Kingd m Building the
Craig Webb
Executive Director/Treasurer
808-946-9581 craig@hpbaptist.net
From One Servant Leader to Another
My First Year, by the Grace of God
At our August 16th Executive Board Meeting, I was pleasantly surprised by the warm celebration of my first year in this role, led by President Brian Frable and the board. The addition of Barbara to the celebration, marking our 38th wedding anniversary, was icing on the cake! This past year, I have been truly blessed by the unwavering support of our Executive Board and our exceptional HPBC staff team. Their dedication, wisdom, and encouragement have been crucial in navigating challenges and celebrating successes. I am deeply grateful for their partnership and commitment to our shared mission.
About the Cover Nā Pali Coastline, Island of Kauai (licensed Adobe Stock photo).
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For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them— yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.
1 Corinthians 15:9-10
This led me to reflect on my first year in this role, God’s amazing grace toward me, and the work of our board and staff. The words of 1 Corinthians 15:9-10 resonate as Paul, recognizing his unworthiness, acknowledges that it is only by the grace of God that he was who he was and did what he did. He worked tirelessly, but even then, he knew that it was not his strength but God's grace that empowered him.
Admittedly, I have also grappled with a deep sense of inadequacy and unworthiness this past year. Stepping into this role brought with it a mix of excitement and trepidation. There were moments when the burden was heavy, and I questioned my readiness for the task. Yet, like Paul, I have come to understand that God’s grace shines the brightest in these moments of weakness. His grace has driven me to work hard, seek Him earnestly, and rely on His strength rather than my own.
Throughout this year, in my early morning prayer times, I have written petitions, humbly asking for God’s favor, wisdom, discernment, and courage in the face of difficult decisions, tight deadlines, messages to be written, and issues to be dealt with. And time and again, I have recorded the answers to those prayers. Each answered prayer is a testimony of God’s faithfulness. I have seen projects completed, gained wisdom for confusing situations, found the courage to make difficult phone calls, and discerned where to invest my time and energy.
All glory to God for His unending faithfulness and goodness!!
Craig Webb HPBC executive director-treasurer
Craig and Barbara Webb, center, with officers at the August Board Meeting.
Pacific Connector
2042 Vancouver Dr, Honolulu HI 96822 l 808-946-9581
Executive Director, Editor Craig Webb craig@hpbaptist.net
Associate Editor
Dawn Akutagawa dawn@hpbaptist.net
Content Editor
Hannah Denney hannahkdenney@gmail.com
Contributing Editor Brandon Pickett
Designer Patti Spencer
Contributing Writers: Hazel Capinpin, Hannah Denney, John Endriss, Larry Hale, Ikaika and Stacey Higa, Annie Lam, Teresa McCain, Robert Miller, Jeff Mullis, James Shiroma, Craig Webb
The Pacific Connector highlights people and churches that work to spread the Good News of Jesus 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.
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Features
4 Sue Nishikawa
Week of Prayer
Resources to help you share, including four new videos.
6 Over 100 Trained at Evangelism Conference
Many were equipped and inspired to move toward sharing the good news of Jesus Christ
7 Maui Fire Caring Ministry
Churches partner to follow up with fire victims and connect them with local churches.
12 Youth Camps
Oahu Baptist Network Youth Camp partnered with Walanae Baptist to reach the youth of Oahu. The Big Island Youth Camp built participants' character as they grew in their relationship with God.
13
Football Camp
A successful youth outreach was held in Kahulu'u at Hāmama Community Churcha.
14 OBN S.H.E. Gathering
Seeking Him Eagerly (SHE) women gathered at Central Baptist Church to reconnect and pray with other attendees.
14 Kauai 3-Day Camp
Young people came together for inspiriging messages, small group discussions, and games.
Departments
Building the Kingdom
2 Update from our executive director-treasurer.
Something to Celebrate
8-9 Spotlight on Missions
GracePoint goes to Japan. Word of Truth and One Faith sends team to Philippines.
10 Oklahoma Church Conducts VBS in Kona
Over 120 children attended VBS in four locations.
11 Nehemiah Teams
IMB sends teams to Guam and American Samoa/Samoa.
13 Brazil Mission Trip
Eleele Baptist Church visits First Baptist of Muriae in Brazil to encourage and share leadership strategies.
15 Spotlight on New Pastors
Paradise Park Baptist Church called Joe Boney as pastor.
Opportunity
16 HPBC Annual Meeting
Contending Together in Christ—Guest Speaker is Adam Groza, president of Gateway Seminary.
Access four new videos to help you and your church family see examples of how your gifts are being used and to celebrate what God is doing in these churches.
The Sue Nishikawa Offering for Hawaii Pacific Missions exists to encourage and assist churches in their evangelistic outreach, assist in new kingdom work, establish missions awareness, develop missions training, and strengthen the church body and the work of the Hawaii Pacific Baptists.
Hawaii Pacific Goal $132,000
Deaf Camp Hawaii
Sue Nishikawa Promotion
Seminary Scholarships
Creative Women’s Ministry
Sue Nishikawa 2024 Prayer Guide
Day 1 - Sunday, September 1, 2024
Stay Alert and Pray!
In Ephesians 6:18, the apostle Paul challenges us to “stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.”
Pray for women’s ministries, new churches, Deaf Camp Hawaii, evangelism expansion, theological education, and Hawaii Pacific Baptist pastors and wives.
Day 2 - Monday, September 2, 2024
Pray for Women’s Ministries
Through your gifts and offerings, women’s ministry exists. Churches can host events and conferences that reach women in a new and innovative way. Pray for God to help leaders know how to reach women who will utilize their influence to draw them and others to Jesus
Day 3 - Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Pray for Hawaii Pacific Baptist Church Planting
Through your gifts, grants are provided for special projects and outreach events. Pray for Nasa and Caroline Sete as they move to Kahuku in February with their four children to plant a church to reach Tongans and other Polynesians.
Day 4 - Wednesday, September 4, 2024
Pray for Evangelism and Discipleship
Day 5 - Thursday, September 5, 2024
Pray for Deaf Camp Hawaii
You supported Deaf Camp Hawaii, which serves deaf and hard-ofhearing children and their siblings. Pray for our partnership with Deaf Church leaders in Tennessee and for new workers to minister to this underserved population.
Day 6 - Friday, September 6, 2024
Pray for Seminary Scholarships
Your gifts and offerings provided scholarships to pastors and church leaders to attend advanced seminary education.
Pray that these scholarships continue to be a source of provision and a blessing to many Hawaii Pacific Baptists.
Day 7 - Saturday, September 7, 2024
Pray for Pastors and Wives
Through your gifts and offerings, thirty pastors attended the pastor’s retreat. Pray for pastors as they lead their families and church. May they feel supported and prayed for as they continue to serve as God calls them.
Hawaii Pacific Baptist’s heart is to make Jesus known to their neighbors and communities. God’s heart for people is for them to be in a relationship with Him. Pray for churches to expand their awareness of evangelism and discipleship.
Day 8 - Sunday, September 8, 2024
Thank You for Praying and Giving
Your prayers make a difference, and your gifts are used to expand God’s Kingdom’s work in Hawaii, the Pacific, and Asia. Thank you for the prayers, encouragement, and financial support every year.
Learn more about these ministries at hpbaptist.net/suenishikawa
Evangelism Conference Trains Over 100 Attendees
Written by Robert Miller
the Gospel” theme from Romans 10:14-15. The goal was to equip and inspire believers to move toward sharing the good news. The worship team was led by Meredith Palicte of University Avenue Baptist Church. Dr. JJ Washington, director of personal evangelism with the North American Mission Board (NAMB), was the keynote speaker. Along with the general session worship, eight different breakout groups were offered in the two days. Training sessions were led by pastors Jamie Kidd, Larry Hale, David Whitehead, and Arjay Gruspe, along with Diana Ventura, Gay Williams, JJ Washington, and NAMB collegiate director Paul Worcester. After reflecting on the conference, Annie Lam of Living Faith Baptist Church said, “What an encouragement to see so many leaders in our convention committed to evangelizing and disciple-making creatively, passionately, and decisively.”
This was the first Hawai’i Pacific Baptist Convention Evangelism Conference offered in years. This conference was funded by NAMB. Gifts given to the Cooperative Program and to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering helped provide for this training. Free NAMB resources were offered at the conference. If you did not attend the conference and wish to receive NAMB evangelism materials contact the HPBC office.
Maui Fire Caring Ministry Engages with Fire Victims
Written by Hannah Denney
Pete and Donna Beal have always sought to serve God wherever He leads, which has led to their involvement in the birth of Maui Fire Caring Ministry (MFCM). Commissioned by Maui County Baptist Association (MCBA) President Wes Higuchi, MFCM launched in June 2024 with a team of 13 volunteers representing Valley Isle Fellowship, Kahului Union Church, and Kahului Baptist Church, following up with and connecting fire victims with local churches.
After orientation and training, volunteers connect with fire victims, contacting over 150 people through the CARE strategy : Care like Christ, Ask open-ended questions, Recognize this is an ongoing process, and Encourage and end each call with hope.
Volunteers aim to listen to the unique stories and needs of everyone they call, often ending prayerfully and welcoming callbacks.
The Beal's consider the ministry in phase one, developing a database of available resources and training materials, identifying needs, and establishing a committed volunteer team. They have utilized several resources from experts in the field of trauma care, as well as input from experts within HPBC. They have also acquired funding from MCBA and HPBC for six to eight months, and local churches have indicated willingness to financially assist fire victims. They are actively looking to expand the volunteer team to better meet the needs of the hundreds affected by the Maui fires.
If you want to volunteer or partner with the Maui Fire Caring Ministry, please contact mauifirecaringministry.mcba@gmail.com.
GracePoint Church Sends 20 to Japan
Written by James Shiroma
GracePoint Church sent 20 people to serve Jesus in Tokyo, Japan from June 17 to 29, 2024. While there, this mission team shared the Gospel on college campuses, worked with church plants, served churches, prayer walked, participated in homeless ministry, and provided encouragement through relationships.
“Our church loves serving in Japan,” said James Shiroma, lead pastor of GracePoint Church. “This is a people and place our church feels called to partner with overseas.”
GracePoint served with International Mission Board (IMB) missionaries, Bread of Life Church, Praise Church, Okubo Baptist Church, Pray Yamanote, Kokoro Care Homeless Ministry, Zoe Project, and Light Project. IMB missionaries, Scott and Julie Bradford, were the point of contact in Tokyo. Lisa Tamura-Tanoue was GracePoint’s team leader.
“We are very thankful for those who faithfully serve in Japan,” Shiroma said. “Their commitment to Jesus in serving in a very hard to reach place is inspiring and encouraging.”
Word of Truth and One Faith Ministries Send Team to the Philippines
Written by Hazel Capinpin
Through the partnership of Central Philippines Convention of Southern Baptist Churches (CPCSBC), members of Word of Truth (WOT) of Ewa Beach and One Faith Ministries of Manila teamed up to form the mission team “Ignited to Desiring Christ” in Northern and Eastern Samar, and Leyte from July 3-28.
During the mission, there were a total of 72 volunteer missionaries from Hawai’i and Manila. We collaborated to conduct mission activities within the CPCSBC.
The first two weeks of the mission involved the missionaries being divided into teams of three to five people partnering with 23 local churches and five church plantings that did outreach
to the communities through Vacation Bible School, house-to-house evangelism, at-home Bible studies, discipleship training, and worship training within the CPCSBC. The final week of the mission concluded at CPCSBC’s campsite in Javier, Leyte for a Church Leadership Training Camp that had 324 registered campers from 32 different churches in the Visayas Region.
Thank you to Waipahu Community Christian Church and to WOT family and friends who supported this mission financially and for everyone who partnered in prayer. Please continue to pray for the pastors and churches in the Visayas Region. We give all the glory and praise to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Oklahoma Church Sends Mission Teams to Kona
Written by Teresa McCain
Riverview Baptist Church in Bixby, Oklahoma sent a total of sixteen people in two mission teams to Kailua-Kona on Hawai'i Island to conduct Vacation Bible School (VBS). The teams were hosted for the second year by Kona Baptist Church
The first team served with Cornerstone Christian Fellowship and Kona Baptist Church from July 15th to the 18th. The second team partnered with Iglesia Bautista Ebenezer to lead VBS in both Ocean View and Captain Cook in Spanish from July 22nd to the 25th. Over 120 children
and many adults attended VBS in these four locations.
The Riverview Baptist Church Awana club collected an offering that was used to purchase school supplies for the children at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship and to purchase a new outfit for each child who attended VBS in Captain Cook. Many of the Riverview team came away from this experience with hearts that desire to return to Hawai’i each year to teach the children about Jesus.
IMB's Nehemiah Teams Send Four to Serve with HPBC Churches on Guam
Written by Hannah Denney
Through the Nehemiah Teams Program at the International Mission Board, four team members, led by Ellie Smith, were sent to Guam to partner with Pastor Pancho Madrid and Pastor Ethan Aylor to work with the Youth on Island. They primarily worked with Calvary Baptist and Guam Christian Life Fellowship youth. Smith talked about how it was amazing to see how the younger generation looked up to the older team members and interacted with one another at church.
As part of their ministry in Guam, the team had an opportunity to lead park/sports ministries every Tuesday and Thursday at a park in the village of Dededo. They played basketball, volleyball, and football and shared the love of Christ with the youth of the community.
Through the Nehemiah Team, Team Guam was equipped and prepared to go on the mission field and share the love of God. The Lord is hard at work in Guam, and the team is so glad that He called them to be a part of it.
IMB's Nehemiah Teams Send Eight to Serve with HPBC Churches in Western Samoa/Samoa
Written by Hannah Denney
Nehemiah Teams, through the International Missions Board (IMB), sent a team of eight to American Samoa/ Samoa. Working with Pastor Saufoʻi Tavete of Happy Valley Baptist Church, they were able to help with one of the schools where they shared the Gospel with over 350 people each morning. By the end of the first week, multiple kids had made the decision to follow Christ. They spent the rest of the time in American Samoa serving at the Samoan Baptist Convention’s Pastor Conference. They met pastors from all over the world and saw God move through the church leaders, who helped inspire them to go back to their churches with renewed strength and dedication to the Gospel.
The rest of their time in American Samoa was spent organizing and executing a new Vacation Bible School each week for the youth surround-
ing the churches around the island. It was a challenge, but God was so gracious and helped them work together and allowed them to see 12 kids ask Jesus to be their Lord and Savior.
77 Attend Oahu Baptist Network Youth Camp
Written by Jeff Mullis
Youth from across Oʻahu came together to worship Jesus and grow in their faith at the 2024 Oahu Baptist Network Youth Camp. A big mahalo to Pastor Chris Komatsu of Lanai Baptist Church for faithfully preaching God’s word and calling our youth to faith in Christ through
repentance. This year nine churches were represented at the camp, and a total of 77 were in attendance. One of the highlights of this year’s camp was being able to partner with Waianae Baptist Church to reach out to their community.
Big Island Youth Camp Held at Makapala
Written by John Endriss
The Big Island Youth Camp this year was held at Makapala in Kohala from July 22nd to the 26th. Thirty-four youth attended from four Big Island Baptist churches: Hillside, and Kohala. Youth leaders from the Big Island and Arjay Gruspe led the messages at different morning and evening sessions. At least two kids made a first-time decision to follow Jesus, and many others shared on the last day how the camp had strengthened their walk with Jesus.
Hāmama Church Hosts Youth Football Camp
Written by Ikaika and Stacey Higa
In July, Hāmama, FCA Hawai’i , and the Hooligans football team organized their second football clinic. Over 20 youths came from the community daily to learn skills, scrimmage and learn about Jesus. Coaches and pastors came from different parts of the island to speak or help coach.
The whole Hāmama Church Ohana was mobilized to serve, pray, and just be present to make it a success. Each parent, grandparent, or guardian was engaged by at least three people and invited in.
We had great conversations and a big turnout for our Friday night celebration, where the Gospel was shared, helping our youth group to grow. We praise God that students made decisions to
In 2023, we featured this ministry with a great video. Watch the video here: vimeo.com/852486812.
follow Jesus and draw closer.
Mahalo for your partnership through the Sue Nishikawa offering to help Hāmama connect our community to Jesus.
Eleele Baptist Brazil Mission Trip Explores Partnerships with First Baptist of Muriae
Written by Larry Hale
Larry Hale of Eleele Baptist Church visited First Baptist Church of Muriae in Minas Gerais, Brazil, in the last two weeks of May 2024. He made this trip to develop relationships with the church leaders and other people of the church. He wanted to learn from them and encourage them in discipleship, small group ministry, and leadership strategies. The church seems very healthy, raising up church leaders who are already ordained in
the pastoral ministry, and others are in seminary.
Hale sees First Baptist of Muriae mentoring other churches and pastors in the surrounding area and other parts of Brazil as time progresses.
It was a great trip, and he is looking forward to developing the partnership between the churches and meeting with them again.
50 Women Attend S.H.E. Gathering
Hosted by Central Baptist
Written by Annie Lam
S.H.E. is an acronym for Seeking Him Eagerly, a daily discipline we strive for. Fifty S.H.E. women from all over Oahu met at Central Baptist Church on July 13th. With the help of church members, the sanctuary was transformed into a banquet hall with welcoming island decorations. Enthusiastic participants brought their potluck dishes, arrived early to check in, and a few dropped off their kids
Kauai 3-Day
for childcare. Participants did not waste any time reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. We have always had adults and mature adults, but we were blessed with many young attendees. S.H.E. was welcomed by Central Baptist Church representatives Kristen Slavans and Barbara Webb. Hannah and Noah Denney led us in worship, Kartika and Mia Young shared their testimonies, and Lizzy McElrath led us in corporate prayer. Everyone marked their calendar for the next gathering on Saturday, December 7.
Youth Camp Hosted by Eleele Baptist
Written by Larry Hale
Eleele Baptist Church hosted a 3-day youth camp at Makanalani on Kauai's North Shore, July 8-12, bringing together 16 young people from three churches: Eleele Baptist, Waimea Baptist, and Three Taverns Church (from Atlanta, Georgia). Pastors, such as Pastor Shane Tanigawa from University Avenue Baptist Church, gave inspiring messages, emphasized through small group discussions and games. Students grew spiritually in building relationships with God and fellow believers, and strengthening their character and community.
Paradise Park Baptist Installs Joe Boney as Pastor
Written by Robert Miller
Paradise Park Baptist Church on Hawai’i island called Joe Boney as pastor on June 23rd. The installation service was followed by a dinner reception. In support of the church, neighboring Big Island Baptist pastors and church leaders joined the celebration.
During the installation service, Pastor Boney was charged with paying close attention to his spiritual well-being and keeping watch over God’s flock, according to Acts 20:28.
Already in his ministry, Pastor Boney has proven to be a caring pastor. Church members have expressed gratitude to Joe and Cindy for serving their flock and reaching the community.
The Boneys moved from Abilene, Texas, in February 2024 to the Big Island to begin their ministry. Pastor Boney has 39 years of experience and has served churches in Texas, Alaska, Wyoming, and Montana.
Joe and Cindy Boney
Church members have expressed gratitude to Joe and Cindy for serving their flock and reaching the community.
Annual Meeting 2024
November 7-8
Contending Together
Hawaii Baptist Academy
Stan Sagert High School Campus 2429 Pali Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96817
Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel, not being frightened in any way by your opponents. ~ Philippians 1:27-28 CSB
hpbaptist.net/event/2024-hpbc-annual-meeting
