Our Story- The birth of Aloha ke Akua

In 2003, our world was turned upside down.

Kathy received a life-threatening diagnosis. We were told to get our affairs in order and prepare for the worst. Our fifth child had recently turned one, and the news sent our family into a whirlwind of fear and heartbreak. Though we had seen God’s miracle-working power before, this time felt different—hopeless. The world’s top expert had spoken, and according to him, Kathy was going to die.

But God was not finished writing the story.

Over the next weeks, Kathy entered into a deep season of prayer and worship. Her persistent, even stubborn faith became a lifeline. Though others prayed, God in His wisdom drew her into a secret place—a place where no person could teach her what He was about to reveal. It was a dark night of the soul, a threshing floor of the spirit. Physically and spiritually, she was breaking down before our eyes.

The enemy fought fiercely—especially in the lonely hours of the night. Thoughts of doubt, fear, and despair swirled around us. We questioned the goodness of God. We felt the shadow of darkness in every part of our lives. And yet… we refused to stop seeking Him.

Little did we know, God was allowing us to walk through the fire so that He could give us the gift of revelation—a revelation that comes only through what we now call the ministry of thorns. This deep valley of suffering was not meaningless; it was a sacred place where He was forming something eternal.

Out of that place of pain and intimacy with God, Aloha ke Akua was born. 

This is our story—but your story will be uniquely your own. God meets each of us differently, weaving beauty through every life in a way that only He can. No two journeys are the same, and we trust that He has something deeply personal for you here, too.

This ministry is our offering—an act of worship, born from brokenness, given back to God. It is a sacred space for those walking through suffering, grief, or weariness. We invite guests to come as they are, to invite God into their suffering, and to rest in His presence.

Trust Him in the process. Bind yourself to His altar, and do not move. It is a safe place while you endure the threshing of profound grief. Do not give up.

There are too many details to recount from that long “waiting room” season, but what Kathy came away with was this:

“I will praise You no matter what—regardless of what happens to my body. I choose to believe, and I will not waver in unbelief.”

—like Abraham, whose faith did not fail.

We thank God for the thorns of suffering.

“God comforts us not to make us comfortable, but to make us comforters.” – John Henry

“I am a demonstration of God—of who He is!” – Carter Conlon

“As we endure afflictions, we can know God is producing in us a revelation of His glory that will last forever.” – David Wilkerson