- Hawai‘i Conference
Haili Church kicked off their 200th Anniversary Celebration
Contributed by Lorna Bufil, Haili Church
On June 25th there was a kickoff blessing by Kumu Moses Crabbe, and members gave testimonies titled “Generations of Faith”. Those who shared inspirational messages were the Lindsey sisters, pillars of the church since childhood days; Kaina Wai’au, son of long time member, the late Hawea Wai‘au who served as a longtime delegate for AHEC and the former choir director; along with his aunt Mary Desha Namahoe, daughter of the late Reverend Stephen Desha, former Kahu of Haili Church who started the Deputation team at KHS.
Also sharing their stories and experiences were Bruce and Lisanne Kekuewa who have ties with Kalihi Moanalua Church. Lisanne is the daughter of Kahu David Kaupu. The Lindsey's and Ka'ina graced the sanctuary with their heavenly voices with their singing and sharing about how Haili Church has impacted their lives and their legacy lives on through their ‘ohana and mo’opuna.
Kelcey Bufil read a special message from Governor Josh Green in honor of the festivities and Haili's milestone.
On July 1st a Floral Workshop was held by Scott DeSa, and his mother, Ku‘ulei Hughes-Okada.
Pictured above are those who attended the workshop along with their beautiful floral arrangements, each unique, in its own way.
On the 4th of July a barbecue was held during which members of the church and the Haili Apartment tenants enjoyed a time of fellowship, games, dessert, and even shaved ice by Trustee Gary Akimseu. Mahalo to Trustees Sweetie Osorio, LeeAnn Lindsey, and Cindy Lee for taking care of hamburgers and hotdogs and those who brought potluck.
We had a great view of the fireworks display from the front of Haili Gymnasium. As we closed the night, we ended by singing Ho’onani, the doxology in Hawaiian. We are grateful to Ke Akua for his many blessings, the gift of ‘ohana, friendships, and sharing the gospel.
