It would take a lot more than rain to dampen the spirits of the estimated 2,500 people who attended New Hope Windward’s Easter and 10th Year Anniversary Ho’olaulea Celebration on April 3 and 4. Church members, friends and neighbors gathered with grateful hearts to celebrate the day of resurrection of Jesus Christ and to commemorate 10 years as a church family in beautiful Windward Oahu.
The outdoor Easter Service was held on both Saturday night and Sunday morning; each followed by free carnival rides, entertainment and ono food. The results of this first time New Hope Windward (NHW) event far exceeded the expectations of organizers and guests alike!
“The joy levels were high as we celebrated Jesus’ resurrection and our 10th year anniversary. It was great seeing friends and people from the community attend NHW for the first time. The last 10 years were blessed, and I’m certain the future will be even better,” said Dave Barr, New Hope Windward’s senior pastor. “And the best part of all,” he added, “is that 96 people accepted Jesus into their hearts on that weekend. What a weekend! What a team! What a church! What a God!”
Those decisions for Christ were made after the Easter Service message which was centered on the theme “Do not be afraid” - the one statement God made more than any other in the Bible. The inmates of the Women’s Community Correctional Center (WCCC) rocked the service with emotional testimonials about how they overcame their fears through Christ and a dance performance that brought the house down. New Hope Windward’s worship and dance ministries tied the whole package together for a memorable Easter celebration.
Thank you to every individual who attended and to the multitude of volunteers who helped to make the event a reality. While the sun was absent over the Easter weekend, a special glow radiated from New Hope Windward’s Ho’olaulea - it came from the hearts of those who came.
