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“Special gatherings like this are important for our family,” said head deacon Nanding Gumayagay of Kaneohe Congregation. “It reminds us that we’re not alone as we carry on with our duties. God is with us as we fulfill our Church duties,” he added.
Gumayagay was referring to the special gathering that he and fellow head deacons, assistants to fulfill duties at the pulpit, and their respective families from all local congregations in the Ecclesiastical District of Hawaii-Pacific attended at the house of worship of the Local Congregation of Ewa Beach on January 4, 2026.
Those from the Local Congregations of Wailuku and Lahaina, in the neighboring island of Maui, gathered at respective houses of worship and witnessed the event’s proceedings via livestreaming.
District supervising minister Brother Gem H. Baitan officiated the holy occasion. In his homily, he emphasized the importance of trusting God fully, and finding true happiness in Him, both of which are proven by always doing good works or all of His commandments notwithstanding the worsening condition of today’s world.
After the special gathering, all attendees went to the congregation’s function hall to attend a socializing activity. The Christian Family Organizations officers prepared for them a studio wherein every family could take family portraits for keepsake. While waiting for their turn, officers bonded over small talks and finger foods.
“My wife deeply understands how much I love my duty in the Church,” shared head deacon Jerson Gilo of Kunia Congregation. “She’s in the choir while my four daughters are all CWS [Children’s Worship Service] choir members. Even though we may have time away from one another because of the love of my duty as a head deacon, we happily do so because we believe that duty comes first.”
