Pastor Sheldon & Heidi Lacsina

Lead Pastor

Pastor Sheldon and Heidi began attending New Hope in 1990. Shortly after, they started serving in the youth ministry together. They continued to serve in various ministries for 11 years and then began an 8 year transition moving Pastor Sheldon and Heidi into the role of Lead Pastor in May of 2009.

Pastor Sheldon's heart is to connect every generation in their love for Jesus. As he instills hope in the dreams of our younger generations, he recognizes the value of our kupuna (seniors) and their wisdom needed to guide our future leaders. He enjoys paddle boarding and is a very gifted and talented artist.

Heidi is a small business owner creating unique country-chic gifts and crafts. She loves horses and looks forward to the day she and Pastor Sheldon own a ranch. She is also an excellent cook and loves to garden.

Pastor Sheldon and Heidi have two sons, Justin and Jordan. They are also the grandparents to Jayden, Landen and Oakley.

Pastor Bunny Correa

CORE Team Pastor, Executive Assistant to the Lead Pastor,
Relentless Youth & Young Adult Ministry Director

Love being married to my husband Holi who has been my best friend for 32 years. We have four incredible adult children that keep us young, laughing and always feeling blessed. Kai, 31, Isaiah, 29, ‘Ailana, 26, and Ethan, 20. We absolutely love spending time with our grandkids Harper, Ryu, Sophia-Grace, Avyn, and Kamila - Marie.  I enjoy taking hikes with anyone who isn't a serious hiker 😅, hanging out with friends, singing karaoke 🎤, going on adventures 🏕, reading 📖, and spending time with the Next Generation. 🤙🏼  I am bit of a purple freak 💜, a Star Wars fan ⚔️ and football season 🏈 rocks! I simply love what I get to do for the Kingdom of God. Grateful and Blessed. 🙌🏼

Contact me at 657-0104 or email me at bunny@newhopehilo.org

Pastor Kat Konanui

CORE Team Pastor

I'm so blessed to do life with my best friend and husband Brandon. I'm surrounded by love with my 4 children: Nicole, Erika, AJ, and Aidan, my son in law Keanu, my step children Brandee and Malu, and 5 grandchildren: Adison, Mikayla, Mila, Noah and Liam. (Never a dull moment in our house). I love serving on the worship team, food, video games, food, singing karaoke, food, and am still a fan of the TV show "Friends", and "NCIS"!

Contact me at 657-0114 or email me at kat@newhopehilo.org

Pastor Marsha Krieger

CORE Team Pastor

I love an adventure! On my downtime, I enjoy going hiking, finding roads that are off the beaten track, accompanying my best friend/husband aka Tom on photography outings (although I'm not a fan of the cold at the Mauna Kea summit) At home, I like messing in the kitchen making bread, homemade yogurt, kombucha and sauerkraut.  My favorite time of week is Sunday afternoon when our family, which consists of our three adult kids, their partners and our ten grandkids descend upon our house for family dinner!

Contact me at 657-0105 or email me at marsha@newhopehilo.org

Pastor Ben Urbanozo

Frontlines Pastor

Blessed to be married to my amazing wife Catie Ann, as we raise our tribe of four little rebel princesses (Catelyn, Breeann, Adrienne, and Leia) and one baby Yoda (Luke). Lover of food, music, superhero things, and of course, JESUS!

Contact me at ben@newhopehilo.org

Pastor Lynn Sawyer

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!  I have two wonderful adult children who live in the Mainland, but think it’s so cool to have a mom in Hawaii (for visiting purposes!).  Most of all, I love serving at New Hope and being a part of such a wonderful family. Serving with our amazing Children and Youth ministry teams is, definitely, His blessing to me! The Lord is good!  

Contact me at 657-0107 or email me at lynns@newhopehilo.org

Pastor Pauline Spencer

Administration/Finances

I am blessed to have a loving and supportive husband and a close-knit family of 2 children, 4 grand children, and 4 great-grand children. We both love football. I’m a Seattle Seahawks and KC Chiefs fan and Guy favors the Denver Broncos. We have been with New Hope Hilo since 1980. And I am so grateful for the honor to serve Jesus on staff since 1987.

Contact me at 657-0102 or email me at pauline@newhopehilo.org

Pastor Jonathan Miyasato

Assistant Pastor

I am humbled and overjoyed to be a member of New Hope Hilo for over 30 years. Being part of a fellowship that puts Christ in the center has been monumental in my personal growth as a Christian. I am blessed with two wonderful children, (Aaron and Emily), and two fabulous dogs (Max and Nacho). I enjoy fishing and watching NCIS and Seinfeld. But the greatest thing, in all my life, is knowing Jesus Christ more and more. It’s da best!!!

Contact me at jonathan@newhopehilo.org

Pastor Tom Krieger

Assistant Pastor

I am happily married with three adult children, a great daughter-in-law, wonderful son-in-law and 10 grandchildren that I love spending time with! I enjoy photography and spending time with my wife, Marsha. In our free time we enjoy going on drives throughout the island looking for places to hike or take pictures. I enjoy meeting new people and getting to know them and their stories. I feel very blessed to serve alongside such an incredible staff who I also get to call friends.

Contact me at tomkrieger@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

Our Staff

Kim Ucker

Baby Marvels Director/Mighty Marvels Activity & Events Director
Blessed to be married to my husband John, we have 6 grown children, over 30 grandchildren and also 3 great-grandchildren! I love spending family time with them whenever I can!
It is my Joy and Honor to serve alongside the many families, keiki and staff here at New Hope Church! I have served as a volunteer with the children's ministry since New 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!
#ReachingkidsandfamiliesforChrist | Jeremiah 29:11
Contact me at 657-0113 or email me at kim@newhopehilo.org

Steve Martino

Mighty Marvels Director
I am blessed to have 3 awesome children – Crystal (37), Tiara (25), and Salvatore (18). My daughter Tiara and my son Salvatore have each recently blessed me with another grandchild. My daughter Crystal has 3 children as well, which makes me a grandfather of 5 now. Both of my girls live in the Mainland, so just Sal and I live in wonderful Hilo.
I have been serving in Children’s Ministry for 21 years. I so love hanging out with the kids (mostly because I’m a big kid still!). I also wait tables at Café Pesto, and have been there for 24 years. I am confident that the Lord has called me to serve people and minister to children!
Contact me at steve@newhopehilo.org

Eugene Manzano

Food Service Director
Serving God, serving people, serving food!

Contact me at 657-0123 or email me at eugene@newhopehilo.org



Erika Giraud

Communications Team Director/Creatives Team Member
Bringing joy and fun into every situation and occasion are constant goals in my everyday life. I enjoy photography, singing, movies, and crocheting. I am blessed to be married to my best friend, Keanu, and a mommy to Noah and Liam!
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

Deborah McRae

Communications Team Member
I have been blessed to be a part of NHC for many years, in many ways.  God is continuing to stretch and grow me and I am learning new things and enjoying every part of it.

Contact me at debby@newhopehilo.org


Jaydina Abadilla

Front Office Manager/Communications Team Member
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 657-0109 or email me at jaydina@newhopehilo.org


Travis Haspe

Creatives Team Director/Communications Team Member
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” - Matthew‬ ‭5:14‬ ‭NLT‬‬
My hope is that through my God given creativity, I may shine His light and inspire others; in the hopes of reaching those who are lost. I enjoy traveling and experiencing new places and cultures, capturing moments through my Photography and Film, making Music, and I LOVE eating tacos!
Contact me at travis@newhopehilo.org

Mea Wong

Frontlines Director
It is such a privilege to serve in the Kingdom of God. I am married to my beautiful wife Jessica and a father to my three children. I love spending time with my wife and children, coaching and playing basketball, golfing and cooking. I look forward to all that God has in store as we expand His Kingdom.
Galatians 2:20
Contact me at mea@newhopehilo.org