Posted on: Saturday, January 29, 2005
Church pays tribute to 31 fallen troops
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By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer
KANE'OHE — Contemporary music filled the cavernous room as people slowly drifted into the service at Hope Chapel Kaneohe Bay last night where special recognition and prayer were offered for the Marines and sailor who died Wednesday in a helicopter crash in Iraq.
Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser A huge overhead screen behind the worship band bore the names of the dead soldiers.
After a brief explanation by Pastor Jephrey Chavez, the regular Friday night service of about 200 people broke into prayer groups of two, three or four. They were asked to pray for the families, the safety of the soldiers who remain in Iraq and "whatever the Lord put in your heart."
Some held hands, while others placed a hand on each other's shoulders. Some just bowed their heads.
"We ask for those families that you bring them peace and comfort in their hearts," said Russell Kimura, 22. "I pray for those who are isolated, running from this and don't want to accept it. I pray they find you Lord."
Eddie Kim, 32, recognized the tragedy that many more may face and asked that God help those soldiers through the hard times.
"I pray that you protect the rest of them that are over there, Father," Kim said. Many attending the service were unaware that they would be recognizing the soldiers — none of whom were members of the church — but they weren't surprised. Inga Bertelmann said she expected it.
"They pray for everybody and anything in the community, whatever is going on — even the tsunami," Bertelmann said prior to services.
Located against the backdrop of the Ko'olau Range, Hope Chapel Kaneohe Bay is made up of a diverse group of local people, college students and the military. Its congregation of 1,600 includes about 25 percent Kane'ohe Marines and a large youth population, said Chavez.
Today: 5:30 p.m.
Tomorrow: 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The church is at 45-815 Po'okela St., Kane'ohe.
Phone: 235-5814 "Our church has a strong value in reaching out and making that connection and offering support and help," Chavez said. "The church stands behind these gestures, but it's the congregation that comes forward and says, 'Here's a need, how can we as a church meet it.' "
The special recognition for those who died in Iraq will be repeated at Hope Chapel's services today and tomorrow.
Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com or 234-5266.
People greeted each other warmly, hugging and offering their hands.
Lucy Dela Cruz, center, of Kalihi, takes part in a prayer service at Hope Chapel Kaneohe Bay. Part of the service was dedicated to 30 Marines and a sailor who died earlier this week in a helicopter crash.
From left, foreground, Clarissa Moses, Joey Gorospe and Mildred Dela Cruz, all from Kalihi, take part in a prayer service at Hope Chapel Kaneohe Bay yesterday. Part of the service was dedicated to 30 Marines and a sailor who died in a helicopter crash this week.
Prayer is only one way the church reaches out to people. Chavez said it has a history of responding to the needs of the community with programs and outreach, organizing food drives, Halloween parties for children, even purchasing chainsaws for people on Kaua'i after Hurricane 'Iniki.
Hope Chapel services
