The Hawaii Conference decided that 2005 would be a “Year of Evangelism.” More than 37 evangelistic reaping meetings have been planned throughout the year. Some churches have planned one for both the spring and the fall so that interests generated in the earlier meetings can be baptized at the later ones.

By planning many smaller events rather than a few large ones, it is hoped that soul-winning will become a lifestyle of the local churches rather than just an occasional event. More members can be mobilized, it may also make it easier to disciple the newly-baptized members through Ohana groups (holistic small groups) and to encourage them to be actively engaged in the life of the church.

In addition, expenses can be minimized by having pastors and members perform most of the preaching and organizational work of the meetings. Advertising costs can be lowered as members invite their family and friends to the meetings.

“It is time for Jesus to come, and there are still thousands who have not heard the gospel,” said Arnold Trujillo, conference president. “It is hoped that many of those will hear the good news in 2005, and that will result in a finished work now.”

Planning several smaller evangelistic efforts requires pastors and members to think creatively about how to best reach the people in their communities. For example, reaching Korean people in Hawaii has always been a challenge. Honolulu Korean church members felt that one way to attract them might be via the health message. Pastor Soontae Kim contacted Pastor Ilkwon Yang, who once worked with Eden Sanitarium, to conduct a health seminar in April using the eight natural remedies as given by God through Ellen G. White.

“When we advertised the program, Mark Shim, a famous and well-known talk show host for the Koreans in Hawaii, became interested in this upcoming health seminar,” Kim explained. “He invited both Dr. Yang and me to his live talk show. The interview was supposed to only last 30 minutes. However, Shim was so greatly moved that the interview was extended to 70 minutes.

"As a result of this free advertisement, approximately 60 new people continuously attended the seminar. Extra chairs had to be set up in order to accommodate all these visitors. Along with the powerful health lectures by Dr. Yang, church members prepared three special and very healthy dinners during the seminar. One of the very special treats was brown rice bread.”

Following Yang’s invitation on the last Friday night of the meetings, nine people committed their lives to Christ, including family and friends of church members. This was a breakthrough for the Korean church in Honolulu and is a cause of great rejoicing for church members. The church is now planning other workshops for those with chronic diseases, as well as wellness seminars for those with unhealthful lifestyles.