Hanai is the Hawaiian word for adoption. In the islands, it is a commonly used word for when you have accepted another into your family formally, as in adoption or foster care, or also informally. For example, your mom's best friend is your hanai aunt. Or the neighborhood kid that eats dinner at your house 6 nights a week, has become your hanai son. In Hawaii, hanai means welcoming another into your family, loving them as you love your own.
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The mission statement of Hanai Ministries is to show the world the love of Christ by serving those in need.
We are a Christian organization and we exist to do God's will on the Earth which is to be of service in this world. We will show the world that Christians are more than just talk. We do not discriminate, God's love is for everyone and especially for the "least of these".​
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We began with the little things, getting families licensed for foster care, forming a support group in our area, taking some kids horseback riding, buying some Christmas presents. We've grown as we've become more aware of the needs: more than 30% of all the foster kids in the state reside in our county which contains less than 5% of the population! And over 50% of the kids in care are of Native Hawaiian ancestry.
Hanai Ministries began in 2016 as Hanai Hamakua, the orphan care ministry of Hamakua Baptist Church. We've grown over the years, expanding our services to include any family in need as well as foster and adoptive families. In this way we can help prevent the need for state intervention. In 2020, we received our 501C3 non-profit status. We are currently a volunteer only organization and you can be sure that 100% of your donation goes to serving families in need.
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How can we make a difference when the problem is so big? We can dream big and act big as well. We will change the system and you can be a part of it.
Find out how!
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ABOUT US
Serving the Least of These
Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.
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Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?
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The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’