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PASTOR G’s PERSPECTIVEMy preaching focus in August and September is on personal evangelism, both in inviting unchurched people to church and in personally sharing the Gospel message with pre-Christian people. I think I have written about this before but it is weighing heavy on me at this time in a profound way. The future of our church, and all churches for that matter, depend on all of us getting and applying what I am going to be sharing the next two months.

All evangelism and missions experts agree the number one reason most churches across America are shrinking is because we have lost our evangelism passion. I shared about “passion crashes” in my message last week and, I have to say, the Personal Evangelism Passion Crash has been the most incredibly devastating crash EVER to countless churches and most of them have not recovered from that passion crash. Most churches in America are dying.

Missions organizations tell us seventy percent of the people in Hawaii are unchurched. The may be an unfamiliar term to some of you. “Unchurched” means they have never had any exposure to, or at least very limited exposure to, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Church Worship Services, etc. etc. They really know very little about Jesus, Christianity or church life. What they do know has been tainted by negative media reports and misinformation campaigns by atheists. Yet, even with all those organized attacks on Churches and Christianity and Jesus, studies still show ninety-six percent of the unchurched are at least somewhat likely to attend church if they are simply invited by a trusted friend or family member.

That sounds like a fantastic statistic, and it is, but what also makes that such a tragic statistic is studies also show only twenty-one percent of active churchgoers ever invite anyone to church. When they do, it is typically just inviting another already churchgoing friend to leave their own church to try out a new church or it is to try to get a friend who has not gone to church in some time to try out church again. Only two percent of church members ever invite an actual unchurched person to church. Likewise, only two percent of Christians will ever personally lead another person to receive Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Jesus said in Matthew 24:14, when the Gospel has been preached to THE WHOLE WORLD, that is when He will return. A lot of church people around the world have given up on personal evangelism and have decided to just sit back and wait for the Second Coming. Jesus said very clearly that is not going to happen until the Gospel has been preached to THE WHOLE WORLD.

Jesus said the Great Commandment is twofold: Love God (with all our heart, soul, mind and strength) and Love Our Neighbors (the same way we love ourselves). If your neighbor knew the secret of eternal life you would want them to share it with you right? Since you DO know the secret of eternal life will you do the same for them?

How will that spreading of the Gospel occur? Regular people like you and me are going to have to get serious about inviting our friends, relatives, associates and neighbors to follow Jesus and invite them to come to church with us. In fact, Jesus COMMANDED us to do that very thing in

WCC EldersLyle Eveland

LREveland@comcast.netMarjorie Mrasek NanaBanana049@gmail.comPat Dunham

Dunham.Pat@gmail.comDoug Campbell

DCampbell.dbc@gmail.com

WCC Council Knut Hovde - PresidentBonnie Sell - SecretarySherry Davis - TreasurerJohn Callicrate - Building & GroundsMindy Martin - Christian EducationDiane Rivas - WorshipPat Shields - MissionsAnnette Scott - OutreachDoug Campbell - Elder Rep.

WCC StaffGreg Scott - Lead Pastor PastorGregScott@gmail.comKeoni Sugimoto - Youth Pastor KeoniSugimoto@me.comAnnette Scott - Office Administrator WaikoloaCC@gmail.comSherry Davis - Church Treasurer WaikoloaCC.Finance@gmail.comPatsy Trefz - Organist PatsynDale@twc.com

WCC Supported MissionsYouth With A Mission

(YWAM) - Chimene DjuemoSamaritan’s Purse

World VisionChildren’s Ministry

Youth MissionsFood Pantry Boxes

VOLUME 2018: Issue 8 AugustBecause He Cares! ~ 1 Peter 5:7

Continued on page 2

Waikoloa Community Church

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Aloha, Keoni

PASTOR G’s PERSPECTIVE Continued “THE GREAT PHYSICIAN”Camp just finished up a few weeks ago and, as always, it was a special trip. Every year brings on new challenges and moments that make it unique. One thing that really sticks out for me this year is how much these kids, who are so young, experience the brokenness of this fallen world. The effects of their experiences, because of what others have done, can be easily seen when you are looking for it. As I get to know them and their lives I always have to remind myself that I can’t heal them but I know the one who can. With knowing who the “Great Physician” is, and pointing kids to Him, I also need to be looking to Him for my own personal hurts in my life. Camp always creates this bond between the kids. They make incredible friends even after only knowing each other for a week. At the airport this year I think some of my kids said goodbye to kids from another island like 20 times in the airport terminal. It was kinda funny.

I am reminded of the parable of the Good Shepherd, where He goes out and searches for the one lost sheep while leaving behind the 99. That same Jesus is seeking out these kids and their hearts and I’m just privileged to be His hands, ears and ambassador. Who do you know that you can lead to Jesus, the “Great Physician”?

Matthew 28:18-20. We call it the Great Commission. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,  baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching  them to obey everything I have commanded you.” If Waikoloa Community Church is to be able to continue on into the future it will require all of us to learn, hone and then actively engage in personal evangelism.

We live in one of the toughest mission fields in the United States. Cults are preaching a “false Christianity” that confuses people about the Biblical Jesus. Many other religions are represented and making their case here. The atheists even more so. I guarantee people here are hearing the atheist anti-Christ, anti-Church and anti-Christians messages several times a day, every day. That’s why it is even more vitally important for all Christians to get up, get out and go spread the Gospel.

A Great Commitment to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY to

grow a Great Church!

Aloha ke Kristo, Pastor GregCOMING IN AUGUST

LOVE CLASS ~ Pre-K, K & 1st Grade Game Changer

In this eight-part series, our little ones will learn that God wants us all to play on His team! As teammates on God’s Team, we will discover how we can have fun and get more work done when we work together!

Kids will learn lessons like taking turns, listening, and not giving up.

“When two people work together, they get more done.” Ecclesiastes 4:9 (ERV)

HOPE CLASS ~ 2nd - 5th GradeIn August, Uncle John and Aunty Lorna will be exploring Jesus’ life, miracles and parables.

VACATION BIBLE EXPERIENCE 2018A big MAHALO to everyone who participated in this years VBX. We had 27 volunteers from four different churches and 64 keiki from 11 different churches participate this year. We had a wonderful time as we learned that when you are lonely, when you worry, when you struggle, when you do wrong and when you are powerless ~ JESUS RESCUES!

We looked in the Bible at Jesus’ parables of lost things, Martha and her worries, Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus welcoming a criminal before he died and came back to life and Peter and John healing the lame man in Jesus’ name. Games and crafts were used each day to reinforce the theme. Again, thank you to everyone who helped make this week a huge success.

NURSERY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Help needed to care for our littlest keiki, 0-2 years old, during the 10am Worship Experience. Our

goal is to have 8 adults who serve one Sunday a month, and one 5th Sunday a year; two adults each week. This is a VITAL ministry if we are to be a healthy, growing and thriving Church. If you are willing to serve in this rewarding ministry and love on the smallest members of our ʻohana, please contact Annette at the Church Office.

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ALOHA GROUPS ~ This is how we “DO LIFE TOGETHER” as believers at WCC. We have several wonderful Aloha Groups! All groups are open groups and welcome new people. Fellowship, Bible

Study, praying for each other and encouraging each other is part of each group. People in these groups become a close Christian ʻohana. Grow closer to God and your church family at the same time. If you are not already in an Aloha Group, check out your options in the “August Reminders” section and give one a try.

FOOD PANTRY ~ Thank you everyone for paticipating in this wonderful outreach ministry.

Remember we need all food items by the Second Sunday of each month so that we have them in time for packing on the Third

Saturday. Please read your ticket closely to make sure you are bringing the requested size and amounts of each item. This month ends the current ticket cycle. I will have the new ticket sign-ups in place on Sunday, August 19th.

We are packing the boxes at 10am, on the third Saturday of each month. We still need one more volunteer to help once a quarter, with the packing, as two of our volunteers have moved back to the mainland. Your schedule would be September, December, March and June. Let Annette know if you want to help. Aunty Lorna & Uncle John Saito and their keiki, deliver the food boxes to the 16 families we help. Mahalo for your support!

RECYCLE HI5- ENCOURAGE A SOLDIER ~Our Youth Fellowship collects recyclable HI-5 (ONLY) cans, bottles

and plastic drink containers. The money raised goes to their “Adopt a Soldier Project.” They send cards and a care package each month. Please bring items to the church, or call Aunty Lorna for pick-up, 960-1941.

NOTES OF ENCOURAGEMENT ~ This ministry is about celebrating the happy times and sharing in the tough times with our church ʻohana. We want to rejoice with those celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, a birth, or a graduation. We want to comfort and support those who are sick, injured and grieving. If you know someone in our church ʻohana who could use any of these types of encouragement, please contact the church office, at WaikoloaCC@gmail.com, 808-883-8944 or fill out a Yellow Connection Card.

OUTREACH OUTLOOK

Annette Scott - Outreach Coordinator

MISSIONSMOMENT

One of the highlights of my summer each year is to spend time at our Operation Heal Our Patriots project in Alaska. Each week we bring 10 wounded veterans and their spouses—all American heroes—to Alaska for a time of physical and spiritual renewal. Some come already knowing Christ, while others know little about God, but all share common needs and challenges resulting from injuries sustained while serving our country.

As they attend daily marriage classes led by retired military chaplains, they learn how to apply God’s Word, the Bible, to their circumstances. Through these times and other enrichment activities during the week, the Holy Spirit works. We praise God that many come to faith in Christ—and all are strengthened. Each Friday, they have opportunities to tell about what the Lord has done in their lives, and I love to hear the testimonies about God’s saving power and His healing hand on marriages. I wish you could be there and listen to these encouraging stories!

I recently met Marine Staff Sergeant Tre Tremillo and his wife Tina in Alaska and got to hear their story. Tre was injured by an IED blast in Afghanistan and has also grieved the loss of fellow Marines, both in battle and to post-deployment suicides. Wrestling with post-traumatic stress disorder, he was filled with anger and turned to alcohol to ease the pain. His marriage to Tina was hanging by a fragile thread. But while here at our wilderness lodge, God took hold of their hearts and opened their eyes to the truth of the Gospel. Both Tre and Tina received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, recommitted their marriage to God, and were baptized in Lake Clark.

“I was trying to do things my way and not God’s way,” Tre explained. “Now, we have a shot at not only making it, but thriving in our marriage and in our family.”

Me with Army Staff Sergeant John Ricketts and his wife Christina

I also had the honor of meeting Army Staff Sergeant John Ricketts and his wife Christina. John suffered a traumatic brain injury and lost

both his legs in a roadside bomb attack. The wounds of war were taking their toll, and their relationship was struggling. During their time with us in Alaska, they recommitted their marriage to the Lord and resolved to seek His guidance for their life together. “God is central to our marriage. Our purpose is to serve Him and reflect Him,” John said.

We are so grateful for the service and sacrifice of these American heroes. Please keep Operation Heal Our Patriots in your prayers. May God bless you.

Sincerely, Franklin Graham ~ President, Samaritan’s Purse

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a financial commitment for these efforts your support is most gratifying! However, to insure the long-term viability of Waikoloa Community Church, we need the financial support, not only from our other faithful attenders who have been listening to what God wants them to do, but also that of our friends and neighbors! While the Property Acquisition Team is looking at additional avenues of funding to raise the necessary funds, including, but not limited to: a GoFundMe account, a “Silent Auction”, a mortgage, etc., we still have a significant amount of funding remaining. For example, the purchase offer currently includes a mortgage of approximately $242,500, which I estimate will cost over $1,300 per month over a period of 30 years. I firmly believe that God wants us to build His Church here in Waikoloa and that He is moving our hearts in this process!

Lastly, I want to address our leadership needs. At the October 2018 Quarterly Congregational Meeting we will be electing new leaders for portions of our Leadership Teams. From Romans 12:6-8:

“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our

faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one

who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.”

As you look at your skills and abilities, what can you do for your Church?

I will conclude my comments with a thought from Ephesians 3:16:

“That according to the riches of His glory He may grant you to be strengthened with power through

His Spirit in your inner being.”

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVEAs the President I periodically provide my thoughts and comments for your consideration.

Let me begin with the WVA Purchase Proposal. At the July 2018 Quarterly Meeting the congregation unanimously approved the letter to the Waikoloa Village Association Members and Board of Directors seeking to purchase the land for a “fair and reasonable” offer price of $485,000. This proposal was presented to the WVA Board at their July 24, 2018 Board Meeting, where they received the proposal and moved it to their Executive Committee for discussion. I encourage each of you to keep praying that the WVA Board and membership will approve this offer. This letter is based upon our primary mission, as stated in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus says:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of

the Holy Spirit. Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always,

to the end of the age.”

It is clear that the will of God is working through the Holy Spirit here in Waikoloa as we had numerous supporters in attendance at the WVA Board Meeting. I would also like to thank those “faithful attenders” who helped present the WVA Board with this proposal, including Ken and Claudia Forsberg, Bob and Fran Harman, Bill Kucharski, Rob and Mindy Martin, Chuck McVey, and Pastor Greg Scott - Mahalo Nui Loa!

Now that we have made the offer to purchase the property, we need to direct our focus to our “Faith Raising Efforts.” At the present time the Church has received financial commitments of over $209,000 to fund the purchase of the property. For those of you who have already made Knut Hovde - Council President

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LET’S BE ENCOURAGERS

We all need a little encouragement every day. Scripture tells us we are to be encouragers.

Let’s do our best, each day, to lift one another up rather than tear each other down.

Remember the “Thumper Principle”:

Practice being an encourager in every part of your life, with friends, family, strangers, in person and on Social Media. You might be amazed at what a difference being positive and encouraging can make in your own life as well as the lives of those around you.

PUNA LAVA RELIEF

Throughout the month of July, Waikoloa Community Church collected donations to help re-stock The Food Basket - Hawaii Islands Food Pantry. This in turn has helped them supply food for the Puna Lava Victims. Several trips were made during the month to deliver the donations. We donated over 200 pounds of supplies.

Thank you to everyone who donated to help our Big Island neighbors in need!

PASTOR GREG’S MESSAGES

VIDEO: www.WaikoloaCC.org/sermons/ or subscribe to our YouTube Channel. AUDIO: E-mail Lyle at LREVELAND@me.com to subscribe.

You will receive weekly links to the mp3 files of both services, the pastor’s message and PDFs of the message

notes, deeper study questions and bulletin.

RIGHT NOW MEDIA “The Netflix of Christian Bible Study.” Grow your faith with this awesome Bible Study Tool. Study by yourself or with a group. There are 12,000+ Bible Study Videos to stream instantly. There are studies for men, women, children, couples, youth and families. Choose from studies on specific Books of the Bible, finance, marriage, leadership, and much more. WCC attenders can access this wonderful FREE resource by e-mailing WaikoloaCC@gmail.com and say “My FREE Right Now Media Account Please.”

CHICKPEA TACOS

From the kitchen of: Blue Zones Project

Ingredients: * 1 packet of taco seasoning * 15 ounce can chickpeas/garbanzo beans * 8 whole wheat taco shells * 1 Tablespoon tamari (Japanese Soy Sauce) * Lettuce, tomato, assorted taco toppings * 2 teaspoons lemon juice

Directions: Preheat oven to 400˚. Whisk tamari, lemon juice and taco seasoning together. Add rinsed chickpeas and toss until well coated. Spray baking sheet with oil. Place chickpeas on sheet and bake 20-25 minutes, until crunchy. Assemble tacos with chickpeas, lettuce, tomatoes and other toppings of your choice and enjoy.

Yields: 4-6 servings

Per Serving: 215 calories, 2 grams fat, 654 miligrams sodium, 7 grams fiber, 8% of calories from fat.

For more information about Blue Zones Hawaii: https://hawaii.bluezonesproject.com/

PASTOR GREG’S SERMONS ON CD ~ Do you know someone who would like to hear Pastor Greg’s sermons but can’t make it to church and

do not do the on-line/e-mail stuff? Request a copy of messages on CD by contacting Annette Scott, our at: 808-883-8944 or WaikoloaCC@gmail.com. A walk-man CD player with headphones is also available.

WCC SMART PHONE APPDownload our free App from the Apple or Google App Store and have access to messages, prayer wall, giving, events and more.

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AUGUST REMINDERSELDERS METING: Monday, August 6th - 6:45 pm - Pastor’s StudyCOUNCIL MEETING: Mon., August 13th - 7:00 pm - Fellowship Hall

KEIKI FELLOWSHIP: Sat., August 25th - 7pm - Fellowship Hall

WEEKLY HAPPENINGSMEN’S BIBLE STUDY: Tuesday August 7th - 7:00 pm(Taking a break starting August 21st and will resume on October16th)WALKING MOAI: Wednesdays - 5:00 pm - Starts in Church Parking LotNEW SONG WEDNESDAY NIGHT WORSHIP: Wednesdays - 6:45 pmUKULELE PRACTICE: Thursdays - 5:45 pm - Sanctuary - Come play with us! 8:30 WORSHIP EXPERIENCE: Sundays - 8:30 am - SanctuaryKEIKI CHOIR PRACTICE: Sundays - 9:20 am - Fellowship Hall10:00 WORSHIP EXPERIENCE: Sundays - 10:00 am - SanctuaryALOHA GROUPS: Fellowship/Bible Study Small Groups Mondays - 1:30 pm - The Callicrate’s, 68-1873 Paniolo Place Wednesdays - 8 am - Bonnie Sell’s - 68-1600 Ho’olana Way (Women’s Group) Thursdays - 6:30 pm - The Martin’s - (Taking a break now through October)

AUGUSTBIRTHDAYS

August 1st - Lyle EvelandAugust 5th - Jim Cassatt

August 5th - Sabrina Bennett-BrownAugust 6th - Chuck McVeyAugust 6th - Andy Walden

August 12th - Toni DeJongeAugust 18th - Bob Wilson

August 20th - John LandersAugust 22nd - Marilyn EignerAugust 23rd - Bill Arrowsmith

August 23rd - Heidi WilsonAugust 24th - Roy Stivers

August 31st - Lisle Kauffman

AUGUSTANNIVERSARIES

August 17th - Lyle & Linda EvelandAugust 18th - Bob & Heidi WilsonAugust 19th - Bill & Pat DunhamAug. 20th - Jim & Jeannie Cassatt

Aug. 26th - Doug & Lennie Campbell

WCC ʻOHANA

SPECIAL DAYS

* Don’t see your birthday or anniversary? Fill out a Contact & Information Form available at the Church or e-mail your

information to Annette at WaikoloaCC@gmail.com

Coming Up In AUGUST:

August 5 ~ MISSION:POSSIBLE - The Gospel According To JohnWeek 1: - That You May Believe - Pastor G

August 12 ~ MISSION:POSSIBLE - The Gospel According To JohnWeek 2: - In The Beginning - Pastor G

August 19 ~ MISSION:POSSIBLE - The Gospel According To JohnWeek 3: - Be Born Again - Pastor G

August 26 ~ MISSION:POSSIBLE - The Gospel According To JohnWeek 4: - Streams Of Living Water - Pastor G

Hawaii is one of the, if not the, toughest mission fields in the United States. Missions organizations tell us seventy percent of the people in Hawaii are unchurched. On top of that, we have competition from many other world religions and especially from the many people who have embraced atheism. Most people here really know very little about Jesus, Christianity or church life. What they do know has been tainted by negative media reports and misinformation campaigns by atheists. With all that going against us, personal evangelism, spreading the Gospel and growing a church in Waikoloa Village seems like an impossible mission. Yet, even with all those organized attacks on Churches, Christianity and Jesus, studies show ninety-six percent of the unchurched here are at least somewhat likely to attend church if they are simply invited by a trusted friend or family member. If we share the Gospel message, some of them will come. In August and September, Pastor Greg is going to show us why personal evangelism and growing our church is NOT an impossible mission for us. Instead, it is MISSION: POSSIBLE! PRAYING

FOR OUR ‘OHANA

Please pray for: The WCC Property Acquisition Team as they plan the next steps in funding our land purchase. Pray for the WVA Board as they study our proposal to purchase the land.

Alilah, Mason & Paul Jr.I urge, then, first of all, that petitions,

prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people ~ 1 Timothy 2:1

E-MAIL PRAYER CHAIN To request prayer or to join the prayer team and receive regular prayer updates by e-mail, contact Marjorie Mrasek at: NanaBanana049@gmail.com

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. - Romans 12:12

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TREASURER’S ACCOUNTING“There is nothing permanent except change.” We have all heard this saying, even if the words are a little different. The original quote came from Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher who lived in Ephesus about 500 years before Christ. Even though we cannot avoid change we can try to be prepared for it. We do not always like it, as it makes us uncomfortable at times and challenges us. But, God tells us to embrace it and not to fear it. Change is coming to the Stewardship committee soon. For many years, two very faithful ladies have met after the Sunday Services and prepared the

deposit for the bank. One of the ladies is retiring from this service at the end of October. God has already provided one replacement person, but it would be best if we had two or more additional people who were trained as we know change will continue to come our way. If you feel God is leading you to serve in this area, please let myself or Annette know of your interest.

Each one of you should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver. - 2 Corinthians 9:7

Sherry Davis - Treasurer2018 YEAR TO DATE GIVING

EXPENSES GIVING DEFICIT January 1st - June 30th, 2018 $99,457 $89,000 -$11,604

GIVING @ WCC ~ 1) Cash/check. 2) A one-time online gift. 3) Schedule a recurring online gift.

Online giving at www.WaikoloaCC.org and click the “Give” link.

WCC is an Amazon Smile Program member. That means, if you join this program, every qualified purchase you make on the Amazon website, Amazon will donate 0.5% of the purchase price to our church. It doesn't sound like a lot but a little adds up. This doesn't cost YOU any extra. The donation comes directly from the Amazon Smile Foundation. Pretty cool. It's easy to make your future purchases on Amazon this way. From now on, when you shop at Amazon enter, www.Smile.Amazon.com rather than Amazon.com. Type in Waikoloa Community Church as your selected charity.

Waikoloa Community Church ~ An Interdenominational Christian Church68-3621 Paniolo Avenue = PO Box 383382 = Waikoloa, HI 96738

Phone: (808) 883-8944 = E-mail: WaikoloaCC@gmail.com = Website: WaikoloaCC.org Social Media: Instagram.com/WaikoloaCommunityChurch = Twitter.com/WaikoloaChurchYouTube.com/c/WaikoloaCommunityChurch = Facebook.com/WaikoloaCommunityChurch

Lead Pastor Greg Scott Contacts: (808) 936-8197 = pastorgregscott@gmail.comYouth Pastor Keoni Sugimoto Contacts: (808) 443-1867 = keonisugimoto@me.com

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and by appointment.

“NEW SONG” WEDNESDAY NIGHT WORSHIP

Join us Wednesday Nights for our Praise & Worship Experience. We begin at 6:45 pm. The service includes slow, soft, contemplative, prayerful songs and high energy, fast-paced, celebration songs. There is no message at these services, rather the focus is on musical praise, worship and prayer. For ideas of what to expect, check out the website:

www.waikoloacc.org/Wednesday-Night-Worship/

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Waikoloa Community Church68-3621 Paniolo AvenueP.O. Box 383382Waikoloa, HI 96738BECAUSE HE CARES!

Address Service Requested