Pacific Connector | 2023 July Aug | Issue 4

Kingd m Building the

From the Interim Executive Director/Treasurer

Aloha HPBC family, I firmly believe that God is constantly inviting us into adventures with him. Unfortunately, like Peter on the boat with Jesus on the water, we often fear sharing our faith or stepping out in ministry. Hopefully, this story will encourage you to jump in.

into anyone. Would my kids jump in without me?

My fearless daughter of just 12 quickly plopped into the 25-foot deep water, and a few minutes later, my son followed! Once initial fears were overcome, what followed was an unforgettable night of watching God’s amazing creatures up to 12 feet in size swim around us.

About the Cover

Manta Ray feeding on plankton photographed near Kona on Hawaii's Big Island (licensed Adobe Stock image).

At the beginning of summer, I took my two youngest kids (Kaliyah- 12 and Stephen- 8) on an adventure to celebrate. After coming home from their last day of school, we loaded the kayak onto my Kia Soul and drove to the Kona side. We had talked about this adventure for a week, and there was a mix of anxiety and excitement about our plans that night.

After dinner and a beautiful sunset, we took our kayak down to the harbor, loaded it with our gear, and paddled out into the black waters of the Pacific Ocean at night! We paddled for about half a mile and arrived at our site for the adventure, the world-renowned spot to swim with the Manta rays at night!

Where is God calling you to trust him in adventures in ministry this summer? Will you step out onto the water like Peter or miss out on the excitement of his blessings? Maybe you’ll need to be the first to jump in, and others will follow. Don’t be afraid to take risks for him.

Pastor John Endriss HPBC President/Interim Executive Director/Treasurer

Watch a video of John sharing the second quarter Executive Board update.

For more issues, scan the QR code above or visit: hpbaptist.net/ pacificconnector

I quickly realized that due to how busy the water was with people and other boats, I would need to stay in the boat much of the time to make sure we didn’t crash

Pacific Connector — 2042 Vancouver Dr, Honolulu HI 96822 l 808-946-9581

Assistant Executive Director, Editor: Dr. Craig Webb • craig@hpbaptist.net • 808-946-9581

Associate Editor: Dawn Akutagawa dawn@hpbaptist.net 808-946-9581

Contributing Editor: Brandon Pickett | Designer: Patti Spencer

Contributing Writers: Diana Ventura, John Endriss, Brian Frable, Robert Miller, Craig Webb, John and Gay Williams

The Pacific Connector highlights people and churches that work to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ by reaching the Pacific and Asia. For information about Pacific Connector or the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention, email: info@hpbaptist.net or call: (808) 946-9581 or write: Pacific Connector, Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention, 2042 Vancouver Drive, Honolulu HI 96822.

This publication is provided online free of charge and is available by visiting our website: hpbaptist.net/pacificconnector.

Designed by Innovative Faith Resources, a non-profit media firm specializing in helping churches and non-profits with graphic design, video, branding, and financial services. Visit Innovative Faith Resources at: innovativefaith.org.

10

Eighty Years of Ministry

Nu'uanu Baptist celebrated 80 years of ministry with music, members recognition, and church history.

Disaster Relief Responds to Guam Typhoon

HPBC Disaster Relief traveled to Guam to help with relief efforts.

Something to Celebrate

5 Annual Meeting

The HPBC Arrangements Committee shares details for the Nov. 2-3 celebration.

8 Tune-Up Your Teaching

An online training event is offered for Sunday School and Small Group Leaders

Departments

2 Building the Kingdom Interim Executive Director's update

9 Training

Brian Croft leads pastors forums, workshops and seminars.

15

IMB Missionary Commissioned

Natalie Nation, a member of Pawa'a Community Church, commissioned as a full-time IMB missionary.

12 Spotlight on Events and People

Celebrating and recognizing lives and ministries across the HPBC

18 HBA Graduation, New Elementary Principal

HBA's class of 2023 held its commencent in June, and the academy announced the arrival of a new elementary principal.

4 Update Executive DirectorTreasurer Search Committee Activities, discussion, and decisions by the search committee

6 WMU Annual Meeting

Powerful stories and testimonies highlighted the theme, Hope in Christ.

20 52 Sundays

Resources are available for your church to continue to pray for and support missionaries and ministries.

update HPBC Executive DirectorTreasurer Search Committee

Pastor Brian Frable, Chair of the HPBC Executive Director-Treasurer Search Committee, sent an update in mid-May by e-mail, website posting, and social media to announce that they had officially posted the Executive Director-Treasurer (EDT) job opening.

In his communication, Brian shared that the Executive DirectorTreasurer is responsible for directing organizational mission and strategy, managing convention resources, overseeing day-to-day operations, and is the executive agency of the HPBC Executive Board. The job description is available at hpbaptist.net.

Qualified applicants were encouraged to submit their resumes via email to HPBCExecSearch@gmail.com, and the deadline for submission was June 16, 2023. The Search Committee is prayerfully selecting a qualified candidate to interview, Lord willing, in July. They hope to secure formal approval from the Executive Board in the August Executive Board meeting.

The Search Committee also called upon the churches to pray together on Sunday, May 28. They asked churches to pray for the process, our next Executive Director, and his family.

The HPBC Executive Director Search Committee welcomes any comments, questions, or concerns by sending an e-mail to HPBCExecSearch@gmail.com.

Read

hpbaptist.net/executivedirector-search-notice

Pastor Brian Frable (Chair) Kona Baptist Hawaii Island

Pastor Sterling Lee First Baptist Pearl City, Oahu

Naomi Ashman Olivet Baptist Oahu

Pastor Larry Hale Ele’ele Baptist Kauai

Paula Higuchi Kahului Baptist Maui

James Kinoshita Olivet Baptist Oahu

Pastor John Endriss HPBC President/ Interim Executive Director/Treasurer

WMU Annual Meeting Highlights Our Hope in Christ

by Diana Ventura, HPBC Director of Women's Ministries

The annual Hawaii WMU Missions Celebration took place on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Mililani Baptist. This year’s theme was Hope in Christ, focusing on Romans 12:12, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

The event brought together 125 men and women, with 25 churches represented.

Sandy Wisdom-Martin, National WMU executive director, was the keynote speaker. She shared powerful stories of people who found hope in Christ despite their difficult circumstances. Julie Busler, the president of Oklahoma State WMU and the author of Joyful Sorrow: Breaking Through the Darkness of Mental Illness, shared a powerful testimony that highlighted her personal struggle with mental illness and the power of Christ who delivered her.

The program included mission trip testimonies by David McElrath (Life Christian) and Pastor Andrew Large (Waikiki Baptist), personal testimony by Finau Ioane (Aina Haina), and a missionary testimony by Natalie Nation (Pawa'a Community/IMB).

A panel of ministry leaders shared how they are reaching and impacting their community within their respective areas of ministry.

A youth choir led the worship, and the day ended with a beautiful hula by the Olivet hula team.

The missions celebration was a reminder that God’s heart for missions is that true hope is only found in Jesus Christ. May we all be intentional about reaching people wherever we are with the love of Jesus so that they, too, will have Hope in Christ.

Attendees enjoyed a Fellowship Lunch

Olivet Baptist Japanese Hula Team

HPBC Director of Women's Ministries, Diana Ventura

Julie and Ryan Busler, Sandy WisdomMartin, and Natalie Nation

ONLINE Tune-up Your Teaching Training Event for

Sunday School & Small Group Leaders

Melita Thomas Kids Sunday School Leaders, Team Leader, Training & Events at LifeWay

Delanee Williams

Preschool Sunday School Leaders, The Gospel Project for Kids, Content Editor

Zac Workun

There is no charge to attend this event. The Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention and Lifeway Christian Resources sponsor this training event.

Join us for our upcoming “Tune Up Your Teaching” event for Age Group Sunday School and Adult Small Group leaders! This is a fantastic opportunity to sharpen your skills and network with other teachers in your teaching age group.

We’ve designed breakouts for all age groups—so, Don’t miss out on this incredible event on Tuesday, July 13, 2023, at 2 pm HST. Register now and get ready to take your teaching to the next level!

For more information or to register, visit:

hpbaptist.net/event/hpbc-lifeway-onlinesmall-groups-and-sunday-school-training

Student Sunday School Leaders, Lifeway Student Ministry Specialist

Ken Braddy

Adult Sunday School Leaders, Director of Lifeway Sunday School

Chris Surratt

Adult Small Group Leaders, Executive Pastor of Discipleship and Groups at Harvest Church in Southern California

Pastors Forum Speaker Addresses Church Conflict and Church Discipline

For April and May, the HPBC staff team asked Practical Shepherding's Brian Croft to focus on Church Conflict and Church Discipline in our Pastors Forums.

In April, when Brian dealt with Church Conflict, he addressed two types of church conflict:

1. the conflict between a pastor, and

2. the conflict between a church member and between church members. Croft shared Biblical principles, personal examples, and practical helps for pastors. When Brian dealt with Church Discipline in May, he took pastors to 1 Corinthians 5 and shared insights. He then walked us through considerations for when Church Discipline is wise and not.

Watch the recording of these two Pastors Forums from Brian Croft on our HPBC Video Resources Archive here, tinyurl.com/BCroft-videos

HPBC Partners with Associations to Provide Practically Trained Pastors Workshops

and Seminars

Mid-November 2023

Friday-Saturday, NOV 10-11 — Oahu

Sunday, NOV 12 — Maui

Monday, NOV 13 — Hilo

Tuesday, NOV 14 — Kona

Brian Croft will be in Hawaii for a 2-Day workshop on Oahu (Nov 10-11), an evening dinner and seminar on Maui (Nov 12), and morning seminars and luncheons in Hilo (Nov 13), then wrapping up on Kona (Nov 14). HPBC is partnering with Oahu Baptist Network, the Maui County Baptist Association, and Big Island Baptist Association to bring these training opportunities. Pastors, associate pastors, and elders are invited to participate.

Contact Craig Webb at craig@hpbaptist.net or Robert Miller at robert@hpbaptist.net for more information.

Nu'uanu Baptist Celebrates 80Years

of Ministry

Celebrated on Saturday, April 22, 2023

Hale Ikena, Fort Shafter Army Base

A Celebration

The celebration included current and former church members, pastors, members of churches that Nu'uanu started, and leaders from the Hawaii Baptist Academy and the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention. The program included music, hula, recognition of long-time members, and a reading of the church's history.

Nu'uanu's Beginning

Nu’uanu Baptist Church was started by three Foreign Mission Board missionaries displaced from their work in China during World War II. As Nu’uanu Baptist experienced growth, Pastor Malcolm Stuart scoured the neighborhood to acquire a property using Foreign Mission Board funds. Eventually, he located the property at Nu’uanu Avenue and Bates Street. During the war, construction was restricted, so a large tent was set up instead. Olivet Baptist Church assisted in organizing a Vacation Bible School right away.

The Start of a Building Fund

The first three pastors, Dr. Stuart, H.B. Ramsour, and J.H. Ware, were Foreign Mission Board appointees. In the early days of the church, many military personnel attended and provided adult guidance and financial support to what was largely a ministry to children and teenagers. One Sunday, twenty sailors came forward and gave $100 each to start the building fund that led to the construction of our sanctuary, dedicated in 1946.

In 1949, the Building Fund received a $20,000 grant from the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. This grant was utilized to construct an attachment to accommodate the Fellowship Hall and Sunday School classes. Later that year, Nu'uanu acquired the adjacent lot and constructed a two-story education building named after Pastor James H. Ware. This building also accommodated the Japanese language division, initially led by Pastor Fujita and later by George Watanabe. The original house on the lot was utilized as a nursery, then a parsonage, and eventually as a youth house before it was demolished.

First Non-missionary Pastor Called

In 1961, Nu'uanu called their first non-missionary pastor, James Harley, followed by Delmer Allen, Joe Sanders, Rick Lazor, Jerry Corbaley, and Bob Gierhart (their current senior pastor).

In 1977, James Wong brought his family from Hong Kong to work in Hawaii, and Pastor Joe Sanders led the church to hire Pastor Wong to begin the first Baptist Chinese ministry in Hawaii. Subsequent pastors include Paul Li, Jones Lo, and Andrew Tong. Under Pastor Andrew Tong’s leadership, the Chinese Division constituted as a church in 2004 and soon after purchased and renovated its property on King Street.

In 1997, Nu’uanu members Joel and Eileen Yuen’s work with children at Kapiolani Hospital led to a ministry with Chuukese immigrants and formed a congregation that met at Nu’uanu. During those years, they often had joint worship services in English, Japanese, Chinese, and Chuukese.

New Churches Started

Nu’uanu started the following churches: Kalihi Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Pearl City, Pali View Baptist Church, and Halawa Heights Baptist Church. They cosponsored two churches on the Big Island and two churches in Western and American Samoa in partnership with First Baptist Church of Pearl City.

Missions and Educational Programs

Nu'uanu Baptist provided missions education through programs such as Royal Ambassadors, Girls in Action, Acteens, Children in Action, and Children’s Bible Drill. These programs were instrumental in teaching their children how to pray for, give to, and go on mission. Nu'uanu Woman's Missionary Union (WMU) was among the four original groups that formed the first state WMU council in 1952. Nu’uanu sent mission teams to South Carolina, Tennessee, Connecticut, Mexico, Thailand, Lanai, the Big Island, Nebraska, Los Angeles, Arkansas, the Gulf Coast, the Middle East, China, and Japan. Nu’uanu was also one of the first churches to join the work of the Good News Mission at Oahu Community Correctional Center and support the River of Life mission.

The Church's Future

When Pastor Bob Gierhart answered the call to serve, the church mainly saw gray hair in our congregation. They prayed for an infusion of youth and children. God answered that prayer with the calling of Pastors Chris Morales and Johnny Hom and the many young adults and families who have become our leaders and our future.

Hawaii Christian Baptist Celebrates Anniversary

On Sunday afternoon, June 4, Hawaii Christian Baptist Church (HCBC) celebrated sixteen years of ministry. Pastor Rudy Gomintong shared that HCBC moved online for an extended time when their former worship location, Waikele Community Park, closed to them in 2020 under pandemic restrictions. They restarted in-person worship at the Lanakila

Baptist Church worship center in Waipahu and have seen growth and life. Sister churches participated, including Word of Truth and Waipahu Community Christian Church. Craig Webb, HPBC Assistant Executive Director, brought greetings and preached.

Waiakea Baptist Dedicates New Property

Church members of Waiakea Baptist Bible Church (WBBC) in Hilo dedicated and celebrated the purchase of their new church property on April 23. The property, which includes three buildings, was purchased earlier this year. Founding Pastor Ian Sakai and Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention's Robert Miller spoke at the special event. WBBC continues the search for their next pastor.

(right) Robert Miller, HPBC Director of Regional Ministries, speaks at the event

(below) Members and guests of the property dedication

Celebrate

Living Faith Holds Easter Outreach at Local Park

Living Faith welcomed 140 children and 60 guardians to an Easter Egg Hunt Outreach event at Beretania Community Park. Your gifts through the Sue Nishikawa Offering for Hawaii Pacific Missions helped to provide resources for this event. Phillip Barr is the pastor.

Pawa'a Community Church / BCM Holds Baptism

On May 10, Pawa'a Community Church, in partnership with Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM), celebrated the baptism of college students Yaa Baker and Ashley Smith at Queens Beach, Waikiki. Church members and families were able to join the baptism online.

Himeji Baptist Holds Outreach Event

On Sunday, June 4, Himeji Baptist Church, Japan, held an outdoor worship service at Himeji Park below the world heritage site, Himeji Castle. Several new families joined in worship and heard the gospel. Church ministries offered fun activities for different age groups.

Hāmama Hosts Ku'i Night at Local School

Hāmama Community Church on Oahu hosted an 'Ohana Ku'i Night at Kahalu'u Elementary School. Twenty families came out and learned to clean and pound kalo (the Hawaiian word for taro) together. Hāmama's pastor, Ikaika Higa, and the school children had planted, nurtured, and harvested this kalo. Pray for Pastor Ikaika and his wife, Stacey, and their church leadership as they minister to their community.

Pastor Joins Medical Dental Team for Philippine Mission

Pastor Jerry Saludez of Waipio Community Baptist participated in the Aloha Medical Mission Dental Team May 1-5 in Kayapa Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines. This same Medical Dental team is part of the Waipio Community Baptist Seafarer's Ministry.

Keamo Installed as Pastor at First Southern Baptist Pearl Harbor

First Southern Baptist Church of Pearl Harbor held a pastor installation service on Sunday, May 7, 2023, for Alvin Keamo. Pastors and members from Oahu Baptist Network and other churches on Oahu joined the celebration. Robert Miller, HPBC Director of Regional Ministries, preached the challenge. Pastor Bong Abagon, OBN

Moderator and Mililani FilAm Pastor, led a time of commissioning and of laying on of hands for Alvin, his wife Charlotte, and daughter, Avlin. Alvin has been serving as their associate pastor since October 24, 2021. Pastor Alvin also works as an educational assistant at Aliamanu Elementary School.

Word of Truth Pastor Dies After Battle with Cancer

On May 9, Pastor Daniel Capinpin passed away after a 3-year battle with cancer. He served as the Pastor of Word of Truth for six years (20172023), after spending five years (2012-2017) as the Youth Pastor at the same church. He was devoted to serving the youth of O’ahu and was an integral part of the Creative Arts Camp, as well as the founder and leader of the O’ahu Baptist Network Youth Camp. Pastor Daniel was born and raised on O'ahu but frequently traveled to the Philippines to assist with youth camps and church plants. He also completed his theological training at Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary in Baguio. Pastor Daniel is survived by his wife Ivy of 8 years, his father Don, mother Hazel, and sisters Rachel and Sarah. A memorial service in honor of Pastor Daniel was held on May 20 at First Southern Baptist Church of Pearl Harbor.

Long-time O'ahu Pastor Dies in May

On May 9, a faithful servant of the Lord received his heavenly reward at the age of 72. Pastor Geno Takaki served the Lord in ministry for 37 years. For two years he pastored First Baptist Church of Waimea on Hawai’i Island (1982-84) and for 35 years with First Baptist Church of Hale’iwa on the north shore of O’ahu (1984-2019). Dr. Geno Takaki was born and raised in Hilo and later graduated from Hardon-Simmons University (B.A.), and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1982, M.Div.) both in Texas. He also received an honorary doctorate and earned a Doctor of Ministry degree. Pastor Takaki is survived by his wife Lorna Emiko Takaki to whom he was married for 40 years. When Pastor Geno was not busy leading his congregation or assisting

his church preschool he enjoyed fishing. His memorial service will be held on July 22.

Natalie Nation

IMB MISSIONARY

Hawaii's Own

Natalie Nation Commissioned as Full-time IMB Missionary

Natalie Nation, a member of Pawa'a Community Church, was one of 79 IMB Missionaries commissioned at the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Annual Meeting in New Orleans on June 13, 2023.

For 20 years, swimming was Natalie's identity. She came to the University of Hawaii at Mānoa on a swimming scholarship. After a career-ending back injury in December 2013, God brought several Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) students into her life who showed God's love and shared the gospel. They helped her see that God loved her in a way she had never been loved before, and she understood that she had value in God's eyes though she could no longer swim competitively.

Natalie surrendered her life to Christ in May 2014. Two weeks later, her father died suddenly while Natalie visited family in Texas. She knew she could either run to or away from Christ. In the middle of her crisis, God gave Natalie peace she could not understand, and she ran to Jesus.

After returning for the fall 2014 semester at UH Mānoa, Natalie became involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), the BCM, and Pawa'a

Community Church. She was discipled by committed believers who modeled what it meant to follow Christ and what it meant to be fully surrendered to Him.

The week before she was baptized in November 2014, she realized how God had graciously and radically transformed her life, and she said to Him, "If you can transform my heart like this, I want to follow you wherever you send me." Natalie spent two years as a Journeyman with the IMB (Oct. 2020 to Dec. 2022). These two years helped her understand that God was calling her to full-time missions.

She has joined the IMB Yokohama, Japan team, where she begins her Japanese language training. Her heart is to serve Japanese college students as a swim coach.

As an IMB missionary, Natalie and her ministry are fully funded by your gifts through the Cooperative Program and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions.

Twenty messengers from Hawaii Pacific Baptist churches gathered at a restaurant in New Orleans Tuesday night, June 13, to celebrate with Natalie and her mom, Susie.

Hawaii Pacific Baptist Disaster Relief

Responds to Guam Typhoon

OnMay 24, 2023, Guam endured Typhoon Mawar with recorded winds of 140 mph. There was extensive damage to the island's infrastructure, and over two weeks after the storm, there are still many without power and running water. Cell phone communications were also severely impacted, making communications difficult.

John Williams, Co-Director of HPBC Disaster Relief, traveled from Hawaii

to Guam on May 26th. Once on the ground, he connected with our HPBC Churches and offered support. Joe John Mantanona, Moderator of the Baptist Association of Micronesia (BAM), and Ian Richards, Associate Pastor of Guam Christian Life Fellowship, are leading the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) efforts on Guam.

In partnership with the local evangelical churches on Guam, SBDR has provided over 120 volunteers donating hundreds of hours of chainsaw work, distributing

John Williams (kneeling right) with Guam Christian Life Pastor Pancho Madrid (left), Joe John Mantanona (kneeling middle), Ian Richards (back right), and DR volunteers.

relief supplies, and helping the American Red Cross establish safe and clean shelters for those who still can’t return home.

There is still much to be done, and it is encouraging to see Christ's love demonstrated by God’s churches on Guam. Please continue to pray for those still suffering and those serving sacrificially.

(above) HPBC Disaster Relief Co-Director, John Williams, Surveys Damage

(left) HPBC Disaster Relief and Red Cross on the job at the Mayor’s office in Sinajana, Guam

HPBC Disaster Relief volunteer clearing trees after Typhoon Mawar

HBA Celebrates High School Graduation and New Elementary Principal

The new elementary principal, Dr. Emmett Winters, his wife Aly, and children Elya and Kairo

Ina letter to Hawaii Baptist Academy (HBA) students, family, alumni, and supporters, HBA president Ron Shiira shared about their graduation celebration and their new Elementary School principal.

Shiira said that on Friday, June 2, "with family and friends, we had the opportunity to celebrate our Class of 2023 graduates." He added, "Graduation represents the culmination of years of hard work and commitment from our students, endless love and sacrifice from their parents and families, and dedication and service from our faculty and staff. We are so blessed to be on this journey all together."

In his e-mail, he also shared about the transition of HBA's Elementary School principal, Amy Vorderbruegge, to become HBA's director of strategic planning. Vorderbruegge will do this from California, where her husband has been called to serve as executive pastor at CrossCity Christian Church in Fresno.

President Shiira praised Vorderbruegge and said, "During Amy’s tenure at the elementary campus, she has helped cultivate a strong leadership team." He added, "It is from within that team that the selection committee and I, with a vote of confidence from the HBA Board of Directors, have selected a new elementary principal." Shiira reported that Dr. Emmett Winters will begin serving as elementary principal on July 1, 2023.

Dr. Winters earned his Bachelors in Communication and Religious Studies, Masters in Counseling Psychology, and Doctorate in Leadership with an emphasis in Education. His roles over the years have included teacher, counselor, adjunct professor, and administrator. Emmett, his wife Aly, and their children Elya and Kairo attend New Hope, Hawaii Kai.

HBA president, Ron Shiira, addresses guests during the graduation celebration.