Kingd m Building the
Craig Webb
Executive Director/Treasurer
808-946-9581 craig@hpbaptist.net
From One Servant Leader to Another
Messengers and guests at the Southern Baptist Convention applaud IMB missionaries who will serve in countries where it is either illegal to share the gospel or Christians are strongly persecuted. Eighty-three newly appointed missionaries, plus two previously appointed missionaries participating with spouses, were part of a Sending Celebration in the first session of the annual meeting on June 11 in Indianapolis.
My Thoughts from the 2024 SBC Annual Meeting
Reflecting on the profound experience at the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana, the event was a testament to our collective strength in fulfilling Christ’s commission and our commitment to biblical faithfulness. Over 16,000 messengers and guests participated, including 27 Hawaii Pacific Baptists.
About the Cover Yamanashi, Japan. Red Kochia (Summer Cypress) along Lake Kawaguchi with Mt. Fuji in the background. (licensed Adobe Stock photo).
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The high point of the gathering was the International Mission Board’s (IMB) sending celebration, where we witnessed and participated in the commissioning of the newest cross-cultural missionaries. More than half of the 83 missionaries being sent out were behind a screen, so we could only see their silhouettes and hear their voices. These men and women will serve in countries where it is either illegal to share the gospel or Christians are strongly persecuted. I was moved to tears as I considered the cost of following Christ. I was renewed and resolved in my personal commitment to supporting these and the 3500 missionary personnel (and their 2700 children) serving around the globe.
When you give to your local church and your church gives through the Cooperative Program, you support these IMB missionaries, thousands of Send Network church planters, and theological training through our six Southern Baptist seminaries. Every contribution, no matter the size, is a significant part of this collective effort.
You also support missions and ministries in Hawaii. You are involved in Collegiate Ministries, Women’s Ministries, ministry to pastors and their wives, support for churches between pastors, leadership training events, retreats, our annual meeting, our Hawaii Baptist Academy, and the Hawaii Baptist Foundation.
The Cooperative Program is an important part of accomplishing our mission and expresses the essence of working together for the gospel. We can achieve much more by working together than by working alone. Hawaii Pacific Baptists, it is an honor to be united with you in following Christ together.
For the Sake of the Gospel!
Craig Webb
HPBC executive director-treasurer
Photo: IMB
Pacific Connector
2042 Vancouver Dr, Honolulu HI 96822 l 808-946-9581
Executive Director, Editor 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: John Blackmon, Cory Cloud, Brian Frable, Arjay Gruspe, Ikaika and Stacey Higa, Robert Miller, Diana Ventura, 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.
Information: Information about the Pacific Connector or the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention is available by emailing info@hpbaptist.net, or calling 808-946-9581. You may also write to Pacific Connector, Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention, 2042 Vancouver Drive, Honolulu HI 96822.
Online Access:
The Pacific Connector is provided online, free of charge, and available at: hpbaptist.net/pacificconnector.
Contents Features
4 Hawaii Pacific Baptist
Pastors Gather In May
A 3-day retreat of encouragement and equipping.
6 Remembering Alice Newman
Celebrating the life and ministry legacy of a exceptional woman.
7 WMU Celebrates 80 Years
Women gathered to celebrate 80 years of missions awareness.
12 Membership Matters
A 2-day conference dealing with how to be a committed part of a local church body.
13 Maui Fires Relief Update
A video update describing the relief efforts in Lahaina which also reminds people to pray.
Departments
Building the Kingdom
2 Update from our executive director-treasurer.
Something to Celebrate
9 Missions Trips Teams ministered in the Philippines and Nepal.
10 Celebrations
LIFE Christian celebrated its 9th Anniversary. The Rodgers family is commissioned to Spain.
11
Installations
Pastors Nguyen Dien An and Alberto Camacho are installed.
Opportunities
14 MOVE: Evangelism Conference
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16 Second Quarter Report
Second Quarter business was discussed and resolved.
A two-day event featuring keynote speaker Dr. J.J. Washington.
15 HPBC Annual Meeting
Contending Together in Christ—Guest Speaker is Adam Groza, president of Gateway Seminary
Hawaii Pacific Baptist Pastors Gather at Pu'u Kahea in May
By Robert Miller
Thirty of Hawai’i Pacific Baptist pastors retreated for three days of encouragement, fellowship, and equipping at Pu’u Kahea Conference Center in Wai’anae, May 13-15. This event was sponsored by the Hawai’i Pacific Baptist Convention and supported by a North American Mission Board grant, which means you supported it through your church’s giving through the Cooperative Program.
The planning team included Amel Dominguez (FBC Haleiwa), Dalton Slavens
Dr. Robert Miller welcomed the attendees and shared retreat information.
(Central), the HPBC’s Dawn Akutagawa, Robert Miller, Craig Webb, and Pu’u Kahea's caretaker, Corey Perkins, and his wife, Sarah.
Guest speaker, Dr. Ryan Rippee, led four equipping sessions on “Recapturing the Glory of Christ.” HPBC pastors led the worship sessions including Brian Frable (Kona Baptist), Steven Hedlund (Kohala), John Endriss (Engage), John Kaneshiro (Waialae), and Jamie McElrath (Olivet), and pastors participating in the retreat also enjoyed discussion and prayer times, hiking, great food, and the beach.
Remembering & Celebrating the Life & Ministry of Alice Newman
OnMay 4, former Hawai’i Pacific Baptist Leader Alice Newman passed away after battling cancer. Although Alice and her husband, Ken, are originally from Oklahoma, they have considered Hawaii home having raised their four sons there. Ken was senior pastor at Ewa Beach Baptist and Hawai’i Kai Baptist for many years, and Alice started and directed the Hawai’i Kai Baptist Preschool.
Alice Newman served as leader of the Hawai’i Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) from 1985 to 2000. Hawai’i WMU established an annual offering called the Alice Newman TTT Offering (Touch Tomorrow Today) because of her significant impact on missions education. Many Hawaii Pacific Baptist pastors’ wives remember the exceptional Wives in Ministry retreats Alice organized and led when she served on the Hawai’i Pacific Baptist Convention staff.
Sandy Wisdom-Martin, National WMU Director, shared that she first met Alice as a college student in the mid-1980s when Illinois WMU sent volunteers to Hawai’i to help with training events. She found her a “poised and graceful leader reflecting Christ to all she encountered.” She shared more about Alice’s stewardship of her life in a recent post on the National WMU website.
Craig Webb, HPBC executive director-treasurer, recalls attending Alice’s annual Christmas Eve Open House as a child. “I vividly remember table after table of treats and Grandma Alice’s warm hospitality.” He added, “A year ago this month when I was praying about whether to apply for the role I now hold, an email from Alice encouraging me to apply was profoundly helpful. I thank God for women of faith like Alice and her lasting impact on me and so many men and women worldwide.”
Robert Miller, HPBC director of regional ministry, was Alice’s small group leader from Hawaii Kai Church. He shared, “She loved missions and ‘adopted’ many international students. She started and led the ‘Pau Hana Ohana’ ministry to retired Hawai’i pastors and wives. Alice had the gift of hospitality.”
On June 1, family and friends gathered at Olivet Baptist Church to remember Alice’s life and legacy. Alice is survived by her husband, Ken, three sons, six grandchildren, and four greatgrandchildren.
By Robert Miller Director of Regional Ministries, Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention
Women's Ministry Union Celebrates 80 Years of Missions Awareness
By Diana Ventura Director of Women's Ministries, Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention
OnSaturday, April 27, the annual WMU Missions Celebration was held at the Ala Moana Hotel, celebrating 80 years of missions awareness in Hawaii. The theme was “Hope in Christ: God’s Heart for the Nations.”
The celebration included testimonies and a time of prayer for international, national, and local missions. Missionaries, ministry leaders, and individuals shared their stories of how God is moving and transforming lives. Many from
various generations were invited to participate as a reminder that God is calling and giving all men, women, boys, and girls of any age the opportunity to serve with Him. Every believer is called to make disciples and share the good news of Jesus.
The leadership team is led by Ten Jocson, Hawaii WMU president, and Diana Ventura, Hawaii WMU executive director and Women’s Ministry director. The 2025 WMU Missions Celebration is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025.
Baptist Collegiate Ministries Oʻahu Serves in Africa
By Arjay Gruspe
In partnership with Pawa'a Community Church, Baptist Collegiate Ministries, Oʻahu joined a team from Arizona to send college students to Sub-Saharan Africa to serve with the International Missions Board (IMB). Every
day the team shared the gospel at multiple locations with many accepting Christ. Other activities included outreach to refugees, university campuses, homeless street kids, and city slums.
Valley Isle Fellowship Holds Missions & Outreach Focus
By Craig Webb
On Friday evening, May 17, Valley Isle Fellowship, Pastor Nick Love hosted an evening to focus on current and future outreach and missions projects. Pastor Nick, along with members Vince and Jennifer Bagoyo, hosted a panel highlighting these ministries. Those pictured in
the photo represented ministry to the unborn, foster care, presenting sex trafficking, campus ministry, Lahaina Fires outreach, food ministry, medical and dental ministry, and international missions training.
Koza Baptist Sends Group of Twenty to the Philippines
By Cory Cloud
Koza Baptist Church in Okinawa recently took twenty people on mission to Gentle Hands Orphanage in Baliwag, Philippines. Like most mission trips the group started out with a plan, but God often steered the itinerary in surprising ways. Ephesians 4:16 was on full display as God used people’s strengths to minister to the
orphanageʻs children and staff. The group led Bible studies, played games, did crafts, and had a ladies spa night. One of the highlights of the trip was the nightly worship where the orphans would sing their hearts out to God, confessing their love for Him and their trust in Him for their future.
Calvary International Bangkok Partners with Mahima Baptist in Nepal
By John Blackmon
In April, a team from Calvary International Baptist Church, Bangkok (CIBC) had an opportunity to work with a partner ministry near Kathmandu, Nepal. CIBC’s relationship with Mahima Baptist Church began several years ago through the former pastor of the Calvary Nepali ministry, Shyam Khatri. Pastor Shyam is the founding pastor of Mahima Baptist, a Bible school, and a children’s home: Abba’s House.
Pastors Martin Chappell and John Blackmon led a theological training geared towards village pastors being sent out by the church. These “missionary pastors” serve in difficult and severely under-reached regions of Nepal. The whole team encouraged the children of Abba’s House throughout the week, and the ladies of the team led a special afternoon
session for the women reminding them of their value in the eyes of the Creator.
This is CIBC’s third partner trip with this ministry, and they look forward to other opportunities in the years to come.
LIFE Christian Celebrate Anniversary in New Location
By Robert Miller
LIFE Christian Church Hawaii (LCC) celebrated its 9th Anniversary on April 14 in its new location at the former Halawa Heights Baptist building. Formerly at Hawaiʻi Baptist Academyʻs elementary campus.There was much excitement surrounding the move. Members of LCC worked diligently for months preparing the building, from repainting walls, laying new carpet, and much more. A new church sign was installed to invite the community to their worship service.
At the Anniversary Celebration, Pastor Shaw Okawara expressed appreciation to everyone who helped them secure and prepare the building. Dr. Robert Miller from the Hawai’i Pacific Baptist Convention dedicated the building in prayer, as well as preached a message for the service. Finally, four members of LCC shared testimonies about how God has used the church in their walk with Christ and their hope for their next season of ministry.
Hāmama Community Commissions the Rodgers to Spain
By Ikaika and Stacey Higa
The Rodgers family has been on mission since they packed up and moved to East Africa in 2010. From there, they served in South Africa and the US, working with refugees. In 2023, while on vacation in Spain, the Lord showed the Rodgers a great need among refugees there. Spain has seen a 159.3% increase in displaced people since 2021. This has left the Spanish people, and especially Spanish churches, struggling with how best to help. The Rodgers hope to come alongside those far from home to show them they have a home in Christ while also encouraging and equipping local believers to engage these refugees with the love of Jesus. Hāmama Community Church is excited to be their sending church, ordaining Cody, and commissioning the whole Rodgers ohana on May 10th.
Please join us in prayer for the Rodgers family.
Dong Tam Baptist Ordains and Installs
Pastor Nguyen Dien An
Pastor Nguyen Dien An was ordained and installed as pastor of Dong Tam Baptist Church at University Avenue Baptist Church (UABC) on April 28, 2024. Many Vietnamese pastors and friends of Pastor Nguyen traveled to attend his installation. Pastor Shane Tanigawa, Pastor of UABC, brought a charge to Dong Tam Baptistʻs congregation and Dr. Robert Miller of Hawai’i Pacific Baptist Convention brought a charge to the newly installed pastor. Dr. Tran Lu’u Chuyen,
By Robert Miller
President of the Vietnamese Baptist Theological Seminary, interpreted the event. Former pastor of Dong Tam Baptist, Bui Van Trong, served the church faithfully for many years and led the pastoral transition process. Dong Tam Baptist Church is the only Vietnamese congregation among HPBC churches. Pastor Nguyen Dien An serves Dong Tam as a bivocational pastor. He is married to Yen and together they have a son. Dong Tam continues to meet at UABC.
Kalihi Baptist Church Installs Pastor Alberto Camacho
By Robert Miller
On April 21, 2024, Pastor Alberto Camacho was installed as pastor of Kalihi Baptist Church on O’ahu. Pastor Alberto and Beth Camacho returned to Oahu after serving in New York for seven years. Previously, Pastor Camacho served as pastor of Word of Truth (O’ahu) and Church Planting Missionary with the North American Mission Board on the Big Island. He also served as president of HPBC.
Dr. Craig Webb, executive director-treasurer of Hawai’i Pacific Baptist Convention brought both the sermon and the charge to the congregation. Dr. Webbʻs father was a previous pastor of Kalihi Baptist.
Membership Matters Conference Hosted by Kahului Baptist
By Robert Miller
Kahului Baptist Church (KBC) on Maui hosted a “Membership Matters” conference on April 12-13.
Todd Morikawa of Kailua Baptist Church (O’ahu) and Ryan Fullerton of Immanuel Baptist Church in Louisville, KY were the two conference speakers. Pastor Jay Haynes of KBC organized and led the event with support from the Maui County Baptist Association (MCBA) and the Hawai’i Pacific Baptist Convention. Members from different MCBA congregations, as well as other denominations attended the event.
The conference dealt with what it looks like to be a committed part of a local church body. Speakers addressed the importance of church membership and also detailed the need for church covenants and church discipline. Pastor Todd Morikawa reminded us that although church discipline might appear difficult, it is biblical and the loving thing to do.
These were the titles of the sessions.
Session 1 - Does Membership Matter? (Ryan)
Session 2 - Why Covenant Together? (Todd)
Session 3 - Why Church Discipline? (Todd)
Session 4 - How Committed Must I Be? (Ryan) Q and A Session (Jay, Ryan, and Todd)
Below: Fellowship meals with multiple churches represented You helped sponsor this conference with your gifts through the
Watch the Membership Matters Conference video by scanning the QR or visiting: tinyurl.com/mm-conference
Photo Above: Question and Answer session with Ryan Fullerton, Todd Morikawa, and Jay Haynes
Sue Nishikawa Offering for Hawaii Pacific Missions.
For updates, visit: hpbaptist.net/disaster-relief
Maui Fires Relief Update Video
Earlier this year, we produced a video update on the relief efforts from the Maui Fires in August 2023. The video is a reminder to pray for the people of Maui.
In the video, Rocky Komatsu, pastor of Waiehu Community Church on Maui, shared his hopes and concerns. "'What does the future look like? (It) is the hardest question to answer. Yet, I think if we’re totally honest, the answer is, ‘We have no idea.’”
Rocky added, "It will take time as land is cleared and infrastructure is replaced. Just pray for wisdom and patience so that we will really be wise in how we meet those needs so that we can be efficient and make the best use of the opportunities that God gives us.”
In the video, Everett Balmores of Maui Emergency Management Agency said he was separated from his family for more than 30 hours after eleven of them packed what they could and escaped the fires. “We had an opportunity to have a (Southern Baptist Disaster Relief) team assist in sifting through our belongings to try to salvage valuables,” said Balmores. “The group prayed with us and provided a Bible, which they all signed. That was special for us.”
From September to December 2023, over 400 SBC Disaster Relief Volunteers from 20 states helped Lahaina residents sort through their property. We are so thankful to HPBC Disaster Relief directors John and Gay Williams, who have led these efforts on our behalf. Many of your churches gave resources that helped make this happen.
Watch this video by visiting: tinyurl.com/maui-video or scan this QR code.
Second Quarter Report from the HPBC Executive Board
By HPBC President Brian Frable
Executive Board Meeting on Friday evening, May 10, 2024, at the Hawaii Baptist Academy Administrative Offices.
With the first recommendation of the evening from the Administrative Committee, the Board unanimously approved the provisional appointment of Anson Okimoto (Olivet) to fill a vacancy on the Executive Board for 2024. He will serve on the Operations Committee. The Executive Board then received the yearly audit from CW Associates for the 2023 fiscal year with a clean and accurate reporting of all finances of the HPBC. This is the ninth year to receive a clean report, and gratitude was expressed to Monica Kang, HPBC director of finance, for her excellent and diligent work. The Board also received reports from Hawaii Baptist Foundation president Matt Sanders and the Hawaii Baptist Academy president Ron Shiira.
In his report to the Board, Craig Webb, executive director-treasurer, highlighted the progress of settling into his role, including attending LIFE Christian Church’s new service at the Halawa Heights property, working with the HPBC Staff to plan and execute several new equipping events including a Pastor’s Retreat at Pu’u Kahea and the upcoming Evangelism Conference in July, and his travel to the ABN annual meeting in Bangkok and attendance of Membership Matters conference at Kahului Baptist Church on Maui. The full report of all HPBC staff can be found in the Book of Reports.
The Board Committees brought no new recommendations, but there was much discussion on the Credentials Committee recommendation concerning a church removal policy. However, no action was brought for a vote, with the agreement that the policy is a matter of constitutional language that must be
HPBC Executive Board Officers
Brian Frable president
Larry Hale 1st vice president
Naomi Ashman 2nd vice president
Grace Poei recording secretary
Dr. Craig Webb executive director-treasurer
amended, which can only be done at an annual meeting of the HPBC messengers.
The executive director-treasurer also submitted the first draft of the HPBC 2025 Budget for consideration. After extensive discussion and questions, the Board made no recommendations. The Board Committees will consider the budget draft and bring any recommendations at the third quarter meeting. No further action was taken after an executive session, and the meeting was adjourned.
The next Executive Board Meeting will be held at 6 pm on Friday, August 16, 2024, at the Hawaii Baptist Academy Administrative Offices.
