Celebrating 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.

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.