Pacific Connector March April 2026

pacific

connector 2026 l MAR APR VOL 56 l ISSUE 2

Building the Kingd m From One Servant Leader to Another Aloha Hawaii Pacific Baptists and Friends Since our Annual Meeting in Kailua-Kona, the Lord has given me the joy of carrying the same message—“All Authority in Christ” (Matthew 28:18)—into four very different Hawaii Pacific Baptist churches and settings. In each place, the needs were unique:

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

In one church, Christ is proving His authority to write resurrection stories—Lahaina’s ashes became the backdrop for a congregation’s rebirth.

In another, Christ is proving His authority to refine what He loves— turning a long, pastorless season and heavy pressures into a refining fire that now fuels new brightness.

In another, Christ is proving His authority to make one out of two—after 65 years of history, a post-COVID merger became the backdrop for a shared identity and fresh momentum.

In another, Christ is proving His authority to lead His mission forward—at the 50-year mark, a seamless pastoral transition became the backdrop for fresh Gospel impact.

But the foundation was the same: Jesus bookends the Great Commission with a declaration and a promise: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” And, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Living inside those bookends turns ministry from performance into partnership with the risen King.

So here’s my encouragement: submit, trust, persevere.

About the Cover Rainbow Eucalyptus, Maui.

Licensed Adobe Stock Photo.

Submit: choose one area you’ve been gripping—time, money, relationships, hidden habits, fears—and place it back under Christ’s rule.

Trust: obedience isn’t a leap into the dark; it’s a step with the One who rules the outcome.

Persevere together: Christ’s presence is not seasonal. He sustains churches through ordinary faithfulness—prayer, love, repentance, generosity, and disciple-making.

As you read this issue, remember the bookends: the Jesus who commands the mission supplies the authority, and the Jesus who sends us stays with us always.

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

By His Authority and In His Presence,

Craig Webb Executive Director-Treasurer Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention

2 h pbap t i s t . n e t ■ M a r Apr 2026

Contents Pacific Connector 2042 Vancouver Dr. Honolulu, HI 96822 808-946-9581 Executive Director, Editor Craig Webb craig@hpbaptist.net Associate Editor Dawn Akutagawa dawn@hpbaptist.net Contributing Editor Brandon Pickett Designer Patti Spencer Contributing Writers Jonathan Masaki Shiroma Diana Ventura Craig Webb Karen Willoughby 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 calling 808-946-9581 or emailing info@hpbaptist.net. 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 financial services. For more information, visit innovativefaith.org.

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

4 Spring 2026 Pastors Forum Series Encouraging Faithful Preaching Across HPBC. 4 2026 HPBC Pastors Retreat in May HPBC pastors gather for a retreat to encourage pastoral health.

5 Hawaii Church Makes an Impact in a Strategic Location Kona Baptist Church is advancing God's Kingdom work throughout the world.

6 Cooperative Program and 52 Sundays Resources explaining how CP works in the HPBC and how you can connect your offering plate to the mission field.

7 Celebrating Momentum in HPBC Women's Ministry Women find refreshment and restoration as they pursue their calling and passion.

8 HPBC Church Planting Update Highlight of seven Send Network/HPBC Church Planting families.

10 Vacation Bible School Training Get details on training dates, locations, and information on how to register.

10 Deaf Camp is Back and Better Than Ever Campers strengthen communication skills in a fun and supportive environment.

11 Olivet Baptist Church Celebrating 100 Years One hundred years of sharing God's love and making a difference in Honolulu.

12 Something to Celebrate: Retirements Pastor David Whitehead retires after serving faithfully. Bob Gierhart is stepping down as lead pastor of Nu'uanu Baptist after having served for 12 years.

13 Something to Celebrate: Ministry Milestones Palisades Baptist celebrated a 50th Anniversary. Pastor Jeong Jae Lee will serve at the Korean Baptist Church of American Samoa. Todd Morikawa graduated with a PhD in Historical and Theological Studies.

14-15 HPBC's 2026 Calendar of Ministry Events Featuring in-person gatherings such as Pastors Retreats, plus a page focused on 2026 HPBC events, holidays, ministry days and special events.

16 Annie Armstrong Easter Offering and Week of Prayer Your gifts at work by taking the Gospel to unreached people every day.

10

Jan Feb 2026 ■ hp ba p t is t .n e t

3

One of the ways the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention encourages and equips pastors is through the monthly online Pastors Forum.

This spring, the Pastors Forum is focused specifically on preaching, to equip pastors to preach with renewed confidence, sharpened skill, and faithful clarity. Each session is led by trusted pastors and leaders who bring both theological depth and practical wisdom.

Topics range from sermon design and clarity in delivery to the responsible use of AI and building sustainable preparation workflows.

Together, these forums are intended to strengthen pastors to faithfully serve their congregations week after week.

If you’re a Hawaii Pacific Baptist pastor and didn’t receive an invitation, e-mail Dr. Robert Miller at robert@hpbaptist.net.

Watch previous Pastors Forums by scanning the QR code or visiting our website at: tinyurl.com/HPBC-videos.

HPBC Pastors Retreat this May Hawaii Pacific Baptist pastors will gather at

Puʻu Kahea Camp & Conference Center, May 4–6, for a retreat featuring Mark Hallock of the Calvary Network of Churches.

Centered on the theme Cultivating a Faithful and Fruitful Ministry, this retreat is designed to encourage pastoral health and strengthen churches for long-term fruitfulness. Sessions will address four essential areas of pastoral leadership: guarding the pastor’s soul through healthy spiritual rhythms and resilience,

4 h pbap t i s t . n e t ■ M a r Apr 2026

shepherding God’s people with presence and intentional care, forming faithful disciples through clear and biblical pathways for growth, and raising up leaders for shared ministry and future impact.

Guest Speaker Mark Hallock

This retreat is sponsored by your Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention with a grant from your North American Mission Board and the Sue Nishikawa Offering for Hawaii Pacific Missions.

It's open to all HPBC lead pastors.

Hawaii Church Makes an Impact in a Strategic Location KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii – Raising up the next generation of church leaders is “vitally important,” says Brian Frable, pastor of Kona Baptist Church on the Big Island of Hawaii.

It’s important to Kona Baptist Church and the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention “as we advance God’s Kingdom work in the Pacific, Asia, and throughout the world,” he told Baptist Press.

“I think God is doing a work in the next generation,” Frable said. “Our students are serving in the church. They’re being discipled to lead out and grow others in their faith. That’s how our islands are going to be won. That’s how the world will be won.”

About 115 people attend Sunday morning worship services at Kona Baptist. In addition to Frable discipling three young men one-on-one who are sensing a call to the Gospel ministry, church members lead in several local ministries as well as international missions overseas in Japan.

Pastor Brian and Amanda Frable have served at Kona Baptist Church since February 2019.

Perhaps the most unique ministry is a monthly gathering at Kona Baptist of those who want to develop their skill in Ikebana, the art of formal Japanese flower arrangement according to strict rules.

“One member is a master sensei,” the pastor said of Nobuko Humphries, one of the church’s oldest members. “She wanted to start reaching out some way to the community and she has a passion for ikebana.”

“Every month we have an ikebana class and every Sensei Nobuko Humphries leads an ikebana ministry year we do an exhibition,” at Kona Baptist Church.

Frable said. “We invite the whole community, feed them a great meal, share Christ and have testimonies. There is a lot of interest in Japanese culture in this area so we get a lot of people who may not come on Sunday morning.” ____________________ Written by Karen L. Willoughby, a national correspondent for Baptist Press. ______________________ Read the full article at tinyurl.com/Kona-Impact.

Mar Ap r 2026 ■ hp ba p t is t .n e t

5

The Cooperative Program is Southern Baptists’ unified plan of giving through which cooperating Southern Baptist churches give a percentage of their undesignated receipts in support of their respective state convention and the Southern Baptist Convention missions and ministries.

View this new video about how CP works in the HPBC. vimeo.com/1134723572

Using 52 Sundays is easy.

Download and distribute each missionary’s story to share with your church. Scan the above QR code or go to our website at:

hpbaptist.net/52sundays nnan

om oved fr nan, m a ica Bren to planting an n d Mon ike an ld: hum additio ters, M ion. In our wor an iss in pl m es church t crim unique es a ed rk nc ith da iw Experie of the Hawai e to on g ued in hting Wyom en resc are fig , they for wom a, and house church m , a safe ep trau king. en de fic av s. d af H su tr us endure ve of Je e Hibisc en have antly, the lo operat ese wom port en ennans king. Th and most im The Br re brok e whe ide x traffic re, s a plac ennans prov from se kes time, ca it’ — stay g ta The Br ma t. ace to au pl ris tr healin a Ch severe e than ers of or ar om m fr be age en is ffering are im us Hav ose su Hibisc er they d for th discov tailore women counseling n Christia .

SD and PT e for thes ica caring on While and M , Mike urch women anting a ch pl ey are also mmunity. Th r co ge an in thei ch lasting spel believe rough the Go e th pl a ac comes create cals ant to and lo and w s or iv surv where hope in n find alike ca Jesus. ative Cooper h the helps Throug our church m, istry. in Progra m l is vita Mike th of nd ty fu fe e r the sa g for th Pray fo healin onica, , and and M eir care th me in to beco women ch ur r ch for thei of hope. on a beac

i•

Hawai

rough

ving th

ur gi hind yo . ies be g stor c.net/cp Sharin more at sb t Find ou

6 h pbap t i s t . n e t ■ M a r Apr 2026

SLIDE GRAP HICS

ogram ive Pr

operat

the Co

powerful missions resource

Celebrate the global impact your church is making through Cooperative Program-supported missions. Pray for a new mission area each Sunday in 2026. Resources are available for easy download: inspirational stories, slides, social media graphics, and bulletin inserts.

re nica B nd Mo Mike a April 26, 2026

RTS ­— IN INSE BULLET o-to-a-page tw nd single a

CONNECT THE OFFERING PLATE to the mission field with 52 Sundays, a filled with weekly highlights of missionaries connected to our Great Commission partners.

SOCIAL MEDIA GRAPHICS

— standard

and wide-sc reen

Celebrating Momentum in HPBC Women’s Ministry

by Diana Ventura

O

ver the past few years, a growing movement has emerged within women’s ministry. Lifeway Research reports that 90% of churchgoing women believe their church is investing in and equipping them. As a result, women are finding refreshment, restoration, and a renewed desire to grow as they pursue their calling and passion.

Within our convention, this momentum is evident as women increasingly step into their God-given callings.

More than ever, women are engaging in leadership development, spiritual formation, Biblical literacy, and discipleship. They are going deeper in the Word of God and playing an integral role in the overall health of the church.

For HPBC Women, our commitment remains clear: to equip, empower, and support women throughout Hawaii and the Pacific.

Highlights for the Year HPBC Wives in Ministry (WIM) continues to provide intentional and timely support for pastors’ wives.

Through opportunities to connect and engage, we seek to uplift one another across seasons of life and ministry.

Monthly Zoom Connections offer encouragement for lead pastors’ wives, while this year’s Saturday Series Connections will feature SBC partners sharing biblical truth and wisdom.

Through the Women’s Missionary Union (WMU), women support missionaries through the Cooperative Program, the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, and the Sue Nishikawa Offering for Hawaii Pacific Missions. The annual WMU missions celebration provides a time to worship, share testimonies, and hear stories of the gospel at work.

Women in Leadership (WIL) focuses on training, equipping, and empowering women serving in various leadership roles in their churches. As the new Hawaii Pacific School of Theology (a campus of Gateway Seminary) launches in Hawaii, we desire to inform women of opportunities for further preparation.

Partnering with SBC organizations remains essential in building a strong, connected network of women leaders. ____________________ Photos from the Women in Leadership Breakfast at the 2025 HPBC Annual Meeting in Kona. Photos by Andru Ellis.

Mar Ap r 2026 ■ hp ba p t is t .n e t

7

By Craig Webb

Hawaii Pacific Baptist Church Planting Update

T

he gospel is advancing across our region, and you are a part of it! The church planters featured below are supported in part through your faithful giving to the Cooperative Program and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions. Every

dollar your church gives helps make these ministries possible. We encourage you to print this page and post it on your church bulletin board so your congregation can pray specifically for these families and celebrate what God is doing across Hawaii and the Pacific.

Valor Church Seeing Growth and Impact for the Military Community Valor Church launched its first public services in August 2025, and by November had found a home in Aiea, sharing the facility with LIFE Christian Church for Sunday evening gatherings at 5 pm. Small groups continue to meet in homes throughout the week. Leading this exciting new work are Craig and Maggie Coppenbarger, who bring two decades of military and ministry experience to Hawaii. Having already planted two thriving churches and trained many others for ministry, they are uniquely positioned to reach military families at Joint Base Pearl HarborHickam. Please keep the Coppenbargers and Valor Church in your prayers!

All Nations Fellowship Finds a Permanent Home!

Exciting news from the Big Island—All Nations Fellowship now has a permanent location to call home! This significant milestone marks a major step forward for church planters Mike and Monica Brennan, who relocated to Keaau, Hawaii in 2025 after years of church planting experience in Wyoming. What makes this ministry uniquely compelling is its dual mission— planting a Gospel-centered church while actively working to prevent human trafficking in the community. Please pray for All Nations Fellowship as they press forward for God's glory on the Big Island!

Kahuku Church Plant Moving Forward!

Pastor Nasa Sete, his wife Caroline, and four children are off to an exciting start in 2026 as they launch a new church plant in Kahuku on Oahu's North Shore. After being commissioned and sent out by GracePoint Church in January, the Sete ohana has begun weekly Sunday Bible study and prayer gatherings in Kahuku. Please pray for the Sete family as they walk by faith, trusting God for what lies ahead!

8 h pbap t i s t . n e t ■ M a r Apr 2026

Grace Church Kailua Reaching the Windward Side of Oahu Grace Church Kailua is a new church, pastored by Chris (wife Cathy) Alsup.

Grace Church's mission is to reach Kailua with grace and peace, showing God’s love and growing together in devotion to Jesus Christ.

Lahaina Baptist Church: Rebuilding for God's Glory!

Three years ago, Erik and Danni Naylor and five children boarded a plane to Maui with a dream of planting a healthy church in Lahaina. Then the fire came. Their home, neighborhood, and town were devastated in Hawaii's most destructive wildfire in modern history. But God had other plans! Through that tragedy, the Naylors joined in replanting Lahaina Baptist Church, and today that congregation stands as a vibrant witness in a community still healing. As the host site for Samaritan's Purse rebuilding efforts, Lahaina Baptist is helping restore Lahaina both physically and spiritually. God is faithful — praise His name!

Gospel Life Church: A Divine Partnership in Guam!

Mel and Rachel Hennagan are seeing God work in remarkable ways through Gospel Life Church in Guam! Mel, a Send Network church planter who grew up on the island and returned with a heart for his people, recently navigated a significant transition when their previous meeting space closed. God opened a beautiful door—Agana Heights Baptist Church, a congregation of 12 that had gone without a pastor for over seven years, welcomed Gospel Life to share their facility. Mel is now preaching both services, breathing new life into an older congregation. Please pray for Mel, Rachel, and their two children, Aria and Judah!

Manuia Bible Fellowship: Reaching Oahu's Samoan Community When Pastor Elise and Lucy Tafao completed decades of faithful ministry in American Samoa, they had every reason to retire. Instead, they felt God's call to Oahu—and Manuia Bible Fellowship was born. The congregation currently gathers Sunday afternoons at First Baptist Church Pearl City, with a vision that extends far beyond one congregation. Aina Haina Baptist Church (Pastor Fola loane) is their sending church.

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

Mar Ap r 2026 ■ hp ba p t is t .n e t

9

March 7

LIFE Christian Church, Oahu

March 14

Cornerstone Christian Fellowship, Big Island

VBS 2026 Training: Illumination Station

Get ready for Illumination Station: Shining a Light on Who Jesus Really Is, which focuses on John 8:12, where Jesus calls Himself the "light of the world."

This theme helps counter confusion about His identity, teaching kids He is the perfect, powerful Son of God, the source of hope, through activities like 'Suncatcher Rec' and 'Glow-in-the-dark Missions' to reveal His truth.

Cornerstone Christian Fellowship on the Big Island.

Join the training on March 7 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at LIFE Christian Church on Oahu, or March 14 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at

Exciting news! Once again this year, scholarships for HPBC churches are available to help offset the cost of VBS, making it easier for ministries to participate and shine Christ’s light in their communities.

For more information and to register, visit hpbaptist.net/2026vbs.

Two in-person training opportunities are available to help leaders feel confident, equipped, and excited for VBS. There will be hands-on training, practical tips, and creative ideas to bring the light of Jesus to life for kids in your ministry—plus lots of giveaways!

Deaf Camp is Back and Better than Ever March 17–21, 2026, at First Baptist Church, Pearl City Deaf Camp returns in 2026, and there's even more to celebrate! Each year, more local support has stepped up to help make this camp possible — a sign that the original vision is becoming a reality. When three Deaf Churches from Memphis, Brentwood, and Knoxville, TN, first brought this camp to Hawaii, the dream was always for local leaders to eventually own and run it themselves. That goal isn't fully realized yet, but it's getting closer, and that's worth celebrating!

Deaf Camp is designed for children ages 2–14 and welcomes deaf, hard-of-hearing, and oral students, as well as siblings and hearing children with deaf parents. This immersive day camp helps campers strengthen their communication skills through ASL, problem-solving, and team-building in a fun and supportive environment. Activities include crafts, Bible stories, dramas, songs to sign, kitchen fun, Bible lessons, deaf games, and recreation time—all led by a caring and enthusiastic team.

Visit thedeafcamp.com/hawaii for registration and information, or scan the QR code.

10 h pba p t i s t . n e t ■ M a r Apr 2026

By Jonathan Masaki Shiroma

July 4, 2026, marks a historic milestone as America celebrates its 250th birthday. That same weekend, Olivet Baptist Church will celebrate 100 years of sharing God’s love and making a difference in countless lives in Honolulu—and you are invited to join us.

During the July 4 weekend, two events are planned: Birthday Picnic Saturday, July 4, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Olivet Baptist Church Campus This outreach will include a community picnic with a meal, activities, and space to connect. Most importantly, it will be a time to invite those who have not yet heard the good news of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

To mark this milestone, the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention will gather at Olivet Baptist Church for the 2026 Annual Meeting on Nov. 19–20, 2026.

For more details, visit olivetbaptist.org.

Sunday Anniversary Worship Sunday, July 5, 10:30 a.m.

Olivet Baptist Church Sanctuary This worship service will include a brief look back at Olivet Baptist’s history, personal testimonies, hula, music by Contemporary Christian artist Bob Bennett (“Lord of the Past”), and a message from John Brady, retired Vice President for Global Engagement, International Mission Board.

Mar Jan Feb Ap r 2026 ■ hp ba p t is t .n e t

11

something to

Celebrate

spotlight on

retirements

Whiteheads Retire, Walters to Pastor Connections Church David and Nancy Whitehead began their Hawaii ministry on the Big Island in 2004. David pastored Cornerstone Christian Fellowship in Kona for five years, then served as Director of Missions for the Big Island Baptist Association. In 2010, they were appointed as NAMB missionaries, with David serving as a Church Planting Catalyst.

During that season, Nancy also served four years as HPBC Executive Board Recording Secretary.

After a season in Southern California supporting church plants, the Lord led them back to Hawaii— specifically to Kapolei, where David had sensed the need for a church. They returned as COVID shut things down. Connections Church launched in 2021, first meeting at the water park, and now gathers at 808Futsal.

David and Nancy retired at the end of February and returned to the mainland. Nathan Walters is the pastor.

Pastor David Whitehead and his wife Nancy, pass baton to Pastor Nathan Walters and his wife Sarah.

Celebrating 57 Years of Faithful Ministry: Bob Gierhart’s Transition at Nuʻuanu Baptist Church

By Robert Miller

After faithfully serving the Lord in ministry for 57 years, Bob Gierhart will officially step down as lead pastor of Nu’uanu Baptist Church (NBC) on February 28, 2026.

Before NBC, Bob and Gail served as career missionaries with the International Mission Board, SBC. They ministered 26 years in Japan and 11 years in Australia. In 2014, they moved to Hawaii, where Bob served NBC for 11 ½ years.

or Hawaii as the Lord leads. When on O’ahu, he also plans to attend and serve at NBC. Recently, NBC voted to call Johnny Hom and Chris Morales as co-lead pastors.

When asked to describe his time with NBC, Gierhart said, “I was told that a typical church honeymoon lasts 3 years, but my entire time at NBC has been a honeymoon; they have been very good to me!”

Although Bob will enter retirement, he is eager to return to ministry in a new role. He has his sights on serving as an interim pastor in Australia, Japan,

12 h pbap t i s t . n e t ■ M a r Apr 2026

Bob and Gail Gierhart (center) with their children.

something to

spotlight on

Celebrate

ministry

Palisades Celebrates 50th Anniversary On January 31, 2026, Palisades Baptist Church gathered at the Hawaiʻi Okinawa Center to celebrate 50 years of God’s faithfulness. The program honored leaders, celebrated a pastoral transition, and called the congregation to shine as a lampstand. Guests reconnected over photos, fellowship, and a buffet lunch, then enjoyed special music led by Pastor Bong and the men from First Baptist. A history video traced the church’s beginnings and ministry impact. Clyde Kakiuchi and Linda Geagel shared personal testimonies.

HPBC's Craig Webb charged the church to submit to Christ’s authority and trust His presence, and Taylor Brazil, their new pastor, closed with prayer and doxology.

Five former and and present pastors at the Palisades Baptist Church 50th Anniversary: George Maeda, John Vaughn, Mike Silva, Jeremy Kaneshiro and Taylor Brazil – Hawaii Okinawa Center – January 31, 2026. Photo: Clyde Kakiuchi

Pastor and Mrs. Jeong Jae Lee to Serve Korean Baptist of American Samoa

Left to right: Craig Webb, Pastor Jeong Jae Lee and his wife Eun Jung Heo, Monica and Sung Ho Kang (Waikiki Korean), and Robert Miller

Pastor Jeong Jae Lee and his wife Eun Jung Heo have arrived and are now serving in American Samoa at the Korean Baptist Church of American Samoa. In January (while on a short layover between Korea and Samoa), our HPBC team welcomed them, shared

about ways to stay connected, and expressed our commitment to encourage and support their ministry.

We’re grateful to receive them into our Hawaii Pacific Baptist family and look forward to strengthening our partnership with our Samoa churches.

Celebrating Dr. Todd Morikawa Pastor Todd Morikawa (Kailua Baptist) graduated in December 2025 with a PhD in Historical and Theological Studies, specializing in English Baptist history. His dissertation, Laborers in God’s Vineyard: William Kiffen and the Formation of Seventeenth-Century Particular Baptist Associations, examined the development of seventeenth-century Particular Baptist associations.

Dr. Morikawa extends his deepest “Mahalo!” to the Shiraki Foundation and HPBC for their generous financial support and faithful prayers, without which the completion of this program would not have been possible.

left to right: daughter Leila, wife Natalie, Todd, son-in-law Nick, daughter Grace

Mar Ap r 2026 ■ hp ba p t is t .n e t

13

There's a lot happening across the HPBC in 2026!

Alongside our online equipping events — including Pastors Forums and Wives in Ministry Connections — here are the in-person gatherings you won't want to miss.

April WMU Missions Celebration

May HPBC Pastors Retreat

September Church Health Conference

Saturday, April 18, at Olivet Baptist Church. This annual gathering highlights testimonies from missionaries and ministry leaders, sharing how the gospel is being proclaimed in their respective areas. This year’s theme is "Meant for the Mission," with special speaker Connie Dixon, National WMU President.

May 4–6, 2026, at Puʻu Kahea on Oʻahu.

Pastor Mark Hallock, Lead Pastor of Calvary Church in Englewood, Colorado, and President of the Calvary Family of Churches, will serve as the retreat speaker.

The retreat theme is "Cultivating a Faithful and Fruitful Ministry." For HPBC leadpastors. For more information, contact Dr. Robert Miller at robert@hpbaptist.net.

Pastors, elders, deacons, and other leaders will gather for September 18–19 to be equipped to serve God by strengthening and bringing new life to their churches. Sessions will be led by Brian Croft, Executive Director of Practical Shepherding, and JimBo Stewart of the North American Mission Board.

November HPBC Annual Meeting

photo: Andru Eliis

14 h pba p t i s t . n e t ■ M a r Apr 2026

November 19–20, 2026, at Olivet Baptist Church on Oahu. This year’s theme is “To Christ Be Glory—for Every Generation,” inspired by Ephesians 3:20–21. As a new generation rising in faith and purpose, we’re stepping into new and exciting things God is unfolding among us.

Your HPBC arrangements committee is working on a special "Next Generations" equipping event for Saturday morning, November 21.

2026

calendar HPBC events in bold

January

Focus on Christian Discipleship

1 New Year's Day 4-11 January Bible Study 18 Sancitity of Life Sunday 19 Martin Luther King Jr. Day 21 Pastors Forum

February

Focus on Christian Unity

1 George Liele Church Planting 15 Focus on WMU Sunday 16 Presidents Day 18 Pastors Forum 22 Racial Reconciliation Sunday 27 Executive Board Meeting

March

Focus on North American Missions

1-8 Week of Prayer for North American Missions & Annie Armstrong Easter Offering 12 Church Planting Emphasis Day 18 Pastors Forum 26 Prince Kuhio Day

April

Focus on Christian Evangelism

3 Good Friday 5 Easter 12 Baptism Sunday 15 Pastors Forum 18 WMU Missions Celebration

May

Focus on Christian Education

3 Seminary Sunday 4-6 HPBC Pastors Retreat 7 National Day of Prayer 15 Executive Board Meeting 17 Children's Ministry Sunday 20 Pastors Forum 25 Memorial Day 31 Disaster Relief Sunday

June

Focus on Local & State Missions & Ministries

Stay up to date by visiting hpbaptist.net/2026-calendar or by scaning this QR code.

July

Focus on Christian Citizenship

3 Independence Day 5 Religious Liberty Sunday

August

Focus on Christian Service

2 Send Relief Sunday 9 SBC Serve Sunday 14 Executive Board Meeting 19 Pastors Forum 21 Statehood Day 23 Global Hunger Sunday

September

Focus on Next Generation Ministries

7 Labor Day 6-13 Week of Prayer for Sue Nishikawa 16 Pastors Forum 18-19 Church Health Conference 19 Children's Missions Day

October

Focus on Cooperative Program

4 CP Sunday 18 Day of Prayer for Associational Missions 21 Pastors Forum 25 Student Baptism Sunday

November

Focus on Christian Compassion

1 Day of Prayer for Persecuted Church 8 Orphans & Widows Sunday 11 Veterans Day 18 Pastors/Wives Appreciation Banquet 19-20 HPBC Annual Meeting 21 Executive Board Meeting 26-27 Thanksgiving 29-12/6 Week of Prayer for International Missions & Lottie Moon Offering

December

Focus on International Missions

-- (see end of November above) 25 Christmas

6 Crossover Orlando 7-8 National WMU Missions Celebration 11 King Kamehameha Day 9-10 SBC Annual Meeting (Orlando, FL) 28 Mission: Dignity Sunday

Mar Ap r 2026 ■ hp ba p t is t .n e t

15

Week of Prayer March 1-8, 2026 National offering goal: $80 million

100% of your gifts fuel missionaries and their ministries The Annie Armstrong Easter Offering is how we partner together to support North American Missions—sharing the Gospel, planting churches, and reaching communities, including right here in Hawaiʻi.

Armstrong funding allows planters to focus on building relationships, sharing the gospel, and establishing healthy, Gospel-centered churches. See the feature about Hawaii Pacific Baptist/Send Network Church Planters on Pages 8-9.

One of the most powerful things about this offering is that 100% of every dollar given goes directly to mission work. These gifts support church planters, missionaries, and ministries across the United States, Canada, and U.S. territories.

This offering also helps make possible events that support evangelism, church revitalization, church planters, internship programs that train students in evangelism and discipleship, and pastors and wives.

Through the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, thousands of dollars come back to Hawaiʻi, helping support local missionaries, church planters, and outreach efforts on multiple islands.

Church planting is one of the most effective ways to reach people who are not connected to a church. Annie

16 h pba p t i s t . n e t ■ M a r Apr 2026