The Kona Hispanic Adventist Company formally organized on Sabbath, Jan. 7. This dream began 12 years ago when Felipe Melendez and his family not only became members of the Kona Adventist Church, but also started to attract other Spanish-speaking people to the church. Most are families from Mexico and El Salvador who came to live and work on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The growing group consistently had Bible studies on Wednesday and Friday evenings, then met together for Sabbath services in the fellowship hall. “As the mother church, the Kona Adventist Church is strongly supportive of this new company,” said Pastor David LeMaire. “We are grateful for all those who have worked so hard to see this day come.”

Several Spanish-speaking pastors have been involved with the group since its beginning, including Don Sullivan, Arnold Trujillo, Elias Juarez, Eleazer Graterol, Roger Beltran, and Juan Rivera.

The group believes in reaching out to the community and has conducted several evangelistic meetings over the years. There were 11 baptisms this year alone. Company members hope to have their own facility and become a formally organized church of at least 100 members someday. But for now, the Hawaii Conference formally recognized and welcomed the 35 official members willing to become an organized company.

Pastor Rob Lloyd, ministerial director of the Hawaii Conference, coordinated the ceremony. It was “a high and holy day in the history of the Hispanic group of believers,” he said. “It is a celebration of a momentous event.”

Pastor Juan Rivera of the Kahului church in Maui challenged the members with his homily, “La Iglesia de Cristo.” Then, Ronald Lindsey, secretary/treasurer of the conference, formally accepted and welcomed the charter members. An Aloha Fiesta wrapped up the celebration.