For the past seven years, the Kaneohe church has operated an outreach program to help feed hungry people in its community. “As their new pastor I was so pleased that church members have been operating under the instruction given in Medical Ministry and acting as Jesus would if He lived in our town,” explained Pastor Ed General. “Ellen White tells us that ‘Many have no faith in God and have lost confidence in men. But they appreciate acts of sympathy and helpfulness.... As they see this, their hearts are touched … they are prepared to listen.’ The Kaneohe church members have proven this statement to be true.”

Under the lay leadership of Eddie Yrojo, more than 275 people are given food every Wednesday evening. Approximately 32 percent are children and 24 percent are senior citizens. In 2004, more than 48,000 pounds of food were distributed. Over 50 percent of those that come each week are the homeless who have been camping at area beach parks. Anyone who runs out of food in Hawaii can call “211,” the emergency food hotline. “The hotline will connect the hungry with us,” said Yrojo. “We try to make an immediate delivery the very same day, even if it is not on a Wednesday.”

This outreach program has directly resulted in eight baptisms over the years. “As people see that God cares for them, they are prepared to listen as His Word is opened to them,” General said. Recently, the church offered the new Discovery Bible Lessons. At this point, 92 have started working through the series. Yrojo hopes that this will result in many more giving their lives to God.

Many church members are also involved and have been generously supporting the program with their offerings, volunteering to distribute food and forming friendships. They also are realizing that providing food is not the whole answer to the hunger problem. Therefore, members teach technology skills to help attendees generate income for their families.

Yrojo wrote a theme song for the outreach program, sung to the tune of “Jesus and Me.” The chorus says: “Now it is Jesus and us, to help our neighbor, to meet their felt needs, to show them Jesus. We know that we can depend upon our dear loved Friend, and so till the end, it’s Jesus and us.”