The gospel arrived in Malena around 1977, when a brother named Arcadio Rojas, originally from Las Playitas de Las Minas, in the province of Herrera, and a group of brothers who unknowingly were doing missionary work, came and held evangelistic campaigns, and many people came to know Jesus. 

With the help of the brothers in the community, they were able to acquire land and begin construction of the church. Brother Crispin González, who is now in the presence of the Lord, was called to be the first pastor of the Malena Church.

After serving for seventeen years, Brother Crispin decided to step down from the pastorate; therefore, Brother Raúl Saez was appointed as interim pastor, sent from Agua Buena, in the province of Los Santos, to carry out the pastoral work until a final decision could be made. After six months of prayer and reflection, the leaders of the national church felt that God was calling Brother Manuel Pinto to this ministry. 

Before receiving this call, Brother Manuel had served in various areas of the church, including music. He was the first person to learn to play the guitar, learn hymns and choruses, and teach them to the congregation. He also participated in numerous evangelistic tours in the communities of our district, despite threats, including death threats, financial limitations, and a lack of transportation, as they walked for hours to share the message of salvation. He also toured northern Veraguas and other places. With the same fervor and perseverance, he has also served his family: his eight beautiful children and his beloved wife, Inocencia González, who has been a vital pillar in his life and ministry—an exemplary woman devoted to God.

Despite lacking formal theological training due to limited study opportunities and the harsh trials and difficulties inherent in the pastoral calling, Brother Manuel Pinto began serving God as a pastor at the Malena Church. He served not only as a preacher but also as an approachable, loving, patient, exemplary pastor, passionate about sharing Christ with others. 

Thirty-three years later, Pastor Manuel Pinto felt God has called him to pass the pastorate on to the next person. With the new vision and “flavour” of Holy Hill Church, and after prayer and waiting on God, Pastor Manuel and the church saw that Hernán M. Pinto had been called to continue this pastoral work.

Hernán has served God since childhood in various ministries, including music, not only in Malena but also in other parts of the country. He has participated in evangelistic tours in several provinces and has served as a Sunday school teacher at his local church, alongside his father, Pastor Manuel Pinto.