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In today’s world of dealing with things that occupy most of our daily lives, it is not difficult to forget things of the past – people who touched us, events that changed us, and lives that were once part of us. A poem written in 1966 says “Remember where you came from, remember where you have been.” It is through the remembrance of our past that we are made aware of how each of our lives were built and how our characters were formed.
A few months ago, the Oahu International Christian Mission took time to remember and reflect on the life of ICM founder Rev. Nathan Molina. It was a beautiful Saturday morning when the members of OICM carpooled to the Valley of the Temple in Kaneohe to visit the resting place of Rev. Molina. The sun shone beautifully on Valley of the Temple as the background of the Koolau Mountain range offered a feeling of serenity to the members of OICM as they solemnly stood around Rev. Molina’s grave. A small service was started by Pastor Elie Diocares, the senior pastor of OICM. Each one took turn sharing their memories of the late founder. Mrs. Lolita Coloma shared the history of ICM. Mrs. Coloma shared that ICM started as an outreach ministry of Honolulu Full Gospel Church. The outreach met on Sunday afternoons in their garage in Waialua. It was there that the pioneers of ICM met each other – the Braceros family, Gabbac family, Pastor Mary Bangloy who was still single, Mrs. Pricilla Aquino, Pastor Andie, Sampaga family, Malapit family, and later the Pastor family who moved to Hawaii from California. It was then that Pastor Molina saw the vision of a new ministry separate from Full Gospel. Pastor Edwin remembered Pastor Molina sharing his vision and asking for his support. It was then that ICM was conceived. The ministry then moved to a big room that was a part of the house of the late Mr. and Mrs. Cerezo. Mrs. Coloma remembered Ptr. Rose Pastor suggesting the organization name to be International Christian Mission. It was a very humble beginning for ICM but though poor in statute, the new ministry was full of love. Each one remembered the dedication of Reverend Nathan Molina. It was through his love for the ministry, his dedication to serving others, and his zealousness in serving the Lord that helped ICM grow as a body of believers that is full of love and compassion.
There were a few more others who dedicated their lives to the ICM ministry. These ICM pioneers made a difference in building ICM what it is today – a church that can stand the test of times. Tata and Nana Cerezo who gave their all to the church – Nana Cerezo who served as the first ICM secretary. Nana and Tata Lazo who dedicated their times to the church on Sunday afternoons. Tata Sampaga who made everyone laugh. Tata Agbalsa and Tata Poldo with their ‘tabako’ but who were always there to help. Pastor Andie who was known as Pastor Molina’s sidekick. Tata Andres Braceros who was a strong arm in the ministry. How can one forget the sweet smile of little James who brought laughter and smiles during Sunday School.
The memories of these ICM pioneers who are now with the Lord are still alive and real. As the poem that was written in 1996 ends “Remember always to love”, the love of these pioneers and the pioneers who are still alive lingers on for ICM to continue to live. For those of us who remain, may we always remember.
