Pacific Connector | 2025 issue 1 (Jan Feb)

pacific

connector 2025 l JAN FEB VOL 55 l ISSUE 1

Building the Kingd m From One Servant Leader to Another At our 82nd Annual Meeting in November, we looked to the Apostle Paul’s challenge to the church at Philippi, “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. This is a sign of destruction for them, but of your salvation—and this is from God. For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are engaged in the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I have.” Philippians 1:27-30

Craig Webb Executive Director/Treasurer 808-946-9581 craig@hpbaptist.net

This calls us as Hawaii Pacific Baptists to stand firm together, unwavering in our faith and conduct like soldiers at their posts. Paul challenges us to contend together like athletes, striving side-by-side as a team to preserve and proclaim the faith. As we stand firm and contend together, Paul reminds us that suffering will come but that suffering for and with Christ is an honor for us.

To capture this challenge, our theme at our recent Annual Meeting was, and our theme for 2025 is Contending Together. As we begin the year, would you join me in contending together in prayer for these three areas of our ministry?

About the Cover Yokohama Minato Mirai, Japan (licensed Adobe Stock photo).

Our Asia Baptist Network Leadership Conference will be held at Yokohama International Baptist Church in March. Ben Howard is pastor.

1. Pray for Hawaii Pacific Baptist pastors and their wives.

2. Pray for Hawaii Pacific Baptist Church Planting.

3. Pray for strong Hawaii Pacific Baptist Churches.

We’ve set up a page at hpbaptist.net/prayhawaii to help you pray. This page includes a 30-day prayer guide with names of HPBC churches, locations, pastors, and wives. You can also access a page about our current and new church planters.

May God bless you in 2025!

For More Issues Scan this QR code or visit: hpbaptist.net/pacificconnector

Craig P.S. New "52-Sundays" resources for 2025 are now online at hpbaptist.net/52Sundays.

2 h pbap t i s t . n e t ■ Ja nu a r y Febr ua r y 2025

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: Baptist Press, John Blackmon Shane Critser, Mel Hennegan, Erica Miles, Robert Miller, Diana Ventura, Craig Webb, and John Williams 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 Pacif ic 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.

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

Contents

5

Features

4-9 HPBC Annual Meeting Recap Contended Together, messengers and guests were in one accord as business, worship, ceremonies, and dinners were held throughout the convention.

10 New Workers Orientation New workers are given a means to better understand HPBC and the Southern Baptist Convention.

14 Hawaii Baptist Academy Celebrates It's 75th Anniversary In a remarkable evening of community, reflection, and gratitude, HBA celebrated with a "Come and See" concert.

15 Pastors Transition at Calvary International CIBC's congregation was reminded that the same God who has the church will continue and that the best days may still be ahead.

16 HPBC Disaster Relief Sends Team to North Carolina The team of eight from churches on Oahu and the Big Island served for 2 weeks by shoveling mud, removing debris, and sharing the love of Jesus.

Departments Building the Kingdom 2 Update from our executive director-treasurer.

Something to Celebrate 11-13 Associations Annual meetings and various gatherings throughout the convention were held to worship, do business, inform and encourage.

Jan uar y Feb ruar y 2025 ■ hp ba p t is t .n e t

3

Contending Together Annual Meeting  2024  RECAP

4 h pbap t i s t . n e t ■ Ja nu a r y Febr ua r y 2025

Contending Together Annual Meeting Recap

H

adapted from an article in Baptist Press

awaii Pacif ic Southern Baptists met November 7-8 at the state convention’s entity, Hawaii Baptist Academy, where 1,100 students from kindergarten through 12th-grade study.

The theme for the 82nd annual meeting— “Contending Together,” with Philippians 1:2728 as its scriptural base—Standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, for the faith of the gospel— was both an acknowledgment of what’s already happening and a challenge for an even greater commitment to the task at hand According to his records, Credentials Committee Chairman, Pastor Jamie McElrath of Olivet Baptist Church in Oahu reported 69 guests and 200 messengers from 52 of Hawaii Pacific’s 139 churches registered, including messengers from Kauai, Lanai, Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii, plus Guam, Japan, the Philippines, Samoa, South Korea, and Thailand.

giving from churches, plus $62,000 in other fees and interest. The trimmed operations budget is $1,128,715, including 20 percent of churches’ CP gifts, or about $222,000, leaving the convention for national and international SBC missions endeavors. The messengers approved a deficit of $178,715, which is to be covered by reserves.

The anticipated expenses are lower than last year, while the national CP allocation remains unchanged.

Brian Frable, pastor of Kona Baptist Church on Hawaii Island, was re-elected president; Shane Tanigawa, pastor of University Avenue Baptist Church on Oahu, was elected first vice-president; and Larry Hale, pastor of Eleele Baptist Church on Kauai, was elected second vice president. A recording secretary is to be elected by the Executive Board.

The Hawaii Pacific convention added one new church in 2024, and at least three new SEND Network church planters are anticipated in 2025, reported Shane Critzer, SEND Network Coastal West Region director.

The annual meeting's business included passing five resolutions, approving the 2025 budget, and electing officers.

The messengers unanimously approved a resolution celebrating and committing to the Cooperative Program, including a statement, “That we commit ourselves to celebrating and promoting the Cooperative Program within our churches, associations, and entities in its one-hundredth year.”

Messengers also unanimously approved a resolution to adopt the SBC’s abuse prevention ministry toolkit as a recommended resource for all Hawaii Pacific Baptist churches.

The 83rd annual meeting of the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention is set for Novmber 20-21, 2025, at the Outrigger Kona Resort in KailuaKona, on the island of Hawaii.

Read the full report and access video here: hpbaptist.net/annualmeeting2024

The 2025 budget that passed included $1,100,000 in anticipated Cooperative Program Jan uar y Feb ruar y 2025 ■ hp ba p t is t .n e t

5

Annual Meeting

Women Fellowship Encouraged Through Prayer/Chat Room

By Diana Ventura

During the November annual Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention meeting, the Wives in Ministry and Women in Leadership teams collaborated to host a Prayer/Chat Room, inviting all women to participate. This dedicated space allowed attendees to gather, fostering an environment for prayer and conversation. It allowed women to connect, share experiences, and build relationships with others f rom different churches and islands.

Annual Meeting

Pastors and Wives Dinner Recap

By Baptist Press

The Pastors and Wives gathering occurred at the Japanese Cultural Center in Honolulu. Baptist Collegiate Ministries O'ahu students came together to watch the children so that the pastors and their wives could focus on the time of connection and encouragement. Pastors and their families came from other Hawaiian Islands, Japan, Korea, American Samoa, Guam, and the

6 h pbap t i s t . n e t ■ Ja nu a r y Febr ua r y 2025

mainland to be encouraged and to encourage one another as this event kicked off HPBC's 2024 Annual Meeting.

According to Executive Director Craig Webb, "It was a time of connection and strengthened our commitment to serving together as one body in faith as we pursue seeing God's Kingdom advance."

Annual Meeting

Pu'u Kahea Celebrates 75 Years

by Craig Webb

The 2024 Annual Meeting included a celebration of Pu'u Kahea's 75th anniversary. Pu'u Kahea was envisioned as a sanctuary for ministry, learning, and spiritual renewal. The name Pu'u Kahea means "Hill of Calling" and has been a sacred place where God has moved in the lives of countless individuals.

In 1949, the Hawaii Baptist Convention bought Pu'u Kahea, where the Plantation Hale, built in 1910, once housed managers of the Waianae Sugar Plantation. Karen Parnell’s parents were the first caretakers until 1971, and she and her husband managed it from 1977 to 1979. Karen is writing a book on Pu'u Kahea's history.

Pastor Cory Perkins and his family now care for Pu'u Kahea, which reopened in 2024 after being closed since March 2020. The site hosted its first major event, a Pastors' Retreat, in May, followed by youth camps, mission teams, and retreats this summer and an Oahu Baptist Men's Camp this fall..

Learn more about using Pu'u Kahea at hpbaptist.net/pkcc.

Above: Craig Webb prays for Corey, Sarah, and Kekoa at the HPBC Annual Meeting.

Below: Karen and Gary Parnell and family in 1978.

Jan uar y Feb ruar y 2025 ■ hp ba p t is t .n e t

7

Annual Meeting

Luncheon to

Create Connections

with New Church Planters

Written by Shane Critser, Director-Coastal West, SEND Network

G

od is on the move in Hawaii! In addition to the currently endorsed HPBC/ SEND Network Church Plants, three new church-planting families—the Sete's, Coppenbarger's, and Brennan's—have been called to plant in Hawaii beginning in 2025.

The November HPBC Annual Meeting was a great time to host a luncheon to connect with these new church-planters and their spouses.

Time was spent getting to know one another better and discussing ways to celebrate what

8 h pbap t i s t . n e t ■ Ja nu a r y Febr ua r y 2025

God is doing in their lives. They also discussed how they can pray for one another while doing this challenging yet rewarding church planting.

Please continue to pray for these families in Maui, Oahu, Guam, and Japan and for the families moving to Hawaii in 2025.

If you want to get your church involved by supporting any of these families or to learn more about how your church can multiply, contact Shane at scritser@namb.net.

Annual Meeting

Church Planters Highlighted at 2024 Annual Meeting Written by Craig Webb

On Friday morning, November 8, as part of the HPBC staff report, Craig Webb and SEND Network's Shane Critser highlighted three new church-planting families who will plant churches in Hawaii in 2025.

Mike and Monica Brennan The Brennans are currently serving in Wyoming and are experienced in church planting.

Mike and Monica are focused on church planting in conjunction with their work to prevent human trafficking.

Nasa and Caroline Sete Nasa and Coroline Sete envision planting a church to reach Polynesians for Christ on Oahu. They are being sent out by Gospel City Church in Indiana. Check out a video here to learn more about their story. tinyurl.com/CPlanter-Sete

Craig and Maggie Coppenbarger Craig is an experienced military church planter who will plant a church in the Pearl Harbor/Hickam area. He will be working on the base. Craig is NAMB endorsed through the NAMB Military Church Planting arm. Craig's job transferred him in December, and his whole family will join him this month.

Your gifts support these churches through the Cooperative Program and the Annie Armstong Easter Offering.

Jan uar y Feb ruar y 2025 ■ hp ba p t is t .n e t

9

Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention

New Workers Orientation

P

Written by Robert Miller

astors and wives new to Hawai’i Pacific Baptist Convention (HPBC) attended the HPBC Orientation on November 7th. Craig Webb and Robert Miller led the orientation. This annual orientation helps new workers better understand HPBC and the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). New workers learn about Hawai’i Pacific Baptists and what it means to be a Hawai’i Pacific Baptist church. The sessions included information on HPBC staff, HPBC benefits and resources, SBC entities, SBC benefits and resources, and much more.

This year the following participated in the orientation: Alberto and Beth Camacho (Kalihi Baptist Church); Joe and Cindy Boney (Paradise Park Baptist Church); Bill and Sharon Messer (Kinoole Baptist Church, Interim); Dalton and Kristen Slavens (Central Baptist Church); John and Trisha Lee (FBC Pearl City, Associate);

10 h pba p t i s t . n e t ■ Ja nua r y Febr ua r y 2025

Parker and Kyrah Windle (International Baptist of Manila); and Jeff Fisher and Nao Nohmi (Hawaii Kai Church, Interns).

After the orientation, Barbara Webb hosted the wives for lunch at her home, and the pastors enjoyed lunch at Gyu Taku.

something to

Celebrate

Associations

Oahu Baptist Network Annual Meeting The Oahu Baptist Network held its annual meeting on Friday, October 25, 2024, at First Southern Baptist Church of Pearl Harbor

(Pastor Alvin Keamo). Pastor Bong Abagon is the moderator. Pastor Jeff Mullis (Olivet Baptist) preached. Dr. Robert Miller represented HPBC.

S.H.E Gathering by Oahu Baptist Women Oahu Baptist Women held their final S.H.E. (Seeking Him Earnestly) Gathering of the year on Saturday, December 7th, at FBC Wahiawa.

Annie Lam expressed gratitude for the hospitality of their hosts and for the women who helped

organize the event. The main speakers were Gay Williams of Hawaii Kai Church and HPBC Disaster Relief, and Elaine Fudenna of Olivet Baptist Church and IMB Missionary.

Oahu Baptist Network Men's Retreat The Oahu Baptist Network Men gathered at Pu’u Kahea for a December 6-7 retreat.

The men got a chance to build community with one another and learn from guest speaker John Endriss, pastor of Engage Church in Hilo.

Jan uar y Feb ruar y 2025 ■ hp ba p t is t .n e t

11

Associations

Big Island Baptist Association Annual Meeting Recap Written by Robert Miller

This year, the Big Island Baptist Association (BIBA) Annual Meeting took place on October 26 at Ohana Church in Hilo, where Tim Elisaga serves as pastor. Jeff Buchholz, pastor of Cornerstone Christian Fellowship in Kona, moderated the meeting. During the worship time, the Ohana Mele team led worship, followed by a devotional time led by Jeff Buchholz. Robert Miller, with the Hawai’i Pacific Baptist Convention, shared a brief report and led in prayer before the potluck fellowship.

The business session of the meeting included Jeff Buchholz being approved to serve another year as moderator and Alan Tamashiro being approved to serve as recording secretary. Hilo Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) Director Anita Bice reported on the

latest activities and events of BCM. Moderator Jeff Buchholz also shared about the East Asia Partnership and the recent youth camp. They also approved the BIBA 2025 budget and calendar. Approximately 40 messengers from mostly Hilo Baptist churches attended this Annual Meeting.

Maui County Baptist Association Annual Meeting Recap Written by Robert Miller

The Maui County Baptist Association (MCBA) held its annual meeting at Kahului Baptist Church on October 19, led by Moderator Wes Higuchi.

Craig Webb and Robert Miller, representing the Hawai’i Pacific Baptist Convention (HPBC), gave brief reports. The highlight was Pete and Donna Beal’s report on the Maui Fire Caring Ministry, a partnership between MCBA and HPBC, which assists Lahaina families affected by the fires. During the meeting, a Lahaina family shared their painful experiences of the fire and expressed gratitude for the support they received. Many families are now beginning the process of reconstruction after the disaster.

12 12 hhpbap pba ptti si stt. n . neett ■■ Ja Janu nua a rryy Febr Februa uarryy 2025 2025

Associations

Recap of the South Pacific Baptist Association Written by Craig Webb

The South Pacific Baptist Association (American Samoa) held its annual meeting on Saturday, October 26, and a combined worship service on Sunday morning, October 27, in Pago Pago.

Craig Webb, HPBC executive director-treasurer,

represented HPBC. Craig led a leadership seminar on Saturday and preached on Sunday during the combined worship. Vaafuti Filipo of Pago Pago Baptist, is the moderator.

Baptist of Micronesia Annual Meeting 2024 Recap Written by Mel Hennegan

On October 26, 2024, the four Southern Baptist churches of Guam—Calvary Baptist Church, Guam Christian Life Fellowship, Gospel Life Church, and Tamuning Christian Fellowship— came together for the Baptist of Micronesia Annual Meeting. These churches united to celebrate God’s faithfulness and report God’s work in the island community.

During the meeting, leadership transitioned as prominent leaders Pancho Madrid (Moderator) and Ed Perez (Vice Moderator) stepped away, bringing Melchor Hennegan of Gospel Life Church and Dino Diaz (a deacon from Calvary Baptist Church) into these leadership roles for 2025. A pressing need discussed was for biblical church leadership, as three out of the four churches need lead pastors.

Jan uar y Feb ruar y 2025 ■ h p ba p t is t .n e t

13

Written by Erica Miles As part of Hawaii Baptist Academy's 75th-anniversary celebration, HBA hosted the "Come and See" concert on November 23, a remarkable evening of community, reflection, and gratitude.

Hawaii Baptist Academy is excited to announce that the "Come and See" HBA Christmas TV special will feature six performances from this memorable event.

Inspired by Psalm 118:23, the event celebrated God's marvelous work at HBA over the past 75 years. The concert showcased vibrant student performances, including hula, choral, and musical presentations, embodying the spirit of thanksgiving and joy. w

Many relived the magic of HBA's 75thanniversary concert and experienced the joy of the Christmas season when they tuned in at 7 PM on KHON, December 21 (Saturday), and December 25 (Wednesday), at 7 PM on KHII.

14 h pba p t i s t . n e t ■ Ja nua r y Febr ua r y 2025

Pastors Transition at Calvary International, Bangkok

R

Written by John Blackmon

ecently, there have been many transitions in the life of Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention (HPBC), specifically in our Asia Baptist Network churches. One transition is from Pastor Martin Chappell to Pastor John Blackmon at Calvary International Baptist Church (CIBC) in Bangkok, Thailand.

Martin and Carrie Chappell are retiring from overseas work and transitioning to a new role in the mainland U.S. at the end of December 2024.

John, his wife Cheryl, and their children, Lillie Jo and Josiah, have been in Bangkok for twoand-a-half years preparing for the new role.

CIBC marked the transition with two special Sundays, one on November 24th, when the CIBC family “gave thanks” for Martin and Carrie Chappell and their 22+ years.

As Pastor John led the service for the Chappells, he and the CIBC language pastors looked to Hebrews 13:7 to honor Pastor Martin’s ministry focused on “the Word of God.” On December 8th, Pastor Martin charged John and the congregation, reminding them that the same God who has guided CIBC will continue and that he believes the best days of CIBC may still be ahead.

Calvary International Baptist was founded in 1958 by missionaries from the Foreign Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention (IMB).

The Sunday morning worship is in English, representing many countries of origin. They also have Burmese, Thai/Karen, and Nepali language ministries.

Jan uar y Feb ruar y 2025 ■ h p ba p t is t .n e t

15

HPBC Disaster Relief Sends Team of Eight to North Carolina Written by John Williams , HPBC Disaster Relief co-director

H

urricane Helene devastated the east coast of the United States on September 27, 2024, from Florida to Virginia.

In North Carolina, catastrophic flooding and destruction killed 103 people and caused over $53 billion in damage, largely destroying entire communities like Swannanoa, NC. Southern Baptist Disaster Relief teams poured into the affected communities to bring help, hope, and healing.

HPBC Disaster Relief deployed to First Baptist Church Swannanoa. The team of eight from

16 h pba p t i s t . n e t ■ Ja nua r y Febr ua r y 2025

churches on Oahu and Big Island served for 2 weeks by shoveling mud, removing debris, and sharing the love of Jesus. Please continue to pray for those affected and the continuing work in North Carolina.

Please consider joining HPBC DR. Training will be at Olivet Baptist Church on Saturday, January 18, 2025. Register at hpbaptist.net/DR or scan this QR code.