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About us

Our vision is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ to transform lives and inspire people to love and engage the world through a family-focused and community-oriented mission. Expect a super friendly and welcoming group of people. Contemporary worship. Relevant message. Children learn the Bible in a safe and fun atmosphere. Join the Ohana!

our pastors:
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Pastor Thomas and his wife, Emelda, have been happily married since 1997. Born and raised in Honolulu, they both have a deep love for the islands and for its people. They first moved to Ewa Beach in 2001, and have greatly enjoyed living in West Oahu. Thomas received his Master of Divinity degree from Fuller Theological Seminary, and his Bachelor of Business Administration degree with an emphasis in accounting from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

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Thomas started as an Assistant Pastor at Hope Chapel West Oahu (currently known as Inspire Church) in 2002. In 2005, he and his wife moved to Pasadena, CA where he studied at Fuller Theological Seminary. Then from 2009-2015, Thomas was on the senior leadership team that helped to successfully launch the Kroc Center, and he was instrumental in providing pastoral leadership and direction to the thriving congregation at the Kroc Center.

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In his spare time, Thomas enjoys running (he completed his first-ever half marathon in May 2016), reading spy & crime novels (his favorite authors are Lee Child & Brad Thor), watching Survivor & The Amazing Race with his wife, and experimenting with hydroponic gardening.

THOMAS CHEONG

Senior Pastor

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Gary grew up in Pearl City and currently resides in Makakilo with his beautiful wife, Susan. Gary and Susan have three children and eight grandchildren, all of whom they cherish and adore.

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Gary's normal workday is that of running his t-shirt printing business while helping to babysit two of his grand kids. He also provides music and singing for special occasions and parties.

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Gary's journey in ministry began in 1990 with Island Christian Fellowship. He moved on to New Hope Leeward in 2006 and eventually served as Worship Leader. By God's design, Gary and Susan found themselves at the Kroc Center in 2011 where they first met Pastor Thomas and Emelda. He served as a Worship Leader at the Kroc Center until 2014, then God placed it upon his heart to help Rise Church as their Worship Director.There are many pastimes that Gary enjoys, and at the top of the list is surfing, art and music.

GARY PANUI

Worship Director

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