Aloha! We bring you warm greetings as we are Pacific Islander and Asian American Ministries (PAAM) - United Church of Christ an organization dedicated to nurturing connections, understanding, and advocacy within and beyond our communities. This year is particularly momentous for us as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of PAAM, marking half a century of commitment, growth, and unity.
The Hawai’i Conference deeply ingrained in Hawaiian wisdom, gathered us with the theme "Ola I Ka Wai," translates to "Water is Life." During the convocation we engaged about water and its critical importance to sustaining life across all forms, from the mountains to the sea, to guide our present and illuminate our future.
Water, in its ceaseless journey from the peaks to the vast oceans, is more than a mere element; it is a life force that binds us all, nurturing our lands, enriching our communities, and weaving a tapestry of life that stretches across the globe. Our theme, "Ola I Ka Wai," calls upon us to delve deep into the essence of our existence and the fundamental role water plays in it, echoing our interconnectedness with nature and each other.
As PAAM celebrates 50 years of service, advocacy, and community, our gathering served as a beacon of our ongoing commitment to the stewardship of the earth's most vital resource. We draw from the wisdom of waters flowing together, embodying the convergence of our diverse insights, experiences, and aspirations. Together, we explored sustainable solutions, shared invaluable knowledge, and cultivated partnerships that will ensure the life-giving force of water continues to flourish and support life for generations to come.
Mahalo for joining us in this significant milestone for PAAM. As we are on this journey as God’s caretakers of creation, it is a prayer for our community First Filipino American UCC to continuously engage with PAAM and the wider United Church of Christ and her partners with open hearts and minds, ready to embrace new learning, share our wisdom, and act decisively for the well-being of our planet and all its inhabitants.
Water is not just our theme but the very essence of our collective endeavor. "Ola I Ka Wai," a celebration of life, unity, and the enduring spirit of PAAM's mission.
