In Honolulu, Hawaii, employees gather daily in the kitchen at River of Life Mission, a Christian nonprofit serving the homeless. They dice vegetables, prepare proteins, and boil pasta and rice, crafting hot lunches and dinners for those in need. Eddie Habal (Computer Science ’20, M.B.A. IT Management ’23), who joined the mission as a food service worker in 2023, was once part of this scene. Over time, he moved into his current role: director of business and finance. “Here, my work truly builds the kingdom of Christ, glorifies God, and proclaims the name of Jesus,” Eddie shared.
Growth at College and Graduate School
In high school, Eddie chose to pursue computer science, and his older sisters, both alumni, recommended he attend Pensacola Christian College. Eddie developed his skills, found friends, and grew closer to God while studying. In 2020, he finished his bachelor’s and enrolled in the M.B.A. focusing on IT management. “The program had just started the year I graduated, so it was the open door I needed to stay at PCC,” Eddie shared. “I felt the Lord was still growing me spiritually, relationally, and academically.”
“The program gave me a valuable combination of hard skills, business knowledge, and best practices essential for leadership.”
While earning his second degree, Eddie worked for the PCC IT department as part of his Graduate Assistant Program scholarship, allowing him to cover tuition and build workplace knowledge. “My responsibilities were highly relevant to my studies,” Eddie shared. “I learned many valuable lessons, like how important it is to not just present your boss with a problem, but to also come with a proposed solution. And, of course, to always try googling for an answer before asking!”
Eddie most enjoyed his master’s classes on leadership, project management, and human resources, which prepared him for his future in nonprofit ministry. “The program gave me a valuable combination of hard skills, business knowledge, and best practices essential for leadership,” he shared. “I use the experience I gained every day to meet the physical and spiritual needs of those in our community.”
The Seed of Homeless Ministry
When he was a student at PCC, Eddie began discovering a burden for the homeless while volunteering alongside classmates, faculty, and staff to feed the hungry and host chapel services at the nonprofit Waterfront Rescue Mission. These events were organized by Christian Service, a college outreach providing over 60 unique volunteer opportunities for students. “God used my time at PCC to plant the seeds of homeless ministry in my life, through the influence of people like Mr. Wilson and the Waterfront Rescue Mission Christian Service,” Eddie shared. “Ultimately, it is a calling from God, but I clearly see how He used people in my life—especially at PCC—to guide me.”
The other volunteers inspired Eddie, especially then-ministry employee Mr. Brian Wilson who also was a Waterfront chaplain. “I will always remember hearing him [Mr. Wilson] preach to a room full of homeless men and telling them that he loved them—and he genuinely meant it,” Eddie recalled. “It was powerful to see the love of Christ shown so openly and honestly, to those who probably rarely hear that they are loved.”
“God used my time at PCC to plant the seeds of homeless ministry in my life, through the influence of people like Mr. Wilson and the Waterfront Rescue Mission Christian Service.”
Instructor Dr. Lonnie Smith also was an encouragement and identified how Eddie’s management and IT qualifications were vital for nonprofits. “Dr. Lonnie Smith, being on the board of Waterfront Rescue Mission, helped me understand that you don’t need to be a social worker to be in homeless ministry; there’s a real need for business and tech people too!” Eddie shared.
During his final semester, Eddie returned to his home state of Hawaii to finish his last class online. Desiring to continue helping the homeless, he researched Christian nonprofits and found River of Life Mission. While volunteering, Eddie learned the organization was hiring, applied, and began employment as a food service worker. “My initial contract placed me in the kitchen so I could learn the Mission from the ground up, with the understanding that after a year I would transition into areas more aligned with my strengths,” Eddie shared. “I accepted because I believed I could give glory to God wherever I worked—being faithful in the least—and because I saw the need to serve those in need.”
Shortly after completing his M.B.A., Eddie became sure God brought him to River of Life intentionally. “On February 9, 2024, God confirmed my calling into homeless ministry through His Word as I read Luke 4:18–19,” Eddie recalled. “‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor.’” Soon after this realization, Eddie was moved to a business-related role and over time reached his current position.
Serving at River of Life Mission
As director of business and finance, Eddie supervises accounting and projects. His work helps the organization provide nourishment to those in need, building trust so they can connect guests to free rehabilitation and housing assistance. “Our model is to cook hot meals and then partner with others to take those meals directly to the homeless neighbors in their own communities—on the streets, in parking lots, at beaches, and in parks,” Eddie shared. “This allows us to preach the gospel and build real relationships.”
“In 2025, we saw over 100 people profess salvation in Christ and more than 100 take steps toward transitioning off the street.”
Through these activities, River of Life Mission equips people to love others selflessly, a principle Christ teaches in the gospel of Luke. “When the Pharisee asked Jesus, ‘Who is my neighbor?’, Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan to show that your neighbor is anyone in need that God puts in your path—especially the least, the last, and the lost,” Eddie shared. “This model of neighbors loving their neighbors is making a difference in Hawaii,” he added. “In 2025, we saw over 100 people profess salvation in Christ and more than 100 take steps toward transitioning off the street.”
From attending PCC to directing at a nonprofit, Eddie now understands that God guided his path to prepare him for a wonderful purpose. “I remember Dr. Lonnie Smith sharing his testimony about how the Lord led him through many careers before he ended up teaching, and every single thing he learned along the way is now used in his current role,” Eddie shared. “I see that in my own story. I originally just wanted to program software, but God brought me into business, finance, and eventually ministry. Now, I use all these skills and learning opportunities in my current role.”
Read more about how God is directing and working through PCC faculty and alumni.