New Hope Church | Meet the Staff

Meet Our Pastors & Staff

Pastor Sheldon Lacsina
Lead Pastor

I love spending time with my best friend Heidi (A.K.A. Wife), hanging out with my two boys and my daughter in-law. A couple of changes happened in this new season, my younger son Jordan has entered college life, and I not only get to be "Papa" with my grandson's Jayden, and Landen, but we welcome the newest grandson Oakley to our family! I also enjoy Art, Paddleboarding, Basketball, Football, Technology, and of course Ministry.
Pastor Marsha Krieger
Executive team pastor

Having ten grandchildren keeps me very busy. When I'm not busy playing the much loved role of grandma I enjoy, reading, playing scrabble or doing crosswords. In our free time my husband Tom and I enjoy hiking , and going on outings to keep Tom company as he photographs God's creation (which I get to hang on my wall or turn into greeting cards). I am amazed each time I drive onto the New Hope Church property and realize I GET TO do this!!!
Call me at 959-7700 ext. 0105 or email me at:marsha@newhopehilo.org
Pastor Tom krieger
Project manager

I am married with three adult children and many grandkids who I love very much. I enjoy time with Marsha (my wife) and just cruising with her. I enjoy playing with the kids, fixing and building things and messing around with cars. I also enjoy cooking, though the cleanup is questionable.
I have the privilege of serving here at New Hope in the projects area. Because we are an active and growing church we have many projects going on all the time. I love meeting people, learning who they are and how God is involved in their lives.
Contact me at tomkrieger@newhopehilo.org
Pastor Lynn Sawyer
Executive team pastor/Lifestage Pastor

I am still surprised each morning when I wake up in Hawaii! It is amazing to see the ocean, hike into the falls, visit a volcano, and eat at Cafe Pesto! Most of all, I love serving at New Hope and being a part of such a wonderful family. The Lord is good!
Contact me at lynns@newhopehilo.org
Pastor Pauline Spencer
Executive Team Pastor/Resource Team Director

Guy and I both enjoy family times which includes our four grandchildren and two great grandsons. During our spare time we love going to the movies, eating out, hanging out at the mall (I shop and Guy waits), attending high school football games and hanging out with our friends. We are so blessed to have been a part of New Hope Hilo for 33 years. And my 23 years on staff at New Hope Hilo has been a real JOY. I love our ohana and my fellow staff members!
Contact me at pauline@newhopehilo.org
Pastor Ward Kanakaole
assistant pastor/Men's ministry

Work hard at what ever you do...knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of inheritance. Honoring the Lord with devotion and sincerity of heart.
Contact me at ward@newhopehilo.org
Pastor Ben Urbanozo
Youth Pastor

What's good, fam! Just call me YPB (short for Youth Pastor Ben)! Here the five most epic important details of who I am: 1) Jesus is my homie! He's my Lord and Savior! 2) I have the most amazing and beautiful wife, Catie Ann! 3) Got my own savage squad of daddy's angels: Bella, Beebee, and AMP! 4) Being called to seek, pursue, and love the next generation is LIT! I love serving our youth! 5) Worship is something that I love to do! EXTRA DETAIL: I am a HUGE superhero geek! Don't believe me? Come check out our office! #teamironman
Follow me on IG @benurbanozo
Contact me at ben@newhopehilo.org

Anela Gambol
Office Manager Assistant

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them." Romans 8:28 NLT
God has truly blessed me with more than I could ever imagine. Constantly showing me His Love and faithfulness every moment, and I thank Him everyday for it! I love what I do, where I do it, and who I do it for! Spending time with my family & friends is what I ultimately LOVE to do! Investing in the next generation, hearing their stories, and loving and leading them to Christ fulfills my heart. I enjoy almost everything…Depending on the day…haha.
Contact me at anela@newhopehilo.org
Bunny Correa
Evangelism team director

Love being married to my husband Holi who has been my best friend for more than 25 years. We have three incredible children that keep us young, laughing and always feeling blessed. Isaiah, 23, ‘Ailana 21, and Ethan,15. I enjoy taking hikes, hanging out with friends, going on adventures, reading and spending time with the Next Generation. I am bit of a purple freak and I simply love what I get to do for the kingdom of God. Grateful and Blessed.
Contact me at bunny@newhopehilo.org
Chad Kaneko
assistant project manager

My passion is serving the Lord, and my joy is embracing every part of life with my best friend and wife, Shayna. When I think about what I get to do every day, serving God and serving people, I am excited for life! I enjoy going to the movies with my wife, being with family and friends, adventure, being outdoors, and serving with an amazing team at New Hope Hilo Hawaii!
Contact me at chad@newhopehilo.org
Christian Gapol
Youth Ministry assistant

I have the honor and privilege to serve in Relentless, our Youth Ministry. I love movies, games, and cards. And I'm so happy that I get to further the Kingdom of God by reaching the youth of our community.
Contact me at christian@newhopehilo.org
Deborah Mcrae
Mini Marvels director

Mahalo Ke Akua for giving me such a wonderful husband, who loves, supports and understands me (and has patience because I don’t have any)! I asked for tall, dark and handsome and God totally trumped me! I love being “mom” not only to my 4 boys but to all the kids in Lil’ Builder’s too. It’s so amazing to me when a child who was crying the first two times they came to Lil’ Builder’s now bursts into the room smiling and laughing and can’t wait to come to church! I also love giving cooking tips to my daughter-in-law, making goodie bags for my grandchildren on holidays, and life’s little lightbulb moments! Life is busy but it’s so good!
Contact me at debby@newhopehilo.org
Erika Giraud
Program Director Assistant

Bringing joy and fun into every situation and occasion are constant goals in my everyday life. I enjoy photography, singing, movies, eating/cooking/baking, and I've recently married my best friend, Keanu.
I have been blessed to be a part of the amazing team at New Hope Church! Loved and encouraged to follow my dreams, love people, and expand God's kingdom!
Contact me at erika@newhopehilo.org
Eugene manzano
Food Service Director

Serving God, serving people, serving food!
Contact me at eugene@newhopehilo.org
Glynn Motoishi
Worship Team and Music Director

I love music. Ever since I was a little boy I was captivated by music. I've been playing music in some shape or form since the age of five. Now being able to take the gift of music and use it to glorify God, I'm finally fulfilled. It is an honor to serve at this beautiful church. I also love to spend time with my family and friends, just hanging out, fishing, watching football and being silly. My wife Marilyn and two daughters Kylee(9) and Amaya(7) are my world. Praise Him!!!
Contact me at glynn@newhopehilo.org
Jaime Morishita
Frontlines assistant

I am blessed to be a part of this Ohana here at New Hope Church. I enjoy playing music and serving. I serve as our Young Adults' and Youth Worship Director, and I also play bass and guitar for our main services.
Worship is a lifestyle.
Contact me at jaime@newhopehilo.org
Jaydina Abadilla
Office Manager

Loving God! Loving People! Loving Life! Married to my energetic husband, Riquo. We have 2 exciting boys, Riquezen & Rysaiah and an amazing daughter, Rysha. I am glad to be apart of New Hope Hilo. The Best part is...I get to serve God and His people!!! I LOVE that!
contact me at jaydina@newhopehilo.org
Kat Konanui
Program team director

By the grace of God, I got through a difficult past, married my best friend (Brandon), have 4 children, 2 stepchildren, 2 granddaughters, 2 dogs, 2 cats, 1 sheep,and a goat who has a chicken for a best friend....life is never boring at "Green Acres". Life is good because God is good!~With God all things are possible.
Contact me at kat@newhopehilo.org
Kim Ucker
Mighty Marvels/Baby Marvels Director

Married to my husband John for over 30 years, 6 kids and proud grandmother to over 21 grandchildren and counting! Who are the loves of our life!
Served as a volunteer with the children's ministry since iNew Hope Church first began and loving it still!!
I enjoy doing worship, bible lessons and fun crafts with the kids each week. We love making church a fun place to learn about God and the Bible!
Jesus has done amazing things in my life and in our kids at New Hope
Church!
Bring your kids....We will will be there to meet them with a smile!
#Reachingkids/familiesforChrist
Jeremiah 29:11
Contact me at kim@newhopehilo.org
Mark Thomas
MAINTENANCE Assistant

I love people. Serving the Lord here is where I have the privilege to use that gift to the fullest extent. I enjoy golf, softball, and quiet time with the Lord for devotions. Being from Dallas Texas I enjoy Dallas Cowboys football.
Contact me at mark@newhopehilo.org
Shayna Kaneko
Bookkeeper

I'm so blessed to be married to my husband and best friend, Chad. Going to the movies is what we like to do on our free time. I love to cook, the color purple, and animal print everything! LOL. I love to laugh and just have FUN! I am so honored to be a part of this awesome team and what God is doing here.
Contact me at shayna@newhopehilo.org
Sonja Nakahara
Maintenance Director

Jeremiah 29:13-14
It's a privilege and an honor, to be a servant of the Most High God, and serving here at New Hope Hilo.
I enjoy bowling, traveling, outdoor activities, and drag racing. I love spending quality time with my daughter's/family. And I also have my Kainoa, he's 9 yrs old and full of energy!
Contact me at sonja@newhopehilo.org
Steve martino
Mighty Marvels director

I'm a single father raising two children. I've been attending New Hope Church for 12 years and have served in the children's ministry for 11 years. I now work part time as the Children's Youth Director, grades 1st through 5th. I also coach the Mustang Division baseball team for New Hope. Of course I love working with children and feel like I'm just a big kid myself. As my primary job I work as an assistant manager at Cafe Pesto where I wait tables and love serving people and getting a chance to meet people from all around the world who come to visit our Island.
Contact me at stevemartino@hotmail.com
Susan Victorino
Assistant to the Lead Pastor

It is a privilege to be part of the New Hope Church family. I'm so thankful for the people God has placed in my life and I always look forward to meeting new people. I'm blessed to be married to my high school sweetheart, Ren. We enjoy designing and building wood projects together. Our children, Jaysen and Ryen are young adults now who continue to teach me how important love is... Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV
contact me at susan@newhopehilo.org