Kona Thanksgiving Eve Interfaith Concert

On Wednesday, November 25, the Kona Family Church held their 16th annual Thanksgiving Eve Interfaith Concert in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. Over 200 people of nine different faith groups participated in this colorful and musical event, which took place at a Lutheran Church and raised funds for the local Food Bank on the Island.. Several local Unificationist missionaries came to the venue early and helped set up chairs and tables. It was a truly collaborative community event.

During the program, the Kona Family Church choir performed the songs “By the Spring of Life,” together with local church members and Japanese missionaries. Also, Unificationists Mary Ellen Legay, Atsuki Masilamoney and Kona Family Church Pastor Chuck Frumin performed the song, “I Believe.” Other Unificationists and guests in the crowd sprung into song as well with these familiar tunes. The highlight of the concert was the Methodist Church Tongan Ministry’s Choir with their powerful acapella voices.

The Kona Family Church enjoy this opportunity to connect with members of different faiths each year and celebrate Thanksgiving with the universal language of music. On Thanksgiving Day the following day, the community shared a Thanksgiving potluck dinner at the Hawaiian Queen Coffee Garden. Eight members of the Generation Peace Academy attended along with nine Japanese missionaries. Over 11 guests also shared in the festive meal, bringing the total to 56 people for the occasion. The new Hawaii district pastor, Rev. Kazuo Takami, also attended. The meal was followed by entertainment and sharing, during which many in the group expressed their gratefulness to God at this time.