Covenant News

New Hawaii Covenant Church Begins Services September 9

HALAWA, HAWAII (August 30, 2001) - Wellspring Covenant Church will conduct its inaugural worship service September 9, writing a bit of history in the process as it becomes the first Evangelical Covenant Church in Hawaii. It is part of the Pacific Southwest Conference.

The service will begin at 9 a.m. in the worship facility at 99-860 Iwaena Street.

Members began meeting in a private home and later conducted services and Bible studies at Maunawili Elementary School in Kailua. Several "preview" worship services also were conducted.

The name Wellspring carries special significance for the new church, according to its pastors. "Wells from ancient times have been known as places for people to gather with neighbors and friends," said senior pastor Dale Vallejo-Sanderson. "It was at the well that the Samaritan woman had a deep, life-changing encounter with Jesus. We believe Wellspring will be such a gathering for nurturing life-changing encounters with Jesus and each other."

That sentiment was echoed by teaching pastor, Randy Furushima. "Wells are dug deep until they tap into life-sustaining water," he observed. "Wellspring's purpose will be to encourage and equip people with a deep understanding and experience of God through His word, His Holy Spirit and relationships cultivated by growing together as His family."

"The purest and freshest springs are constantly moving," noted pastor Gerald Chinen. "We believe Wellspring will challenge and inspire people to develop as God intends. Through one's meaningful worship and service in life, a person will experience a refreshment that only God can provide for a thirsty soul."

According to pastor Mary Ellen Azada, Wellspring's mission statement calls for the church to endeavor to introduce people to Jesus Christ and to welcome people into a healthy family shaped by a biblically informed devotion to God, with life-changing friendships and shared experiences that impact the course of our community, islands and world - person by person. "I pray that we would BE that kind of church, by our words and by our actions," she added.

Although it is still considered a new church start, Wellspring comes with a wealth of pastoral experiences - the pastors have enjoyed more than 20 years of personal friendship and collectively have 90 years of pastoral ministry experience. Each pastor has had responsibilities within various denominational, educational and church settings including Berkeley, San Mateo, Kauai, Mililani, New York and Kailua.

The four pastors, Azada says, "bring different gifts, interests, experiences, skills and perspectives to our work together. No one person is sufficiently gifted to do everything well. The pastors serve together, complementing each other's gifts, bringing balance and diversity to the entire pastoral team."

In its relatively brief history, the church has created ministry teams, started a Bible study series on Wellspring Wednesdays known as W2, has developed personal trainers, has provided a one-on-one course with a pastor that encourages healthy steps of spiritual growth, and has launched "WaveMakers," a children's ministry designed to impact children with the gospel message in such a way that they will "make waves" for Him.

For more information on Wellspring and its ministries, visit www.wellspring hawaii.org.

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