During the first weekend of March, the women of KCC gathered together with one shared desire—more of Jesus—and God met us in powerful, personal ways. We intentionally created space to seek Him deeply. Showing authenticity, women showed up with honesty and courage, allowing real transformation to take place. We also experienced ohana through true connection as sisters in Christ, growing in unity and love. What began as a retreat became something much deeper—a reminder that when we pursue “more of Jesus” together, He meets us, changes us, and draws us closer to Himself and one another.

Liz Keizer
Women's Ministry Director
 
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20

We are excited to celebrate with Chris Henderson as he recently made a public declaration of faith through baptism. What a beautiful thing to see another one of God's beloved children make his faith known!

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18–20

We recently received an email from one of the pastors at Living Hope Christian Church in Uganda. In it, he talked about how he was chatting with Jovic, one of the sponsored children, and shares,

"I was surprised when he said that it is you (Pr. Perry) who led him [to salvation.] I  decided to take his photo [s]o you can see him.

Praise the Lord Pr. Perry, hope you and the entire Kailua Community Church are fine.

I have also sent a photo of our last meeting with you as we bid farewell after the Daniel Conference. It was one of its kind and many leaders were blessed."

Continue to pray with us over the beautiful children and teachers at Living Hope Christian School, Pastor Chris and his congregation, and pastors across all of Uganda. Know that your prayers and support are making a lasting impact on these souls!

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18–20

We are celebrating with Kyle and Becca Pocket as they welcome sweet baby Meilani Rose, who was born on February 6! Meilani joins older brother Makaio and older sister Millie in the Pockat ohana, and is a much loved addition to the family. Pray with us for the Pockats as they find their new normal, and for Meilani as she is raised to know and love Jesus.

See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven continually see the face of My Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 18:10

Recently, we had the opportunity to see Nick and Joelle Coon bring their son, Noah, forward to be dedicated to the Lord. We know that Jesus Himself highly valued children, and we do, too. Join us in building up and praying for the Coon family as they raise Noah to know and love Jesus!

But Jesus said, “Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Matthew 19:14

As a church family, we are excited to celebrate the joining in marriage of Caroline Bardini and Jacob Butters! Jacob and Caroline are both active members of our young adult and worship ministries, and we couldn't be happier for them as they start their life together. Join us in praying for them and be sure to offer congratulations when you see them next!

So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, no person is to separate.
Matthew 19:6

When children are dismissed from the service to their classes every Sunday, they enter a loving room where the volunteers welcome them and teach them how to grow in their faith. Each class is specifically tailored to the kids' grade level, reaching children in an appropriate way to bring them closer to Jesus.

Our 5th & 6th grade class is on the cusp of leaving our Sunday morning classes and moving up to youth group. As they prepare for the next step, it’s important for them to understand our church community. One way to help the kids become part of the larger church community is to pray. To make the experience more tangible, Sunday School teacher Carmen Rayburg periodically leads her classes around the church campus to pray over our pastors, Sunday School teachers, and even their parents. We are so thankful for dedicated volunteers like Carmen who are teaching KCC keiki what it is like to walk with Jesus!

With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the saints
Ephesians 6:18

Our family has been blessed with the opportunity to serve God in Uganda twice, on mission trips with KCC in 2023 and 2025. Why go as a family? For us, the answer is simple—because faith is not something we only hear about at church. We want to live it, see it, and be shaped by it together.
 
While on our mission trips, we had long travel days, unfamiliar food, cultural differences, and moments of exhaustion. However, our time was equally balanced with incredible blessings and overwhelming moments of joy. Teaching children about Jesus and singing worship songs with thousands of children at multiple locations (Gospel of Life Church and secondary school) was the most fun. Hearing the sweet voices of all the children as they praise God is something that plays over and over in our minds.

Looking back, we see clearly that these trips were not just a blessing to those we served, but a profound blessing to us. God met our family in Uganda and used those experiences to grow our faith, expand our compassion, and remind us to fully rely on Him. Families can serve together, in our church and on mission trips. Children can be part of God’s work. And when we step out in faith as a family, God does more than we could ever imagine.

We love, because He first loved us.
1 John 4:19

The Trail Life Troop HI-2717 recently enjoyed an educational outdoor event at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. The day began with a devotional on Jesus walking on water, highlighting the importance of trusting God in all situations. The troop then learned essential ocean skills, including safety, survival, fishing, spear fishing, and snorkeling. This Christ-centered experience combined faith, practical learning, father/son bonding and adventure. Trail Life USA provides meaningful opportunities to build character, confidence, and leadership in boys.

so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God
Colossians 1:10

Shortly after my trip with KCC to Uganda, I went on a pre-planned vacation to Asia with my family. While in Asia, I opted to stay in at the hotel a day here and there as my travels caught up with my tired body!  During that time and at odd hours of the night, I reflected on my time in Uganda and summed it up in three words: Lifted, Lineage, and Loved.  

• Lifted: I felt nudged to go to Uganda but felt very anxious to go. I got sick right before we had to fly as well. In Uganda, I felt lifted and walked on a cloud of prayer. I ended up enjoying every aspect of my time there from being with the team, doing VBS and interacting with the children, and seeing God's work in Uganda. Thank you to all the prayer warriors!  

• Lineage: Midweek, when each VBS's activities became more familiar, I paused to survey Living Hope. We had gotten a tour the first day we arrived, so what I heard ran through my mind as I looked around at the land, school, soccer field, bathroom, cooking, chapel/dining hall, dormitories, all of which KCC had made contributions to building and which provided the Ugandan children a safe haven from the harshness of their surrounding and lives. Then it struck me that I, too, had somehow joined those before me (and hopefully those to come) in serving and giving to Living Hope. I had joined the KCC lineage of serving and giving to this particular group of Ugandan children. I felt completely quieted and humbled.  

• Loved: I never planned to be in Hawaii longer than 5 months to do some outrigger canoe paddling. That was almost 3 years ago and, through unexpected events, I am still here and I wonder why. The VBS kids' song "God is for Me" that we sang kept playing inside my head long after Uganda, and especially at odd hours when I couldn't find my sleeping rhythm in Asia. "If God is for me, who can be against me? When I just don't understand, God is for me. When life doesn't go the way I planned, God is for me." I can trust God loves me in the in-between and just chill.

Thank you to Van Thy for sharing your reflections on your experience in Uganda!

This past weekend, the KCC small group leaders gathered for fellowship, encouragement, and training so they can continue to provide a purposeful and welcoming space for you to grow in relationship with Jesus and others in our KCC community.

What are small groups? As a church, we join together to be and to build an authentic family of Jesus-followers who are becoming like Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit, so we can fulfill His Great Commission of making disciples of all nations.   This high calling can rarely be done by simply "coming to church" on the weekend. Instead, we invite you to "be the church" and transform our community by joining a small group. We have men's and women's groups and "Ohana Groups" (Ohana means family, and family means no one gets left behind...).

Our ohana groups come in many  shapes and sizes and are made up of singles, families, couples, uncles, aunties, students, and children. Many gather weekly or every other week to eat, discuss the sermon or do a Bible study, and pray for each other. Some groups also worship in song, share communion, and serve the community. All grow closer to each other and Jesus.

Iron sharpens iron,
So one man sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17

Last fall, we officially transitioned the name of the 5th & 6th grade girls' Bible study from Girls Hui to GLOW Girls. (GLOW stands for God Lights Our Way.) They average 15–16 girls each week, meeting every other Monday during the school year.

Each week, they open in prayer, eat ono snacks, then spend some time playing games in the grass. After that, they transition back inside for the Bible lesson, and they finish the evening with prayer request groups and prayer over the girls.
 
We are so amazed by how the Lord continues to grow this group and work within the girls’ lives. Seeing them gain confidence by their willingness to pray, read Scripture aloud, and ask deep questions has really made this past year even better! We are so thankful for the support of the girls’ parents as well! They’ve been so wonderful with words of encouragement and providing snacks for the girls when possible. We are excited to see how this group will continue to grow in 2026!
 
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22,23

We were recently blessed to celebrate with Jentry and Damon White as they made their faith in Jesus public at their baptisms! Join us in continuing to pray for the gospel message to reach hearts, and for more people to know the hope, peace, joy, and love of Jesus.

Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.”
Acts 2:38,39

The Uganda team has been busy this week running two Vacation Bible School programs for the children at Gospel of Life Church and also at the location of the secondary school that Pastor Chris runs. Between both places there have been over 850 kids participating! The children have been excited to hear about Christ's birth through the fun Christmas skit, crafts, and songs. Pastor Perry is also presenting the wordless book throughout the week, walking the children through the gospel message.

The team had an opportunity to tour the grounds of the secondary school to see how KCC has supported the buildings and grounds over the years, most recently through the new dormitory and bathrooms being built.

Please continue to pray for the children to come to a saving relationship with Jesus, and for the team members to regain health so they can minister at full capacity.

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
Mark 16:15

A few weeks ago, we were blessed to join the Artman family in promising to help raise Opal Mae to know Jesus. We encourage you to be praying over Opal and all of the keiki at KCC as we all do our parts to make sure the next generation will share the love of Jesus and make Him known.

That the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born,
That they may arise and tell them to their children,
That they should put their confidence in God
And not forget the works of God,
But keep His commandments
Psalm 78:6,7

This year we are blessed to welcome 190 kids—from preschool through high school—into our AWANA program; our biggest year yet. Each Wednesday night, our campus comes alive with the energy of children and teens diving into Scripture memorization, engaging Bible lessons, and plenty of fun-filled games that help build friendships and teamwork.

At the heart of AWANA is a desire to help children “hide God’s Word in their hearts” (Psalm 119:11). We’ve seen this come to life as kids eagerly memorized verses, asked thoughtful questions, and discovered how God’s truth speaks into their everyday lives.

None of this would be possible without our 50 dedicated volunteers who faithfully show up to lead small groups, listen to verses, run game times, guide activities, and—most importantly—build meaningful connections with the next generation. Their love and commitment beautifully reflect Jesus’ words in Mark 10:14, “Let the little children come to Me…”

We celebrate all God has done through AWANA each year and we look forward to constantly seeing how He continues to shape young hearts through His Word. Thank you to every family, child, and leader who makes this ministry thrive!

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth
2 Timothy 2:15

John 15:5 "I am the Vine and you are the branches..."

KCC has an amazing youth group! Each week, 20 middle schoolers and 30 high schoolers gather to play games, fellowship, sing worship songs, and learn more about their faith. Our high schoolers also share a meal together, provided by parents and loving members of our church. This year, they are walking through Jesus's ministry to know exactly what He wants for their lives. Pray with us over our youth, as dedicated leaders disciple them in the faith and they seek to live out biblical principles daily.

I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.
John 15:5

This last Sunday, over 30 women sat in on our women's discipleship workshop!

Our women's ministry director, Liz Keizer, has a prayer to awaken and activate a culture of intentional, relational discipleship among women—one that is organic, simple, and rooted in everyday life. She sees this happening in our church in real and powerful ways; so we just ask for more of this goodness, Lord!

Look for a three-part worshop in the new year to learn more about discipleship and what it looks like in daily life.

Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.
Titus 2:3–5

Trail Life Troop HI-2717 has their first hike together on Oct 25th! Sixteen people hiked about one mile into the forest to the Lulumahu waterfall, which was about two miles roundtrip. They bonded as Christian men and boys to learn about being good stewards for God's creation, water filtration sources, and hiking safety. They are looking forward to their next outdoor adventure for camping coming up on November 21st–23rd this year!

… that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;…
Colossians 1:10

We rejoice with Nevaeh Roman and Eakkamon Perry as they made a public declaration of faith in being baptized recently! We read in the Book of Acts how the apostle Peter instructed Believers to repent and be baptized, and it is exciting to see people in our KCC ohana responding even now with enthusiasm and joy.

Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?” Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.”
Acts 2:37–39

We come together as a church family and celebrate Eden and Iris Wentworth and Charlotte, Mallory, and Camden Donnarumma as they all made a public declaration of their faith in being baptized recently! What a beautiful thing to see young people embracing their faith and proclaiming it publicly!

Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?” Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.”
Acts 2:37–39

Join us in welcoming Isaac James Buller to the KCC ohana! Isaac was born to Worship Director Brandon Buller and his wife, Annalisa, and big sisters Joy and Shiloh. Our congratulations and best wishes go out to the Buller family on their precious addition!

For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother’s womb.
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
Psalm 139:13,14

This December, our Uganda missions team will travel across the world to put on a Christmas VBS for the children at and around Pastor Chris's church in Uganda! Join us in praying for them as they prepare their hearts and follow God's call to reach the people of Uganda for Christ.

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
Matthew 28:19,20

In the last few weeks, we have been blessed to take part in dedicating Jasper McCall and Hunter Ellis to the Lord, as their families and we, as their church ohana, promised to raise them to know and love the Lord Jesus Christ. Join with us in praying over these sweet boys as they grow in wisdom and stature!

We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.
Psalm 78:4

Trail Life is a Christ-centered, boy-focused outdoor adventure discipleship program led by PJ Byers. On Monday, PJ and ten other adults from church led opening ceremonies for this ministry, and had twenty-five young men and their families join the festivities. Please bible with us to pray over this new ministry, and thank you to PJ and the team for leading these young men to Jesus!

so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God
Colossians 1:10