Joe Tonga has been in the ministry for over ten years. Joe graduated from Southwestern Adventist University with his bachelor's in Religious Studies and is now preparing to do his Master's in Divinity at Andrews University. We are excited that Joe has dedicated his time here at Hawthorne to build our Bible study program, lay the groundwork for our upcoming evangelistic meeting, and minister to our young people. Joe is married to the lovely Velma and has one daughter.

For many years, Vaiola Taimi has had a passion for feeding her community through the food bank.
Vaiola started the food bank ministry in Gardena and soon moved it to the Hawthorne Seventh-day Adventist church. Every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month, you will find Vaiola and her team gathered together in the early morning hours, organizing and waiting for the long line of community members who rely on this resource. Every month, Hawthorne feeds over 300 families.
Vaiola hopes that people will become fed physically and be nourished spiritually with the Word of God. In addition, Vaiola believes that she and her team can reach more souls for Jesus' kingdom through small acts of kindness.

Lasalo Tonga grew up attending the Hawthorne Seventh-day Adventist church. Some of Lasalo's fondest memories were created with his youth group. His involvement in church is a testament to the foundation that has kept him close to the Lord. Lasalo is married to Ana Tonga and has one child. He is honored to serve as the current youth director and strives to give the youth of today the same foundation he received when he grew up in the same church.

Setaleki Fehoko has served as the head elder for over a decade and has dedicated his life to serving God at the Hawthorne Seventh-day Adventist church. You will often find Setaleki opening the doors in the early morning hours and the last one at the church tidying up and locking the gates. Setaleki is married to Akanesi Fehoko and has three children and four grandchildren.