HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-06-26 Lorna Lovett From: Lorna Lovett
To: WPCtestimonv
Subject: Applicant: Hope Dia-Mend Ministries App#PL-SPP-2023-000058
Date: Wednesday,June 26, 2024 9:22:54 PM
Attachments: Applicant Hope Dia-Mend Ministries PL-SPP-2023-000058.docx
Lorna Lovett
PO Box 721229
Na'alehu, HI 96772
06/27/2024
Chairman Dennis Lin
Windward Planning Commission
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo, Hawai'i 96720
Dear Mr. Lin,
This testimony letter is regarding Applicant: Hope Dia-Mend Ministries,
App# PL-SPP-2023-000058 and their positive influence and service to our Ka'u community.
I've had the privilege of visiting this church since 2020 and I now consider it my home
church because of the many things they do to benefit the community.
Hope Dia-Mend Ministries is an important, indispensable presence in Ocean View and
Ka'u. It provides a vital need of feeding the hungry, fulfills spiritual needs and offers a
tangible place for people to learn and develop a character of integrity and honor.
Since 2014, our church, Hope Dia-Mend Ministries, has offered essential community help.
• Hunger needs in the community are filled by Hope Dia-Mend Ministries.
1. Once a week, 500-800 bags of pre-cooked food from YWAM Kona is given out
by our church's hard workers. They package, transport and hand it all out to
the hungry. They give of their own time and resources to serve the
community.
2. As an official distributor for The Food Basket, food is given out
once a month to those in need.
3. Over 20,000 hot meals were given out during COVID (500 plates a day).
• Holiday Celebrations for our local communities:
1. Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter community celebrations with free bags
of groceries and turkey giveaways, free clothing, toys and gifts to celebrate
our Christmas season, Easter egg hunts to delight the young and old.
2. Sit down meals that help build enjoyable relationships with our local
residents and lessen the worry of having to provide a holiday meal for
their family.
3. We also give out safe candy to our community keiki on Halloween.
• Spiritual needs and character-building needs provided.
1. In addition to our Sunday church services, Pastor Pamela Ako does
Weddings, Celebration of Life services, and Home Blessings.
People are encouraged in their grief and lives are celebrated.
2. Because of the sound biblical teaching at our church, Hope Dia-Mend makes
a difference in developing people with a character of honesty and integrity.
The lives of individuals and their families are improved.
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I've personally witnessed people saying"Thank you"for a hot meal and have gratitude for
receiving prayer given to them with a caring, listening heart. I've seen stress levels decrease
in people and hope in their eyes.When people are short of money, short of hope, and in
despair, they know they have local help at our church. Hope Dia-Mend is a light in the
community, a place that serves needs and helps to improve lives.
In closing, Hope Dia-Mend Ministries is a church that offers hope, help, relief, and true
aloha to our community members in Ocean View and Kau.
Thank you foryour time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Lorna J. Lovett
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