Hawaii's Military Community
The military has always played a major historic, economic and social role here in Hawaii. Most local residents, however, are unaware that the U.S. Pacific Command, based at Camp H.M. Smith in Aiea is the largest combatant command in the world. Hawaii is home to all five military branches, with approximately 14 major bases and 20 outposts. Hawaii’s military population totals close to 100,000 active, reserve and National Guard troops and their families. And there are over 120,000 retired military and veterans residing in Hawaii.
Even with the huge military presence in Hawaii, it is easy to overlook this community due to it’s transient nature. But if your ministry wants to reach out to a group at the most strategic moments in their lives—moments of receptivity, of soul-searching, of discovery, and of life transformation—the military represents one of the greatest opportunities to share the gospel.
5 Reasons Why the Military are Hungry for Your Ministry.
1) They are young. Military people often leave home as teenagers but are abruptly thrust into the roles of adults. They are faced with issue after issue for which they need answers. Eighty-five percent of Christians today came to faith before the age of 21. The average age in the military is 19.
2) Their military role often brings isolation and culture shock. This is especially true here in Hawaii where many face their first duty station thousands of miles from their families. Homesickness and loneliness can play a part in leading people to accept invitations to a church community.
3) They are often in difficult situations. Demanding duty schedules alternate with the boredom of off-duty hours. Deployments and possible deadly combat are ever-present possibilities. They are shaken. Shaken people are often more responsive to the gospel than those at ease.
4) Their off-duty options are limited. Their free time choices away from familiar surroundings are often reduced to staying on the ship/post or going into town to the bar district. Your ministry presents a third optqa2 ion: spending time with Christians in a nurturing community.
5) They are a mobile subculture. They can spread the gospel as they move from assignment to assignment and deploy to countries in turmoil.
Hawaii Military Ministries , a consortium of six ministries, was formed to equip pastors and church leaders to more effectively minister to military members and their families. These organizations have a long history of ministering to the military community and want to partner with local churches in sharing the gospel with this unique group at a very critical time in history.
Cadence International
Cadence International’s passion is serving the military community through hospitality, Bible studies and discipleship. Cadence serves U.S. military personnel and those of other countries, their families, and youth. For five decades, Cadence International has been serving all branches of the U.S. military in American and overseas locations. Cadence missionaries support the base chapel program; teaching Sunday school, RE director, etc. In Hawaii, Cadence has locations in the Schofield Barracks area and on the Windward side close to Kaneohe Marine Corp Base. Ministries include evangelism, weekly Bible studies, one-on-one mentoring and discipleship, counseling, ministry to women, recreational activities, and home cooked meals in a home-away-from-home setting, all designed to meet the unique needs of military members and their families stationed in Hawaii.
Local contact:
Ray and Char Hauser
rayhauser@cadence.org
(808) 263-3141
Campus Crusade for Christ
Campus Crusade Military Ministry, assists chaplains and commanders with caring for the spiritual well-being of troops and their families. This is done through discipleship, evangelism, leadership development, military family outreach, spiritual resources (rapid deployment kits, chaplains kits, monthly prayer guide), and internet ministries, all focused on the gospel because “it is the power of God for all who believe.” Campus Crusade seeks to help every troop, every leader, every family member hear and receive the life-saving message about Jesus.
Local contact:
Joy and Alan Hamamura
Ajh1hawaii@yahoo.com
(808)988-2733
Officers' Christian Fellowship (OCF)
OCF is a lay ministry to the military with a purpose to glorify God by uniting Christian officers for biblical fellowship and outreach, equipping and encouraging them to minister effectively in the military society. In Hawaii, OCF has weekly Bible studies around the island that serve as a platform to equip, encourage and pray for the Christian officer and their families. In addition, OCF has quarterly professional Christian seminars and speakers on varying topics pertinent to the military member and their family.
Local contact: Spence Kawamoto
skawamoto002@hawaii.rr.com
(808) 737-7866
Protestant Women of the Chapel International (PWOC)
PWOC is a resource network that unites, trains and encourages women in the military chapel community in their spiritual growth. At the local level, PWOC provides the environment to nurture a spiritually enriching community that enhances personal enrichment and family readiness. During times of deployment, the Soldier, Airman, Sailor or Marine can be assured that PWOC will be a close caring group who will be there to support his spouse and provide a helping hand when needed.
Contact:
www.pwoconline.org/regions/pacific/pachome.html
The Navigators
The goal of the Navigators Military Ministry is to help reach the nations of the world through the military. The Navigators are committed to reach, disciple and send Christian leaders who can make a difference for Christ. This objective is accomplished through evangelism, personal discipleship, leadership training, small group Bible studies and Christ-centered activities. The Navigators work from a perspective of over 70 years of ministry to members of the armed services. Working alongside military chaplains, the Navigators help meet the spiritual needs of military personnel and their families around the globe.
Local contact: Mark Schake
(808) 626-2831
mark.molly@hawaiiantel.net
U.S. Military Chaplaincy
Chaplains provide the religious framework and spirituality that contributes to stability and to the overall well being of the military community. The presence of the chaplain is a "Visible Reminder of the Holy." Chaplains provide pastoral care and conduct worship, liturgies and rites. They also offer pastoral counseling, visitation and intervention with military suffering the effects of stress-related problems due to deployments into a combat zone. They also offer moral and ethical counseling, address social concerns and offer spiritual advise to the unit commander. The threefold core doctrinal principles of the Chaplain Corps in accomplishing religious support is to "nurture the living, care for the wounded and honor the dead."
Through the ministry of presence, the chaplain is aware of the spiritual, emotional, and physical condition of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines.
