In 2002, the Hawaii Conference decided to try something new by holding evangelistic meetings conducted by the youth of each of the local churches. Called "He's Alive!" the meetings were held during Easter week and focused on the life, crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. The youth demonstrated that they are not only the church of tomorrow, but also the church of today.

Those who participated not only witnessed baptisms as a result, but many renewed their own spiritual committments. Some have gone on or are making plans to become pastors and workers for God. Today, the program has morphed into a commitment by each church in the conference to hold an evangelistic meeting by and for youth and children each year.

The youth at the Diamond Head church have chosen to stay with the "He's Alive!" program every year. This year, they decided to evolve the program into performances that were produced, written, and performed by their youth. Because their pastor, David Madrid, was also the pastor of the Honolulu Fil-Am church, the two churches joined together and had a cast of approximately 20 children and youth who reenacted the last days of Christ. One of the college students, Annie Santos, helped to format and edit the stories written by the children and youth speakers. This year, they decided to tell four stories: the children in the garden of Gethsemane, the centurion's children, Christ's crucifixion, and the three angels at the resurrection.

Two young adults, Maria and Shannon Kaneshiro, opened each evening with an icebreaker game. Then Glizza Asejo led the praise team in congregational singing. On the first night, fifth-graders David Madrid, Jr., and Giumelle Oana, both from Hawaiian Mission Elementary and Intermediate School and the Fil-Am church, performed as two village boys curious to know about Jesus and wanting to become disciples. The second night had Ruby and Ryan Santos from Hawaiian Mission Academy portraying the children of the centurion who cried at the death of Jesus.

The third day was a reenactment of the crucifixion by Robin Santos during the Sabbath worship service. Ten-year-old Ronald Carlos from the Fil-Am church presented a message about Jesus and the last supper. The last performance had Ester Tak, Megan Gampong and Michelle Bareng portraying the angels who had seen everything surrounding the resurrection of Christ.

"I was very touched by the ‘He's Alive!' presentations," said Janet Cowan. "The kids put their hearts and souls into the program. They performed as if they were actually there at the foot of the cross. You could just feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in our church. This was a spiritual highlight for me."

"The ‘He's Alive!' program gave me the reason to get baptized this year," said cast member Caryn Blaisdell. "The Holy Spirit came and touched me and told me it was time to get baptized." One of the other baptismal candidates was one of the speakers, Giumelle Oana.

The youth of the Diamond Head church have consistently put on "He's Alive!" programs in hopes that it would be a blessing to those who would come. Now that they have joined with the Fil-Am church, they plan to continue the tradition.