To fortify the bond not only among married couples but also family members and among the youth members from the Ecclesiastical District of Hawaii-Pacific, three relevant edification activities were conducted early in July.

These activities, led by Brother Gem Baitan, district supervising minister, were the Christian Family Organizations (CFO) Day and Band Together on July 3, 2026 and the special gathering of Christian Brotherhood International (CBI) members on July 5.

CFO Day, Band Together

The CFO Day and Band Together took place at the compound of the Local Congregation of Ewa Beach, where the brethren from the congregations on the island of Oahu gathered. Those from the congregations on the islands of Maui, Big Island, Kauai, and American Samoa attended the activity through videoconferencing.

After Brother Baitan’s opening remarks, the brethren went on to enjoy the booths that each local congregation, through the CFO officers, had set up. These included food, games, photo, prize, and blood pressure booths.

The attendees were also entertained with lively performances by musical bands composed of talented brethren from the district. They performed INC original songs such as “Shine,” “Now That Salvation Is Near,” and “Battle Cry.”

For the closing remarks, Brother Baitan lauded the brethren’s enthusiasm and expressed gratefulness to the Lord God for the peaceful conduct of the events.

“Events like these are truly important because these are necessary for our spiritual and personal well-being. This is a great time to unwind and reflect on the blessings we have been receiving from God,” said Alfred Acenas, local safety officer from Wahiawa Congregation.

“I like the different interactive booths in this activity. Through this activity, I am able to mingle with other brethren from different congregations in our district,” said Marie Franz Fernandez, deaconess from Maili Congregation.

“Our CFO Day and Band Together activities are great opportunities for us to spend time with our family and strengthen the bond between parents and children. It is also an opportunity to create happy memories and share precious moments with our family and friends and brethren inside the Church despite the negative things happening in the world,” said Brother Nathan Foux, resident minister of Maili Congregation. 

CBI special gathering, recognition of graduates

The special gathering two days later was held at the Ewa Beach Local Congregation’s house of worship, which served as the host site. Remote sites from other islands connected via videoconferencing.

In his Bible-based preaching, Brother Baitan reminded the graduates and students to continue to progress, especially in their services to the Lord God. He encouraged them to firmly hold on to their membership in the one true Church no matter what happens in their lives.

“From the lesson taught during the special gathering, I learned that as a student and a member of the Church Of Christ, I should always prioritize God in my life and pray to Him whenever I need help, such as in my school activities,” said Jewell Reyes, choir member from Kunia Congregation.

Her father, June Reyes, head deacon of Kunia Congregation, said, “School is important, but I always remind her to make God her number one priority in life. I also told her to be prayerful because when she puts her hope and faith in God, He will help her in studies and performing her duties in the Church.”

“The message of the lesson conveyed during the special gathering really inspires us students. We’re always taught that whenever we need help or we encounter trials and struggles, we should pray to God and rely on Him because He is always there to help us,” said Nathan Amoguis, district CBI president.

Immediately following the special gathering was a program, held at the congregation’s compound, during which the graduates and their parents were recognized.

Brother Eraño Biong, district CFO overseer, delivered the opening remarks. Then, he, together with the district CBI officers, gave certificates of recognition to the graduates.

The attendees were serenaded with musical performances by talented brethren of INC original songs such as “I Will Always Choose You,” “Eyes On The Prize,” and “I Will Walk By Faith.”

Brother Baitan delivered the closing remarks.