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ONE OF THE TOP travel destinations in the world, Hawaii is home to stunning beaches, lush landscapes, breathtaking sights, and mouth-watering food. With six major islands to visit―O’ahu, Maui, Big Island, Kaua’i, Moloka’i, and Lana’i, each having its own adventures and distinct personality―there is something for everyone.
From hiking the mountains to surfing the waves or sailing with whales to snorkeling with sea turtles, Hawaii has a lot to offer. It is no surprise that people come from all over the world to enjoy such. Every island is astounding and deciding where to go is, undoubtedly, a challenge.
Tourists were not the only ones who came to the Aloha State. Countless Filipinos have left their homeland searching for greater opportunities. Many found hope for a better life in Hawaii, including members of the Church Of Christ. However, when they reached Hawaii, there was no Church Of Christ place of worship there yet. The brethren longed for worship services. Their desire to serve God was unwavering, and that led them to search for other members of the Church.
On June 18, 1967, Brother Emeterio Ancheta Sr. led a group prayer meeting in his rented studio apartment along Puuhale Road in Honolulu. In just a matter of days, the number of attendees increased as more members of the Church heard about the prayer meeting. Unknown to them, Brothers Gauden Monico and Antonio Ferrer were having prayer meetings as well with the latter’s family sometime in November of the same year. The two groups eventually merged.
When the younger Ancheta arrived in Hawaii, he was hired by the Dole Cannery. While working, he whistled the hymn “Ako’y Iglesia Ni Cristo” (I am a Member of the Church Of Christ). Brother Antonio Ferrer heard him and asked him if he was a member of the Church Of Christ. Elated that he found a brother in the Church, Brother Emeterio Ancheta Jr. told his father of the good news, and the latter immediately contacted Brother Ferrer. Thereafter, the two groups of brethren united and held their gatherings at the residence of Brother Emeterio Ancheta Sr.
They continued to grow in number as they intensified their search for other members of the Church. At the same time, persecution began to emerge. They were ridiculed, mocked, cursed and even threatened. But the brethren endured and still persevered, as nothing was more important than upholding their faith. That was why they started sending letters to the Church Administration, requesting for a minister to be sent to Hawaii to lead them in worship services. At that time, the Church had not reached foreign soil yet, apart from the fact that there weren’t enough ministers. Furthermore, supervision would be a challenge considering they were overseas. Hence, the Church Administration enjoined the brethren to conduct devotional prayers, and they did so. Every night they prayed, and God answered them.
The brethren were expecting a minister to be sent by the Church Administration but, to their surprise, the Executive Minister then, Brother Eraño G. Manalo, himself arrived at the airport. Thus, in the early afternoon of July 27, 1968 at the residence of Brother Jesus Agapay, in 1782 Bond Street, Ewa Beach, Brother Eraño Manalo, officiated at the first worship service of the Iglesia Ni Cristo in Hawaii. That monumental gathering was attended by 47 pioneer members from Hawaii. Brother Eraño Manalo led them in making a solemn vow to rededicate their lives to serving God. The occasion marked both the beginning of the Church’s foreign mission and the establishment of the first local congregation of the Church Of Christ in the West.
The small group of people who gathered in that humble home faced many trials and difficulties, yet they held on to God’s promises. More than 50 years have passed since that first worship service in Hawaii, and God’s works have been truly evident in the Church.
On July 27, 2018, Executive Minister Brother Eduardo V. Manalo officiated at the dedication of the new 810-seater house of worship along Fort Weaver Road in Ewa Beach, the largest built by the Church from the ground up outside the Philippines. The dedication of this steel and concrete structure on a three-acre property is particularly significant, as this was where the first local congregation of the Church outside the Philippines was established on July 27, 1968, 50 years prior to the dedication. Thousands of brethren attended the historic worship service that included the ordination of 50 new ministers in celebration of the Church’s 50th anniversary in the West. Beyond doubt, these have all been through God’s help and immense love for His people. From a small plantation house, the Church Of Christ now has 10 houses of worship across the different islands of Hawaii.
The Church Of Christ is continuously growing in different parts of the world, including Hawaii. The brethren here untiringly help in the work of propagation as well as in various projects launched by the Church Administration for communities all over Hawaii. Through the years, the Church has become a partner for humanitarian missions in the state.
On August 21, 2021, the State of Hawaii, represented by the Hawaii State Legislature, recognized the Iglesia Ni Cristo with an Honorary Certificate congratulating the Church on its 107th anniversary and 53rd in Hawaii. Hawaii State Senator, Bennette E. Misalucha, along with House Representative Sonny Ganaden, presented the certificate at the grounds of the State Capitol of Hawaii, with Church ministers present to witness this significant occasion. The Hawaii State Legislature noted that throughout its history in Hawaii, the Iglesia Ni Cristo has been an exemplary religious presence and the Church’s community service initiatives, particularly its “Care for Humanity” projects―an umbrella for various humanitarian efforts such as food donations, blood donations, clean-up drives, and neighborhood appreciation activities―are just among the many helpful projects of the Church. Spearheaded by the Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo Manalo, these projects truly have a positive impact not only in Hawaii but all over the world.
The Office of the Governor, Hon. David Ige, also gave recognition to the Church, acknowledging that through the leadership of Brother Eduardo Manalo, the Iglesia Ni Cristo remains a strong and active partner in the community, participating in city and statewide events, offering encouragement, care, and support for the people of Hawaii.
In 2023, the Ecclesiastical District of Hawaii-Pacific celebrated its 55th anniversary. Led by the ministers and ministerial workers, the district continues to thrive and progress in the work of salvation, as the brethren become even more active and unyielding in their services to God.
To this day, the growth of the Iglesia Ni Cristo in Hawaii and all over the world cannot be denied. The brethren are not only growing in number but also increasing in faith. From a single local congregation in 1968, the Church has grown to 21 local congregations and two group worship services in the Ecclesiastical District of Hawaii-Pacific, including American Samoa. With God’s grace, the Church has reached all six major islands in Hawaii. Looking at the works of the Church, from the Philippines, a third-world country, extending to and expanding in Hawaii and eventually in different parts of the world, there could not be any explanation except that this is God’s work. As the Church Administration reminds us, we need to believe in, trust in, and rely on what God can do for us.
