STILL GET CHANCE is more than just a local saying — it's a movement reminding us that no matter our past, through Jesus, we still get chance. 🙌🏽
We believe in the power of grace, redemption, and second chances. Every story matters — especially the ones that show how God meets us in our mess and gives us new life.
Got a testimony? We'd love to hear it. Share how Jesus gave you a “still get chance” moment — and help inspire someone else to believe they can get one too. 💬✨
⬇️ These are powerful stories from our MGMC Ohana of how God proved—still get chance!
Testimonies
With Jesus, Still Get Chance!
A choice I made once, out of fear of what the future might hold. I got pregnant by my boyfriend at the time. I felt a whole lot of conflicting emotions. I caught the pregnancy very early, which I believe was God’s grace. I spent about 2 weeks going back and forth with what I should do. Of wanting to keep the baby, but also having a lot of fear about raising a child in a world where the dad did not want them to begin with. I remember believing that If the father did not want to have a kid, that I could not do this alone. The father was very set on his choice of wanting an abortion. When I expressed that I wanted to keep the baby, he said that he would never forgive me for forcing him to become a dad, that he would hate me, that he would not be there for either of us, even said he would sue us.
So I felt like I was forced into a corner, so i made a choice out of fear, and decided to go through with terminating the pregnancy.
God's Love is sooo powerful and true. That even during this deciding, and pain of an abortion, God the was there with me through it all. Through the grief, the guilt, I felt. It’s crazy to think about where God has brought me now. He brought me out and pass that relationship and brought me into a new one. I feel so blessed and grateful by God’s grace. I haven’t openly shared this testimony of mine before, but I realized that this year, Good Friday 4/18, is a 3 year anniversary of when I went through with the abortion. So I felt God tell me to share this story.
— Anonymous
With Jesus, Still Get Chance!
Growing up in a performance-oriented family, I learned early on that achievements—like finishing first or being at the top of my class—were the keys to receiving praise and rewards. Love often felt conditional, tied directly to my successes. This mindset led me to believe that my worth was solely based on my performance. However, everything changed when I encountered the unconditional love of the Lord. This profound experience taught me that God's love isn't something to be earned through achievements; it's freely given, regardless of my successes or failures. Embracing this unconditional love transformed my self-perception. Although this has been a long process of "unlearning" I no longer feel the pressure to constantly prove my worth. Instead, I find peace and security in knowing that God's love for me is steadfast and unchanging. This realization has been liberating, allowing me to live with joy and freedom.
— Glenn Hayashida
With Jesus, Still Get Chance!
In the mid-1990s, I wasn't attending church even though I believed in God and had grown up in the church. I was working in a State Office at this time where I interviewed people over the phone or in person. This particular client was on Maui so I interviewed her over the phone. She was very easy to talk with and we connected!
At the end our conversation, which was over an hour, she told me that she had just come to know the Lord. She said God was telling her to tell me, "You are the apple of God's eye!" She said that He loves me and knows me. This really touched me! Shortly thereafter, I went back to church full-time and have never left. I thank God for this woman's courage to speak up and tell me this! It changed my life.
— Mary Wunsch
With Jesus, Still Get Chance!
Was a delusional donkey, became a desperate donkey, now a delivered donkey.
— Claude Kutaka
With Jesus, Still Get Chance!
I grew up in a small Episcopal Church on the mainland where I always felt a deep sense of belonging. A big part of that was because so many members of the church were my actual family—my mom, grandmother, aunties, cousins. When I left for college in Hawaii, I was fortunate to find a new church family on Oʻahu through a great group of friends. After college, I returned home and back to my little Episcopal Church.
Not long after, I lost my dad. That season of grief was incredibly painful, and it felt like half of me was gone. My faith took a backseat as I tried to navigate life without him. I went on to have four beautiful children—children I know my dad would have absolutely adored—and that added another layer of heartache. I kept going to church, but inside, I still felt lost.
Fast forward thirteen years later, I’m back in Hawaii to raise our children in this next chapter of life. I miss my old church, but I’ve been finding light and love again at MGMC. What’s been even more healing is watching my daughter shine in her own faith journey—it’s helped me open my heart and reconnect with my faith in a whole new way.
— Brittany Ho
With Jesus, Still Get Chance!
For 12 years, I was very sick with a mysterious autoimmune disorder that none of my doctors could figure out nor treat. It was hard to get out of bed most days with constant flu like symptoms and a large list of other medical issues.
Some days, pain and suffering felt closer to me than hope of healing. Every day, I tried to fight for Jesus’ perspective and claim the promise of the cross over my body - by his stripes I’m healed of sickness and disease. I fought through daily discouragement to find a glimpse of hope.
A little over a year ago, I was finally diagnosed with Lyme Disease and I was able to get treatment for it. Today, I can confidently say that I am walking in victory and the healing that I and many others have been praying for 12 years.
Through this, I learned that God is with me in the waiting, in the in between discouraging places before seeing the victory. It’s possible to have faith and hope for a situation while feeling frustrated and fighting hopelessness. I learned how to silence doubt by remembering God‘s character and promises. Just because God doesn’t give us exactly what we ask for in the time we ask him, doesn’t mean he’s not faithful and that he doesn’t want the best for us.
God is good, he’s always with me and he’s my healer.
— Shira Peters
With Jesus, Still Get Chance!
I accepted Christ at a very young age and grew up in a Christian home. But as time went on, I strayed away from the Lord and fell into a pit that felt as if there wasn’t any hope. But through God’s grace and mercy, God showed me that through those tough moments, our faith is strengthened, everyday is a new day and that the hopeless can become hopeful
— Anonymous
With Jesus, Still Get Chance!
Only God knows our struggles and our hearts Being on drugs nearly 18 years, Homeless and life spiraling down hill the greatest thing happened. He saved me ! After waking up out of a coma ; from a near death incident I remember he saved me, And immediately I gave my life to him who is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Since then:
The Lord gave me a new identity Not only on google search, but As a Son, a Husband, a Father And a Servant of the Most High To have ‘a new gift of Life is Refreshing In any situation or struggle we face We must also let go & just Give God a chance We pray Give me a fresh start Lord Let me know Still get chance Please forgive me for my wrongs Help me believe & accept you as my Lord and Savior I open my heart now And thank you for giving your life For all of us You conquered death and sin You rose again on the 3rd day And coming back soon We believe and Trust in you now Amen.
— Anonymous
With Jesus, Still Get Chance!
There is a lot of times in my life where I felt GOD was showing me little signs as he wanted me to come back to church. When I was with my X husband their family was Christian’s and I seen a side of people which drew me away from God for a long time. I started getting random gifts from random people with scriptures on it. I always had an excuse and he broke all those excuses in his time. 1st excuse I can’t go to church I’ve always had broken down cars so I thought my cars wouldn’t make it. By the grace of God 2024 I was able to walk off the lot with a brand new car under my own name. But that did not prove to me I had to go to church. I was busy working 3 Jobs and had no time to take off and go to church. Then my daughter would pray every night when we were in the shelter. I was happy and it made me feel good that she was drawing closer on her own to the lord. Then she started telling me she was hearing voices and that the devil would tell her lies. As a mom who strayed away from Jesus I was unsure if she was imagining it or if it was true.
One night she started to cry and I knew it was true. But my fear was going back to church after straying away and not having time and a far drive. My next excuse was I lived to far I didn’t want to put all the miles driving from Waianae to Moanalua. In August of 2024 we were able to move into Aiea which is maybe a 20 min. Drive to church. Another wall was broken down without me seeing it.
Finally January 2025, I felt the need that I have to go to church looking at all my obstacles. I got baptized 2025 and nailed some stuff to the cross and since then I have felt more at ease and closer to GOD. I hear him talk to me and he puts things heavy on my heart for me to follow with and to get into being comfortable around people again and getting me out of my comfort zone.
— Joy Kam-Colon
With Jesus, Still Get Chance!
Alone in my living room, I was flipping TV stations until I stumbled upon a familiar voice. The voice of world renown evangelist, Billy Graham caught my attention as I remembered how God’s words spoke to me years ago. I had long forgotten God’s words and voice as I had placed God, in the backseat, and my marriage and job took front and center.
His last words in his TV special as he pointed directly at the camera were, “…and remember to go to church this Sunday!” Those words jumped out of the screen and pierced my heart as I jumped up and thought, “Yes that’s it … church!” I haven’t attended church since my elementary days but yes maybe … I still get chance!
I was alone in my living room because that week my wife had left me. Tired of my passive aggressive behavior, tired of my “silent treatment”, tired of my anger outburst, she left for her mom’s house to contemplate our marriage and possible divorce. I was caught off guard and thought I was doing fine so when she left, I had no clue. I had time to step back and look at my behavior and actions. How will I get her back? What should I do? That night God answered me through Billy Graham.
I didn’t know any religious churchy people then except for a work friend that we often made fun of because of his early morning prayer routine and his “goody goody” behavior. I called him. He said, “Sure come to my church in Moanalua, I’ll see you this Sunday.”
I called my wife begging for another chance and asked her to attend church with me. A miracle happened, she said “Yes”! Months later she would reveal to me that her initial thought was, “Church, hah, I don’t want to hear it but if it’s going to help him, I’m willing to go.”
Well, that Sunday came with much anxiety and apprehension as I entered the sanctuary. As the worship music started, I sensed an overwhelming warmth and feeling of belonging immediately. It really felt like … “home”.
That was 43 years ago but I remember that feeling as if it was yesterday. I am happily married to that same wife. Through the years God has been faithful and by my side teaching me to love as He has loved me. As the words to the song, “Goodness of God” says And all my You have been faithful And all my life You have been so, so good With every breath that I am able Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God.
— Randall Kurata
With Jesus, Still Get Chance!
Having accepted Jesus as my Savior in 1980, it wasn’t until I acknowledged Him as Lord in 1981 that He turned my aimless life of self-indulgence for earthly treasures, drugs and irresponsibility, to one of storing treasures in heaven through enjoying the riches of family and learning to discover meaningful relationships. Not merely to exist, but a purpose driven life to be a witness for Christ and His salt and light. And even in my continued shortcomings, mistakes and mess ups, His love, grace and mercy is there for me. Jesus always provides me with hope and an eternal future
— BLee
With Jesus, Still Get Chance!
My personal miracle of inner healing, transformation was in 1982 when I confessed my sins, accepted Jesus into my life and received the Holy Spirit. I claimed Jesus as my Savior, Lord, Friend…& more! By repenting to Jesus, I was spiritually “Born Again”! Being saved with the baptism of Holy Spirit was “A Great Exchange” between my sinful life for Jesus’ lasting gifts of forgiveness, love, truth, grace… Jesus’ “mercy swap” sealed my eternal salvation & began a process of daily “carrying my cross” and following Him…a lifelong process of spiritual growth On this Resurrection Sunday ‘25: My praises and thanksgiving for Jesus’ Power on the cross & by His shed blood, dying for all sinners so that they too repent & enjoy righteous lives. “Because Jesus Lives”, we have hope for tomorrow!
— Angela Ho
With Jesus, Still Get Chance!
I grew up as a Catholic. Later, I watched Christian programs on T.V. As a young adult I attended a Christian church and accepted the Lord as my Savior. I'm blessed to be a member of MGMC.
— Lana
With Jesus, Still Get Chance!
With Jesus, Still Get Chance I grew up in a Christian environment, attending church and Christian schools, but it wasn’t until my junior year of high school that I truly received Jesus. On the outside, everything looked fine, but on the inside, I was wrestling with my faith and whether I could truly surrender my entire life, actions, and career to God.
With my extreme, all-in personality, I often chased the wrong things like money, selfish ambition, and even manipulating others to get ahead. I got involved in an illegal fireworks network, shipping and selling fireworks to Hawai‘i. During college, I reached a breaking point and faced a life-changing decision... to keep chasing that life, or fully surrender to Jesus.
By His grace, I chose surrender. Jesus delivered me from greed, lust, addiction, and the fear of death. He gave me a new life, blessing me with a beautiful wife, three amazing children, a strong church family, a profitable business, and, most importantly, purpose in serving Him. No matter how far you’ve gone, With Jesus, still get chance.
— Scott Kobayashi
With Jesus, Still Get Chance!
Every morning as I open my door, I say good morning Jesus thank you for another day. Jesus has given me a peaceful heart and blessings.
— Gail Yamamoto
With Jesus, Still Get Chance!
I am so grateful for accepting Jesus into my heart and life. I was raised in a home where we never went to church or worshipped God. Our ancestors and family came from Japan where they were Buddhists. The first time I was exposed to Jesus was when I was a preschool student at a Christian school. It was around that age that I went through some challenging experiences at home. I remember hearing and watching my parents arguing with each other and when I shouted for them to "shut up", my father started to come towards me to punish me and I was scared and locked myself in my room so that he couldn't spank me.
As I grew up, I was not a good daughter and gave my parents lots of headaches and was grounded a lot. I would be rebellious and started to be so unhappy at home, and wanted to end my life. But, God stepped in and saved me by making me throw up the pain meds that I had overdosed on. From that point on, I went through many other difficult experiences as a young adult. I didn't love myself and drank too much alcohol and smoked. I feel that I was surrounded by darkness. I never wanted to go to church.
After returning from working and living abroad, I became exposed to the Catholic church because I was a teacher at a Catholic school. Then about almost 20 years ago, I went on a Spiritual Journey to Peru and met some Awakened souls which started to make me wonder more about God.
Fast forward to now, there were faithful Christians that God had placed into my life to bring me closer to Him. I am so happy to share that I found Moanalua Gardens Missionary Church and I felt so comfortable and welcomed the very first time I went to attend their church service. I actually wanted to attend and come back every Sunday. I felt like I had finally found my home and Christian family here. I felt Jesus was calling me to accept Him and surrender and ask Him to come back into my life! I prayed and asked for his forgiveness for my past sins. I got baptized and ever since then, I feel much more Peace and Love and have witnessed God's Greatness! I want to be obedient to Him and follow Jesus to be a good example for my kids. I study and read the Bible daily and reflect on the Word to find His Messages to me so that I can become better. I know that God has a Plan for me and I am so thankful for having Jesus by my side now.
— Anonymous
With Jesus, Still Get Chance!
Growing up, my home was not always a healthy place to be. My parents had a challenging marriage and struggled with alcohol and drug abuse. I didn’t want people to come over to my house because I was so ashamed, yet at the same time, I had a deep love for my family too. That dichotomy shaped who I was: I was ashamed and embarrassed of myself, yet I really wanted to love and be loved by people. It was an unhealthy mindset that affected everything.
When I was in college I came to MGMC’s college group, where for the first time I really started to develop a relationship with God and with God’s family. Even though I was starting to experience God, I still wanted to participate in my old life and old habits.
There came a point where I needed to make a decision. I could no longer live a double life, one foot in each world. Would I choose to follow Jesus, even though it would be hard at times? Or would I let it all go and just go back to doing whatever I wanted? I remember one particular night, I sat with God and cried out to Him and said, “ok God, I can’t do this anymore. I’ll give it all up for you.” Over many years, God has been healing me, changing the way I think, shaping a new identity, and building me up to be the woman he created me to be. I’m so glad that I made that commitment to God, it’s changed everything for me and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.