LEAD PASTOR: Monique Higgins
Monique (Van Rensburg) Higgins was ordained under Drs. Rodney and Adonica Howard-Browne in 2023. She also was ordained under the ministry of Pastors Tony and Jeannette Finley of Faith Family Church in Omaha, NB. She has an Associates degree in Theology from Life Christian University in Tampa, FL. She attended the School of Worship at River University in Tampa, FL. She founded the worship ministry for Amazing Love Church since the beginning of the church. Over the years, she has raised up many worship leaders. She has a passion to see people walk in Revival with a ministry that is very dynamic and real. She is a mother of three beautiful children who are all involved in ministry with her. Her leadership and ministry will inspire you to be on fire for God. Her unique presentation is a blessing to all who hear her.
FOUNDING PASTOR: Dr. Esther Van Rensburg
Dr. Esther Van Rensburg was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa. She graduated from the University of Pretoria (Tukkies), as a Dental Hygienist and attended Christ for the Nations in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Esther has a Doctorate of Ministry in Theology Degree from Life Christian University in Tampa, Florida, and earned an honorary Doctorate of Divinity Degree from Life Christian University in 2022.
Dr. Esther and her late husband, Dr. Nick, the founders of Amazing Love Church, met at Hatfield Baptist in Pretoria and were married in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1982. Together they supervised Teen Challenge Maui, were Associate Pastors at Zoe Christian Fellowship in South Africa, Pastored Reggio Assembly of God in New Orleans and then returned to the islands as Directors of Teen Challenge Oahu. The Van Rensburg’s ministered in many churches across the islands and were regular speakers at the 'Catch His Fire, Carry His Flame Conferences.' Esther was also a regular speaker at the 'Women’s International Conferences' both hosted by Word of Life Christian Center, Honolulu.
The Van Rensburg’s, together with their children, Monique and Nicholas planted churches in the Durban, South Africa area and worked together with Rodney and Adonica Howard-Browne as pastors in pioneering The River at Tampa Bay until the Lord directed them back to Hawaii in 2002 where they founded Amazing Love Church. After a short illness, Dr. Nick went to heaven in January of 2022.
Dr. Esther and Pastor Monique have committed to keep the vision going for Amazing Love Church.