The High School Ministry became extremely blessed when Hanzo Hamamura joined the team. Hanzo is the new High School Director at New Hope Windward, a calling he never expected. His love for the teachings of God’s Word mixed with his love for storytelling—and an ample supply of good humor—makes him a great youth leader who speaks and listens well. He loves playing worship music, employing his artistic skills, playing softball with his friends, watching anime (Japanese cartoons) with his wife, being in the outdoors, motorcycling, apologetics, and reading.
Growing up Hanzo was artistically driven, enjoying sculpting, painting, and other arts. In high school he became interested in filmmaking. As a result he and his friends often substituted home-made movies for their book reports! (Wouldn’t that be nice?) His passion for filmmaking led him to cinema courses in college. Then in his spare time he would make independent movies with his friends. During one such movie project he met his future wife, Laine. Although she was not his top choice for the lead female role in their movie, she soon became his top choice for a wife. Laine was blessed with the opportunity to share Christ with Hanzo and witnessed his surrender to Jesus in 2006.
Before coming to New Hope Windward, Hanzo served at New Hope Oahu at Farrington in the Connections and Baptism ministries. He also served as an intern and he knows he learned a lot from the experience.
Presently, he attends Pacific Rim Bible College. Before coming to Christ, Hanzo attended many other colleges in search of his true calling. He took cinema courses, tried to get a major in philosophy, and many other disciplines that just were not quite God’s plan. Some of the things he appreciates about Pac Rim are the small classes, which in his opinion are better for learning and provide better fellowship with his professors and classmates. He also enjoys the chapel services, which are student-run and very creative.
When God called Hanzo to be a pastor, he assumed that God meant senior pastor. Excited by the thought, he imagined himself standing at the pulpit of a mega church preaching to millions worldwide. But he had misinterpreted God’s calling and soon realized that God wanted him to be a youth pastor. He knows it is not the second-best or a stepping stone—it is just as significant because one is leading the next generation to Christ. He is working towards his pastor’s license while gaining the experience at the ONEiGHTY youth service as a High School Director. When Hanzo is not speaking or writing Sunday’s messages he serves in the Connections ministry, which encourages dedication and a sense of belonging to the church. He is wild about the high-tech and contemporary services and ministries at New Hope Windward, which excites him about serving here.
Some of his dreams and goals are based on his past and present professions. He wants to write worship music. Someday he would like to write a novel. Someday he would like to have a big family. He especially yearns to have an impact on the nations suffering social injustice. But all these things he says, “depends on God’s timing.” He trusts in God to take care of his life plan, because he has seen what God can do when he puts it in His hands. Hanzo is an amazing guy, amazing leader, amazing friend, and an amazing example of faith and service for our God.
