Each Sunday morning New Hope Windward’s team of Levites arrives long before the sun rises to transform the Regal Theaters at Windward Mall into God’s place of worship. With the first of four services beginning at 7:30 a.m., the team must work quickly and efficiently to set up not just one but four theaters. Two of the four theaters are retrofitted with a 4,000-pound raised stage with skirting, as well as props and decorations tailored to compliment the Sunday services. The other two theaters are transformed into a gathering place for Children’s Church and a Servant’s Room where volunteers can rest and get a bite to eat throughout the 8-hour cycle!
In Biblical times, the tribe of Levi (also known as Levites) was rewarded with the privilege of conducting important Temple duties, including setup, takedown, and transport of the portable dwelling place of God called the Tabernacle. Today, New Hope Windward’s (NHW) dedicated group of approximately 20 church members serve diligently on the “Levites” ministry, performing duties no less important than those carried out in ancient times.
“Because we are a portable church that must set up and break down every single Sunday, the Levites are the backbone of New Hope Windward,” said Senior Pastor Dave Barr. “If people could only see what it takes to prepare the theaters for services, I know they’d be amazed and appreciative. What the Levites commit to doing each weekend is really heroic in my book.”
Heroic, indeed. Herculean, too! One look at the Levites team in action and you’ll see that these volunteers work like a well-oiled machine pulling off an extraordinary amount of heavy-duty work to get the church up and running. Then, at the moment the congregation clears out after the last service, the Levites jump into action breaking down what they set up just hours ago. Everything must go back into storage areas or into NHW trucks. The tear-down process must be done just as swiftly as the set up since the church must vacate by noon when Regal Theater has movie showings scheduled.
The team is made up of mostly “XL-sized” men who could likely move a refrigerator with relative ease. However, volunteers of all sizes are needed and welcomed as the team’s responsibilities continue to grow and expand. The only requirement to join the ministry is an “XL” sized heart for God.
“It’s a workout, for sure,” admits Miguel Cardona, NHW’s head Levite for the past 5 years. As he and his team break down after service on a crisp Sunday morning in January, Miguel joyfully shared that the Levites are not only responsible for setting the church each Sunday at the theater, but they also take on special events. Overhearing the conversation as he passed by, fellow Levite leader Daniel Fakatoka chimed in,
“It’s all for Jesus,” as he lifted a piece of stage and disappeared behind the movie screen.
In a nutshell, that would explain why Miguel, Daniel and the rest of the Levites commit to such back-breaking work every Sunday morning. As Miguel so eloquently put it, “If one soul is saved or one Christian is equipped on Sunday, that’s good enough for me!”
A big MAHALO goes out to each and every one who serves on this valuable ministry.
If you are interested in finding out more about this ministry, please call the church office at 808.261.5975.
