. Since moving back to Honolulu from Kansas City in 2000, Rod has served on Pastor Wayne Cordeiro’s executive team at New Hope O‘ahu. He has pastored the New Hope Mānoa ‘ohana since January 2015.
