Beginnings...
New Hope East Hawaiʻi was planted out of New Hope Hilo on March 9, 2008, with a simple calling—to reach and disciple the people of East Hawaiʻi.
Led by Pastor Scott Shiroma and his wife, Christie, a small care group of faithful believers stepped out from what they lovingly called the "Big Church" to follow where God was leading them. With hearts willing to serve and faith in God's plan, they began gathering, building relationships, and sharing the hope of Jesus with the community.
Those early years weren't always easy. There were seasons of stretching, uncertainty, and perseverance. But through every challenge, God remained faithful. By His grace and through the power of His Spirit, He continued to provide, strengthen, and grow the fellowship.
Over the years, many people have walked through our doors. Some stayed for only a season, but one thing has never changed—God's presence has remained at the center of this church.
Today, Pastor Scott and Christie continue to faithfully shepherd the church with hearts to love people, make disciples, and invest in the next generation of leaders. Whether it's welcoming someone through our doors for the very first time or walking alongside believers as they grow in their faith, our desire is to help every person take their next step with Jesus.
Looking back over the years, we can confidently say it is only by Godʻs grace that this fellowship has continued. As Pastor Scott often says, "It's only because of God that we're still here." By His grace, we look forward to many more years of serving our East Hawaiʻi community, sharing the love of Christ, and seeing lives transformed for His glory.
Led by Pastor Scott Shiroma and his wife, Christie, a small care group of faithful believers stepped out from what they lovingly called the "Big Church" to follow where God was leading them. With hearts willing to serve and faith in God's plan, they began gathering, building relationships, and sharing the hope of Jesus with the community.
Those early years weren't always easy. There were seasons of stretching, uncertainty, and perseverance. But through every challenge, God remained faithful. By His grace and through the power of His Spirit, He continued to provide, strengthen, and grow the fellowship.
Over the years, many people have walked through our doors. Some stayed for only a season, but one thing has never changed—God's presence has remained at the center of this church.
Today, Pastor Scott and Christie continue to faithfully shepherd the church with hearts to love people, make disciples, and invest in the next generation of leaders. Whether it's welcoming someone through our doors for the very first time or walking alongside believers as they grow in their faith, our desire is to help every person take their next step with Jesus.
Looking back over the years, we can confidently say it is only by Godʻs grace that this fellowship has continued. As Pastor Scott often says, "It's only because of God that we're still here." By His grace, we look forward to many more years of serving our East Hawaiʻi community, sharing the love of Christ, and seeing lives transformed for His glory.
History
The term “Foursquare Gospel” came about during an intense revival in the city of Oakland, Calif. in July 1922. As thousands had gathered to hear the gospel, the evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson described a vision God had given her, taken from Ezekiel’s vision in the book of Ezekiel, chapter one.
Ezekiel saw the revelation of a totally powerful God. He saw four faces–those of a man, a lion, an ox and an eagle. To Sister McPherson, those four faces were like the four phases of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In the face of the man, she saw Jesus our Savior, the “man of sorrows” (Isaiah 53:3); in the face of the lion, she saw Jesus the mighty Baptizer with the Holy Spirit and fire. In the face of the ox, she saw Jesus the Great Burden-bearer, who Himself took our infirmities and carried our sicknesses. In the face of the eagle, she saw reflected the Coming King–Jesus the Bridegroom, who is returning in power for His bride, the church.
It was a perfect, complete gospel for the body, soul, spirit and eternity. It was a gospel that faces squarely in every direction: thus, the name Foursquare.
Ezekiel saw the revelation of a totally powerful God. He saw four faces–those of a man, a lion, an ox and an eagle. To Sister McPherson, those four faces were like the four phases of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In the face of the man, she saw Jesus our Savior, the “man of sorrows” (Isaiah 53:3); in the face of the lion, she saw Jesus the mighty Baptizer with the Holy Spirit and fire. In the face of the ox, she saw Jesus the Great Burden-bearer, who Himself took our infirmities and carried our sicknesses. In the face of the eagle, she saw reflected the Coming King–Jesus the Bridegroom, who is returning in power for His bride, the church.
It was a perfect, complete gospel for the body, soul, spirit and eternity. It was a gospel that faces squarely in every direction: thus, the name Foursquare.
