Churches in the Pacific impacting the world
October 2014
Vol. 44, No. 4
in this issue
BAPTIST
Annual Meeting 2014
HPBC Annual Meeting See the proposed 2015 budget and a calendar of events for this year’s annual meeting. Pages 6,7
PREVIEW
By Faith McFatridge
Hawaii Pacific Baptists will gather Nov. 6 -7 for its 72nd annual meeting at Kihei Baptist Chapel on the island of Maui. The theme for this year’s annual meeting is “Planted in His Word, Prospering in His Kingdom” with the key verses from Psalam 1:1-3.Speakers for the twoday meeting will include President Alberto Camacho (Thursday night), HPBC Executive Director Chris Martin (thursday morning) and an East Asian representative. Representing the International Mission Board will be Mike Hand, representing the Western region; LifeWay Christian Resources will be represented by Mike Inouye, trustee; North American Mission Board by Travis Kerns and North Carolina Baptist Convention partnership by Richard Brunson. A recommendation from the Credentials Committee will be to seat the messengers from Engage in Hilo, Hawaii (John Endriss, pastor), Ohana Fellowship in Hilo, Hawaii (Zeke Tomaselli, pastor) and Tokyo Baptist Church, Japan (Dennis Folds, pastor). Messengers from the churches are also
World Hunger Sunday Addressing the world hunger crisis. Page 4 After Typhoon Haiyan Almost a since the disaster, Filipinos still have long-term needs. Page 5
reminded to bring their signed messenger card to be presented to the Credentials Committee at registration. As in previous years, the sessions will be streamed live for those who want to view the proceedings via the Internet. Visit www.hpbaptist.net for the address. Viewers can also see the proceedings through the HPBC website. A suggestion to churches unable to attend is to invite the church members to the church to view the annual meeting on a big screen. The program and other important recommendations are listed on pages 6 and 7. You can also view the recommendations on the HPBC website. There will be 14 booths representing various agencies as well as the LifeWay Bookstore where items will be available for purchase. Every third year, the annual meeting meets on a neighbor island and we are privileged to be hosted by the Maui County Baptist Association and Kihei Baptist Chapel and this year. Next year, the annual meeting will be held on Oahu.
Lee Strobel: Calm, collected with conviction theology, and New Testament studies to name a few. From first glance, you could not even recAlong the way, he discovered that what ognize that he was the renowned legal edihe vehemently fought to prove false could tor of the Chicago Tribune. He was wearing a not be debunked. In fact, his research ultilaid-back blue button down and a smile that mately brought him to the conclusion that was unlike that of your stoic journalist. Jesus Christ had indeed died on the cross, But Lee Strobel was definitely something was buried in a tomb, and was raised to life. else. As soon as he walked up to Threaded intricately in his the raised platform in one of the Along the way, he testimony were the five readiscovered that auditoriums at Hawaii Institute sons (five E’s) for why he for Geophysics, his gears shifted. what he vehmently believed: Execution, Early Yes, he was still down-to-earth accounts, Empty tomb, Eyefought to prove and open about himself but he witness evidence, and the false could not be spoke with the conviction of a Emergence of the early lawyer and the wit of a journalist. debunked. church. These reasons proHe was able to convey his story vided the backbone for what positively, sparking discussion amongst the became his style of apologetics, evidentialstudents and guests alike. ism, which is the corroboration of gathered Strobel, who is famous for penning ‘The evidence and historical accounts to prove Case for Christ,’ spoke to hundreds at the Scripture. University of Hawaii this past month and These five reasons, he also explained, shared the story of how he was converted comprise a method that even you and I can from hard-hatted atheism to Christianity. dig into, study, and share about in our comIn the beginning of what ultimately munity to reach people for Christ. Not only became his conversion, Strobel, working for did the evidence in favor for Christianity the Tribune at that time, sought to disprove change his worldview, it changed his life, his the resurrection of Christ as a means of marriage and parenting, and the way he assurance from his wife’s own conversion to proceeded with his career as a journalist. Christianity. He pursued scholars and The bits and pieces that were most comexperts in the fields of archeology, history, pelling weren’t just about the intellectual biology, human anatomy, philosophy, See STROBEL... Page 3 By Ken Reyes
Recomendations from HPBC Credentials Committee will include three churches applying for affiliation with the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention: Above: Tokyo Baptist Church, Japan, Dennis Folds, pastor Left: Engage! in Hilo, Hawaii John Endress, pastor Below: Ohana Church in Hilo, Hawaii. Zeke Tomaselli, pastor.
Pearl Harbor church considers purchasing land By Faith McFatridge
Moving? See page 2 (0401)
When Charles Beaucond looks out of his office window he see many homes that need to be reached with the Gospel of Jesus. As pastor of the First Southern Baptist Church of Pearl Harbor, he knows that there’s a lot of work to be done in the community that surrounds the church. FSBC Pearl Harbor sits in a very strategic part of Oahu. On the church website the church lists its location with the surrounding area: “We are just a few miles from Joint Base Pearl Harbor and Hickam, Fort Shafter, Tripler Army Medical Center, Camp Smith, and Sand Island Coast Guard Station. The church is located between Navy Housing (Halsy Terrace, Catlin Park, Radford Terrace, & Doris Miller) and the Salt Lake community.” The Honolulu Star Advertiser said in 2011 that the Salt Lake area was Astuffed with people, ranking No. 3 and 5 in a land to people ratio. The Honolulu data lists the Salt Lake/ Foster Village population at almost 16,000 with 5,484 people per square mile. Add the population of just Hickam Air Force housing of more than 6,000 and that’s a lot of people. The church knew they needed to reach more people with the Gospel but also to get the word out about the church and See PEARL HARBOR... Page 3
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HAWAII PACIFIC
HAWAII PACIFIC BAPTIST 2042 Vancouver Drive Honolulu, Hawaii 96822 (USPS 237-540)
CHRISTOPHER MARTIN Editor FAITH McFATRIDGE Associate Editor The Hawaii Pacific Baptist is published bi-monthly by the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention. For general information, call (808) 946-9581. Periodicals postage paid at Honolulu, Hawaii, and additional mailing office. To subscribe: Send request to the Hawaii Pacific Baptist at the above address. Subscriptions for nonresident members of the HPBC are $12 annually. To register a change of address: Send the mailing label from page 1, along with your new address, to The Hawaii Pacific Baptist at the above address. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to HAWAII Pacific BAPTIST, 2042 Vancouver Dr., Honolulu, HI 96822-2491 To give news tips: Call the editor at (808) 9469581. To submit a letter: Letters on any subject will be considered for publication if sent to the above address, provided they do not make a personal attack on anyone. Letters are limited to 250 words and may be edited for length. Publishing services provided by Western Recorder Inc., Box 43969, Louisville, KY 40253.
Join us on Facebook Be part of the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention via Facebook. Already have an account? Simply type “Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention” in the search box. Then click the “Like” box on the right side of the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention header. It’s that easy. Followers of HPBC will receive all the updates and be current with the events and activities as they are posted. Let’s keep connected. For more information, contact Faith McFatridge at faith@hpbaptist.net.
OCTOBER 2014
Ten Traits of Pastors Who Have Healthy Long-term Tenure By Thom Rainer
Imagine what might take place if pastors consistently stayed at churches for ten or more years. Imagine that their tenure was largely healthy. Imagine what would happen in our congregations. The median tenure of a pastor at a church is around four years. Simply stated, over one-half of pastors leave Thom Rainer a church before their fourth anniversary. And our research shows that the time of greatest fruit in a pastor’s ministry does not begin until somewhere around years five to seven. Is it possible, then, for pastors to stay longer in a healthy situation? In many cases, the answer is a resounding “yes!” I approached this issue by looking at over 30 pastors whose tenure exceeded ten years. And from my perspective, their tenures have been healthy and loving. Here are the ten traits of those pastors: 1. They pray daily for their church members and staff. Many of the pastors kept the
church membership roll in front of them and prayed through the entire congregation and staff every year. 2. They view their family as their first line of ministry. They did not see a dichotomy between church and family. To the contrary, they saw their family as the first priority of ministry in the church. I will elaborate on this matter in my post this Saturday, where I will share ways Satan seeks to destroy the families of pastors. 3. They connect with and love people in their community. Pastors are more likely to stay at a church longer if they love the community in which they are located. That love must be deliberate and intentional. 4. They choose their battles carefully and wisely. Not every issue is worth a fight. Longterm pastors are not cowardly; they are just highly selective and wise. 5. They welcome structures that make them accountable. Certainly, they don’t seek structures that hinder their leadership. But a leader who avoids accountability is headed down a path of destruction. 6. They spend time developing staff. These pastors view their staff, whether fulltime paid, part-time, or volunteer, as one of their
Fresh Ideas: An extra touch for Pastor Appreciation Month By Diana Davis
As your church honors your pastor FRESH IDEAS during Pastor Appreciation Month, why not add an extra touch? Demonstrate your love for the pastor’s wife. Yes, many ministry wives may prefer not to be called onstage and Diana Davis pinned with a corsage, so I’ve gathered a few simple, low-key ways that your church, class, or even an individual, can show love. Try one! Love Notes Flash Mob Distribute a card to all women of the church with a challenge to overwhelm your church’s “first lady” with notes of appreciation, prayers and compliments. Provide contact info so they can send a note by mail, email, text, Facebook or personal delivery. Here’s Proof! Make a sign with big letters: “We love our pastor’s wife!” Take lots of photos of people holding the sign -individuals, couples, groups, kids, teens, peripheral members, leaders, guests. Encourage smiles and fun poses, and carefully list names to label the photos. Create an impressive photo display. Unforgettable Bouquet Each woman is asked to bring a single flower from her garden or florist. Bring extras for those who forget. The deacon chairman’s wife presents the minister’s wife with a lovely vase, then one by one, all morning on Sunday, every lady adds her flower to cre-
ate a lovely, personalized bouquet. Autographed Gift Purchase a very nice study Bible, and ask all the women in your class or church to sign the front with a five-word note. Wrap it beautifully. Sticky Heart A foyer sign reads, “Faith Baptist appreciates our pastor’s wife!” A gigantic heart outline covers the wall. Purchase 3x3-inch sticky note pads, and enlist a group, such as the choir, to write love notes ahead of time to get the wall started. Give a sticky note and marker to each person as they arrive at church, inviting them to add notes of love and appreciation to the wall. Get Personal What does your pastor’s wife love? Whatever it is, give it gushingly! For example, if she’s an avid golfer, everyone brings a golf ball, signed in permanent marker with a love note, and adds it to a big basket. Does she love tea, purple things, chocolate? If her favorite ministry is to preschoolers, consider bringing quality toys for that classroom in her honor. Her church involvement may be upfront or behind the scenes, but you can be sure that your pastor’s ministry is impacted daily by his wife’s partnership. As you demonstrate love to your pastor’s wife -- and other ministry wives on your church staff -you’ll honor God and thrill your pastor. Be a blessing to her today. Diana Davis is the author of “Fresh Ideas” and “Deacon Wives” and wife of North American Mission Board Vice President for the South Region Steve Davis.
highest priorities for development and mentorship. 7. They expect conflict and criticism. They are a reality in any family or congregation. But these leaders are not surprised or frustrated by conflict and criticism. They realize, if it is handled well, it can be healthy for the church. 8. They connect with other pastors and ministries in the community. They realize that their congregations cannot minister to and reach the community alone. Other churches and pastors thus become partners in ministry rather than competitors. 9. They affirm both theology and practical ministry. Their foundation is the Word of God. They have a robust theology. But they don’t neglect such practical issues as attendance trends, outreach ministries, financial health, and parking lot capacity. 10. They ask long-term questions. They are constantly seeking to lead the church beyond their own tenure. They avoid short-term solutions with long-term negative consequences. Thom Rainer is president and CEO at Lifeway Christian Resources. This piece originally appeared on his blog at www.thomrainer.com.
Your input is needed The Communications Committee of the Executive Board approved a recommendation that the “Hawaii Pacific Baptist” go to being primarily an online version. The print paper will only be mailed to those who indicate that they want to receive the hard copy. The plan is to be begin in 2015. The “Hawaii Pacific Baptist” is currently sent free to active church members of every HPBC-cooperating church. Your Cooperative Program offerings help to sustain the cost of editing and printing the paper. Churches or individuals can send their lists requesting a copy mailed to their address to hpbcnews@gmail.com. Your comments are very valuable. Please contact Andrew Large, chair of the Communications Committee, with your comments at pastor@waikikibaptist.com.
Lee Strobel at Olivet Baptist Church Lee Strobel was the keynote speaker at the Evangelism Conference on September 20 at Olivet Baptist Church. Approximately 150 registered for the conference which included workshops by Danny Lehmann, Pat Zucheran and Danny Yamashiro. Participants received free copies of Strobels books, “Case for Christ.” The event was sponsored by the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention and the Oahu Baptist Network. A similar conference with Lee Strobel was held on Maui and sponsored by the Alec and Belle Waterhouse Lecture Series.
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Strobel
Continued from page 1
aspect of his conversion; they were about his struggles as a stubborn, prideful man. When relayed to us the “ugliest thing” about himself early in the talk, his drunken stupors that would frighten and startle his daughter and wife, it was nothing short of refreshing. He spoke about the pride that separated him from his wife, and the humility in Christ that brought them closer again. Many of those who attended probably took away different things about his talk —either on apologetics, evangelism, or his testimony—but one thing that definitely stuck and left a mark on people was his calm, collected convictions for the case for Christ. Ken Reyes is a journalism student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Author and evangelism Lee Strobel spoke to a packed crowd at the University of Hawaii Manoa campus on Sept. 19. Approximately 250 of mostly university students heard Strobel on the theme, “An Unexpected Adventure - a motivational and practical talk on evangelism and apologetices.”
Waikiki church starts seafarers ministry By Faith McFatridge
Pearl Harbor Continued from page 1
its ministry and service to the people around the church. They needed to make plans to grow and expand. Because the land beneath the church is owned by the U.S. Navy, there were many restrictions on the property. With the lease rent to the Navy increasing and uncertainty about the future, the church began to inquire about purchasing the land. It was not an easy task. Because the land is currently owned by the U.S. Navy, the request would have to go all the way to the top levels at the Pentagon. The church members prayed about the land and asked former members of the church and friends to pray for them. Pastor Beaucond says, “The Lord has worked to remove many barriers to give the church an opportunity to purchase the parcel of land on which the church was built over 50 years ago.” The U.S. Navy set the purchase price for the 3-acre parcel at $1.3 million dollars. And, the church will have until February 2015 to raise the funds. With a membership of about 50 members, the amount that has to be raised is a very large one. Pastor Beaucond knows that the Lord has plans for the church and the community. He says the members are very servant-minded and want to reach the communities around them. The people are excited and the ministries are growing. They have a mothers-day-out program called “Tiny Tots” with
about 200 enrolled. Ministries such as Children’s Church, AWANA and a strong youth program have brought more people to the church. Members are involved in prayerwalking, a ministry to tourists at International Marketplace in Waikiki and Bible studies. In October, the church will conduct a Block Party and invite those in the military housing on one side of the church and children and parents from Aliamanu Elementary School on the other side. During the week there’s Discipleship Training, Wednesday Night Prayer and Bible study. The church is also used by the Korean Church of Pearl Harbor and an independent Filipino congregation. Many conferences have been held at Pearl Harbor because of its central location to the people on Oahu. Pastor Beaucond says, “We are asking for your donations to assist us in purchasing the land and to allow us to continue to serve the LORD!” The church’s website has a page with information about donations. Please mail checks to: First Southern Baptist Church of Pearl Harbor, 3121 Arizona Road, Honolulu, HI 96819, Attn: Land Acquistion Fund. All donations are for a non profit organization and can be claimed as a tax deduction. If you have any questions, please contact us at admin@fsbcph. com or call at (808) 423 1318.
A new ministry is beginning specifically to the seafarers that come into port each day to the ports of Honolulu. Dr. Christopher Evans was in Honolulu in September to begin the preliminary contacts for this ministry. Waikiki Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Andrew Large will be the sponsor of the ministry, which will be started as a church plant named the “At the Crossroads - Hawaii Pacific Seamen’s Church and Ocean Fellowship.” Dr. Evans will begin serving as church planter/chaplain beginning Jan. 1, 2015. Waipio Community Church under Pastor Jerry Saludez has offered Dr. and Mrs. Evans the use of the ministry apartment and church van. Hawaii Chinese Baptist Church has reserved a room for ministry, where the seafarers will possibly be able to have Bible study as well as a place to rest and relax. The Hawaii WMU provided bags for toiletries which Dr. Evans and friends passed out as they visited Pier 38. Jerry Saludez was able to converse with several of the Filipino fishermen in their language which brought smiles to their faces. When the suggestion of adobo (a Filipino dish with pork) was mentioned the men were extremely happy. Pastor Saludez also asked about their needs, and the men asked for a hot spot or WiFi connection to communicate with their relatives in the Philippines. Pastor Jerry promised he would come back with the equipment and bring the adobo. Oahu churches have been asked to pray for this ministry and help with volunteers and
Dr. Chris Evans and Pastor Jerry Saludez talk with fishermen at the Pier and distributed toiletry bags and New Testaments to them in September. The men weren’t allowed to get off the boat because of security but Chris and Jerry were able to reach across to give them the Good News of Jesus Christ.
resources. The Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention’s Hawaii Pacific Missions Offering has also contributed to the start of this ministry.
HAWAII BAPTIST EARLY EDUCATION CONFERENCE
The Hawaii Baptist Early Education Conference was held at the Hawaii Prince Hotel Sept 26-27 for Preschool Directors, teachers, aides, WEE committees. There were 218 attendees from 17 HPBC preschools and 7 non-Baptist Christian preschools. Elected to the HBEEA Executive Board were: Rebecca McGuire, President; Danette Abe, Vice President; Melanie Nishita, Secretary; and Shanta Danaraj, Treasurer.
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WORLD HUNGER SUNDAY By Kevin Ezell
Alpharetta, Ga.—For many in North America, hunger is someone else’s problem. It’s the emaciated children halfway around the world. It’s people who live on the other side of the tracks. And, occasionally, it’s the person holding a cardboard sign at a freeway exit. But as a follower of Jesus, hunger is your problem and it’s my problem. Jesus showed us, over and over again in the gospels, that the physical needs of those around us matter to GodCand should matter to us as well. Because Jesus didn’t ignore hunger (read the stories of Jesus multiplying the fish and the loaves in the Gospels), we can’t ignore it either. Hunger impacts one in six Americans. No matter where you live, you know someone who is hungry. And no matter how it appears on the outside, that hunger impacts every area of life, including physical health, mental processing ability and social relationships. In the wealthiest country in the history of the world, more than a third of poor families in the United States have to choose whether to eat or pay for a roof over their heads. That’s why Southern Baptists have worked together for decades to push back hunger in North America. Through your gifts to Southern Baptist Global Hunger Relief—more than $1.1 million in 2013—local church based ministries in big cities and small towns provide food for hungry people throughout the U.S. and Canada. More important, these ministries provide hope, by connecting the hungry to gospel preaching churches where they can hear about Jesus and learn to follow Him. Your gifts to Global Hunger Relief last year led to more than 22,000 professions of faith reported through Southern Baptist hunger ministries in North America.
Lynn Gardens Baptist Church in Pueblo, Colorado, is a great example of this. The small church averages around 35 in attendance each week, but its food ministry, called God’s Food Pantry, has grown to become one of the largest in the community. Every week the church helps 180 to 190 families put food on their tables. As the church has provided food for the community, which had been ravaged by unemployment in recent years, it has reversed the perception of Southern Baptists in Pueblo. Pastor Lonnie Hartke says when he first arrived at the church and would go door to door, no one wanted to listen to a Baptist preacher. But as his small church has loved its community unselfishly by providing much needed food, perceptions have shifted. Residents are more open to hearing him share the Gospel. One lady had attended the church years earlier but had been hurt by someone there and left. Through God’s Food Pantry, she re-connected to the church, became a follower of Jesus and was baptized. She now helps others as a volunteer in the food pantry. Your support of Global Hunger Relief helps us push back hunger and lostness in Pueblo, Colorado, and throughout North America. Hunger is our problem as Southern Baptists. Thank you for working together to do something tangible to help our neglected neighbors. Kevin Ezell is President of the North American Mission Board. EDITOR’S NOTE: On World Hunger Sunday, Oct. 12, Southern Baptist congregations will address the hunger crisis across North America and around the world, many by focusing on the theme “Hunger Happens Everywhere.” Donations received are channeled through Global Hunger Relief, which uses 100 percent of each gift to meet hunger needs. For more information, visit www. globalhungerrelief.com.
HPBC Global Hunger Relief Giving Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention Churches have given $17,637.03 so far in 2014. The Global Hunger Relief fund has helped hunger ministries at Kaumana Drive Baptist Church and Ocean View Baptist Church on the Big Island and Waipahu Community Church on Oahu. This year the HPBC GHR goal is $40,000.
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Philippines: ‘Long-haul’ healing in Tacloban By Caroline Anderson
Tacloban, Philippines—A crushing wall of water from Typhoon Haiyan hit the city of Tacloban on Nov. 8, 2013. Thousands of people perished. Homes and businesses were destroyed. The water beached cargo ships weighing several hundred tons. Water devastated Tacloban. But water also is what people need most after the storm. And water is the precious resource being provided by Christians like the Kansas-Nebraska Convention of Southern Baptists (KNCSB). Baptist Global Response (BGR) is partnering with Carl and Suzie Miller, International Mission Board missionaries in Tacloban, not only to provide water, but also rebuild the city of Tacloban. Global Hunger Relief funds are making it possible. “It’s going to take a long, long time for Tacloban,” Suzie says and starts to cry. The city has long-term needs, “everything from getting water into their homes, to getting a home, to having their schools ready, maybe livelihood, just the whole gamut of getting people back on their feet and helping them to move forward,” Suzie Suzie agrees. says. “One of the things that I appreciate “For that long-haul building, it’s about BGR also is not the coming in and exciting to know that Southern Baptists doing it for people, but ... looking at are going to be here,” she adds. Taclobans as survivors, not as victims,” The Kansas-Nebraska convention Suzie says. enlisted the help of Oklahoma Baptists “Speaking as a survivor, as soon as because of their experience in drilling you can begin to make decisions and do wells after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. things for yourself, the healing takes In July, a team installed two well pumps place a whole lot faster and that’s one of in Tacloban and in a small community BGR’s objectives in this long-haul, is to on the outskirts of the city. Water4, an help people from Tacloban begin to help organization based out of Oklahoma, themselves,” she adds. provided the well pumps. “In disaster relief, we often sort of Instead of bringing multiple teams race to the event,” Thomas says. “It’s from the U.S. to Southern Baptists build and maintain “It’s going to take a long, long time who stay. It’s the wells, Larry Southern Baptists for Tacloban ... everything from Thomas, former who continue to getting water into their homes, KNCSB director of work.” disaster relief, said to getting a home, to having their Though much they enlisted help has been schools ready, maybe livelihood, from local believers accomplished just the whole gamut of getting to drill the wells. In through national people back on their feet and the future, they and international helping them to move forward.” hope to see relief believers trained to organizations, Carl Suzie Miller, maintain the wells. says full recovery is International Mission Board missionary in Joey Rojero, a still a long way Tacloban Filipino-American away. from Kansas, “Long-haul worked with believers from each of the healing is needed,” Carl says. communities where wells were drilled or A tent city in Tacloban houses 500 repaired. families. United Nations tents patch up He has been Kansas-Nebraska’s man and cover many homes. Some typhoon on the ground in the Philippines since survivors live in an encampment built in April. the shade created by massive freighter One of the wells that received a water boats flung from the bay onto land by pump is on the grounds of Kalipayan the storm surge. Baptist Church in Tacloban. Some of these families will move The church’s pastor said the wells will from the tents to bunkhouses and will minimize expenses for his church and later be resettled. the church will be able to serve the In one of the bunkhouse areas, there community by providing water. are four restrooms and two showers for Wells meet a physical need in 24 families. communities, but they also provide a Though Global Hunger Relief and source of income for the believers who BGR’s involvement in disaster relief in were trained in well maintenance. the Philippines began in November, their “It’s an economic blessing for life,” work in Tacloban began in April. Thomas says. After the typhoon, as the world’s
Top: Carl Miller surveys a well site in a village near Tacloban with Joey Rojero, a Filipino-American from the Kansas-Nebraska Convention of Southern Baptists. Many small villages have suffered severe disruption to their water supplies due to damage by Typhoon Haiyan. Kansas-Nebraska Southern Baptists were among the first to help restore damaged water supplies in the Tacloban area. Above: Wells are an essential water source for inhabitants of many of the Philippines’ rural towns and villages. Typhoon Haiyan disrupted this water supply by damaging the pumping equipment of many wells and contaminating others with salt water and debris. Restoration of these freshwater supplies is a top priority in the ongoing relief effort. (IMB photos by Hugh Johnson)
attention focused on Tacloban, Southern Baptist relief efforts focused on other areas not in the media spotlight. Although the work in Tacloban is just beginning, the Millers say the assistance provided by Global Hunger Relief comes at a perfect time. Some of the relief organizations pulled out of Tacloban in July—the same month the two well pumps were installed. Wells are an excellent introduction into communities and are an answer to prayer for the Millers. In the past, the Millers tried to get churches in the U.S. to adopt a neighborhood in prayer, but the idea never took off. “I’d like to take that one step further
and not just sponsor a well, but I would like them to take on that ‘barangay’ (neighborhood) as a prayer partner,” Suzie says. “This church would pray for the barangay ... and minister to the whole community.” “I believe disaster relief is one of the best opportunities for people to move from ‘I am a follower’ to ‘I am a disciple maker,’” Thomas says. “It’s going to be a catalyst to open a lot of doors.” Global Hunger Relief funds also will be used to meet chronic needs like medical care, education and food security. (BP) Caroline Anderson writes for the International Mission Board from Asia.
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2014 HPBC Annual Meeting on Maui November 6-7 Kihei Baptist Chapel 1655 S. Kihei Rd.
Psalm 1:3 NKJV “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither and whatever he does shall prosper.” Thursday Evening, November 6 Presiding: Albert Camacho, President 5:00 6:00 6:15 6:20 6:25 6:30 6:35 6:50 6:55 7:35 8:05 8:35
Registration Praise and Worship Welcome and Announcements Invocation & Welcome from Kihei Baptist Chapel Theme Interpretation Scripture Reading: Call to Order Credentials and Resolutions Committee Report Seating of Messengers Seating of Messengers from New Churches Convention Arrangements & Order of Business Committee Report Introduction of Process for New Business Introduction of New Pastors, Workers, Guests Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention Report Praise & Worship President’s Message Benediction
Friday, November 7 Presiding: Walt Agena, First Vice President 8:30 8:45 8:50 9:15
Praise and Worship Invocation Greetings from Southern Baptist Agencies Hawaii Baptist Foundation
PROPOSED 2014 HPBC CALENDAR HPBC sponsored events are in bold. JANUARY 1 New Years Day 1-31 Call to Prayer Month 4-11 January Bible Study 16 Convention Committees Orientation 17 Executive Board 18 Sanctity of Human Life Sunday 19 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 26-29 Continuing Education Conference-Hilo FEBRUARY 1-28 “True Love Waits” Emphasis Month 6-7 WMU Annual Meeting 7 Evangelism Conference - Oahu 8 Racial Reconciliation Sunday 9-15 Focus on WMU 14 Children’s Ministry Day 14 Chaplains & Church Planters Family Picnic 16 President’s Day 20-22 The Gathering -Collegiate Student Conference 21 Evangelism Conference – Kauai 28 Evangelism Conference – Big Island (Hilo)
9:20 9:25 9:35 9:45 10:00 10:30 10:50 10:55 11:05 11:20 11:25 11:50 12:00 3:00
Hawaii Baptist Academy Wayland Baptist University Executive Board Reports/Recommendations Credentials and Resolutions Committee Recommendations Refreshment Break Praise & Worship Arrangements Committee Recommendations Committee on Committees & Board Nominations Business Special Music Executive Director Report & Message Benediction Lunch HPBC Executive Board Orientation & Organization
Friday Evening, November 7 Presiding: Albert Camacho, President 5:00 6:00 6:15 6:20 6:25 6:30 6:35 6:45 7:00 7:10 7:45
Registration & Refreshments Praise and Worship Combined Worship Scripture Reading Invocation Credentials Committee Report Credentials Presentation of Outgoing Officers Elections/Introduction of New Officers Special Music Praise Team Annual Message Benediction
MARCH 1 Evangelism Conference – Big Island (Kona) 1-7 Youth Week 7 Disaster Relief Training – Oahu 7 Evangelism Conference - Maui 1-8 Week of Prayer for North American Missions and Annie Armstrong Easter Offering 15 Church Planting Emphasis Sunday 19-21 Children’s Missions Adv. Camp- Puu Kahea 22 Substance Abuse Prevention Sunday 26 Prince Kuhio Day 28 Vacation Bible School Training
17-23 Baptist Association Emphasis 25 Memorial Day 26-29 Missionary Orientation 30 Developing and Managing People 31 Life Commitment Sunday
APRIL 3 Good Friday 5 Easter 6 SBC Seminaries Sunday 9-11 Wives in Ministry Retreat 12 Cooperative Program Sunday 17-18 HBEEA Leadership Conference 19 Baptist Doctrine Study 27-29 Church Planter &Team Builder’s Retreat 26 SBC Seminaries Sunday
JULY 3 Independence Day 6-10 Centrifuge 19 Serving Your Community Sunday 24-25 Acteens Retreat
MAY 3 10-17 23
Senior Adult Sunday Christian Home Week Executive Board
JUNE 1-30 8-13 10-11 11 21 22-27 28 28
Crossover (Columbus, OH)-SBC Youth Creative Arts Camp Southern Baptist Convention King Kamehameha I Day Baptist Men’s Emphasis Children’s Creative Arts Camp Mission: Dignity Sunday Citizenship and Religious Liberty Sunday
AUGUST 2 Social Issues Sunday 8 Pinewood Derby 9 Student Evangelism Day 21-22 Churches Planting Churches Conference 21 Statehood Day 23-29 Worship Music Week
Speakers 2014 HPBC Annual Meeting
Alberto Camacho HPBC President Chris Martin HPBC Executive Director
...and others. SEPTEMBER 6 Single Adult Sunday 6-13 Week of Prayer for Hawaii Pacific Missions & Sue Nishikawa Offering 7 Labor Day 12 Executive Board 14 Discipleship Rally 20 Anti-Gambling Sunday 18-19 Missions Leadership Conference 25-26 Hawaii Baptist Early Education Conference OCTOBER 1-31 Cooperative Program Emphasis Month 4 Soul-Winning Commitment Day 11 World Hunger Sunday NOVEMBER 1 Children’s Missions Celebration Day 2 Disaster Relief Appreciation Day 4 General Election Day 4-5 New Workers Orientation 5-6 Annual Meeting 11 Veterans’ Day 26 Thanksgiving 29-Dec 6 Week of Prayer for International Missions & Lottie Moon Christmas Offering DECEMBER 25
Christmas
HAWAII PACIFIC
OCTOBER 2014
PROPOSED HBPC 2015 BUDGET ANTICIPATED INCOME
2014 2014 BUDGET HPBC-CP
2014 2014 2015 SBC OTHER Budget
2015 2015 HPBC-CP SBC Agencies
2015 Other
Cooperative Program........................... 1,213,000 ...... 1,213,000..........................................................1,237,300 ................................................................................... Lifeway Christian Resources.................... 80,000 .............................. 80,000 ..l..................................... 60,000 ...................................... 60,000 .. l............................. Evangelism - Trailer Ministries................... 2,000 ......................................................... 2,000 .. mf............ 2,000 ................................................................. 2,000 ..mf Evangelism - Disaster Relief....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... “Hawaii Pacific Baptist” paper....................... 500 ............................................................ 500 .....s............... 550 .................................................................... 550 .... s Next Generation Ministries - (BCM).......... 5,000 ................................ 5,000 ..l....................................... 5,000 ........................................ 5,000 .. l............................. Conference Fees ..................................... 57,500 ....................................................... 57,500 ....cf........... 57,500 ................................................................ 57,500 ... cf Direct income--Undesignated.................. 40,000 ...................................................... 40,000 ... di.......... 40,000 ............................................................... 40,000 ...di Interest (Investments)............................... 30,000 ...................................................... 30,000 ..... i.......... 40,000 ............................................................... 40,000 .....i General Fund -- reserve............................ 50,000 ...................................................... 50,000 ..... r.......... 50,000 ............................................................... 50,000 .....r North American Mission Board.............. 993,898 ............................ 993,898 .n................................... 993,904 .................................... 993,904 .n............................. Shared Ministry.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Woman’s Missionary Union........................ 2,000 ................................ 2,000 .w....................................... 2,500 ........................................ 2,500 .w............................. Puu Kahea Conference Center................ 377,500 ..................................................... 377,500 ... pf........ 440,000 ............................................................. 440,000 ...pf Puu Kahea - Kam School BE.................... 93,000 ...................................................... 93,000 ....kl.......... 93,000 ............................................................... 93,000 ... kl Puu Kahea- Utility Reimburse.................. 32,000 ...................................................... 32,000 ...ku.......... 36,000 ............................................................... 36,000 ..ku Puu Kahea - Donations............................... 5,500 ......................................................... 5,500 .. pd............ 6,500 ................................................................. 6,500 ..pd Mission Houses........................................ 12,000 ....................................................... 12,000 .. mf.......... 12,000 ............................................................... 12,000 ..mf International Bldg....................................... 6,000 ......................................................... 6,000 .. mf............ 6,000 ................................................................. 6,000 ..mf BCM Chapel............................................. 10,000 ....................................................... 10,000 .. mf.......... 10,000 ............................................................... 10,000 ..mf BCM-Manoa- Dormitory.......................... 39,000 ....................................................... 39,000 ... df.......... 42,000 ............................................................... 42,000 ...df Hawaii Pacific Mission Offering............. 115,000 ..................................................... 115,000 .sno......... 115,000 .............................................................. 115,000 .sno Legacy Fund Earnings................................ 5,000 ......................................................... 5,000 .... lf.......... 10,000 ............................................................... 10,000 ....lf Gain (Loss) on Sales (+Verizon lease)....................................................................................................... 18,000 ............................................................... 18,000 .... v TOTAL ANTICIPATED INCOME............ 3,168,898 ...... 1,213,000 . 1,080,898 ......... 875,000 ............ 3,277,254 ..... 1,237,300 .......... 1,061,404 ........... 978,550 ...... 2013 2013 2013 2013 2014 2014 2014 2014 ANTICIPATED EXPENSES BUDGET HPBC-CP SBC OTHER BUDGET HPBC-CP SBC OTHER Cooperative Program (31.5%)................ 382,095 ......... 382,095 .......................................................... 389,737 ....... 389,737 .......................................................... Sue Nishikawa Offering-HP Missions 115,000 ................................................... ......115,000 ............... 115,000 .................................................................. 115,000 Convention & Executive Board................. 13,500 ........... 13,500 ............................................................ 13,500 ......... 13,500 .......................................................... Administration......................................... 516,836 ......... 449,086 ...... 21,250 .n....... 46,500 ............... 581,759 ....... 471,881 .................. 7,750 .n............. 102,128 HPBC Properties..................................... 123,700 ........... 43,700 .............................. 80,000 ............... 125,700 ......... 45,700 ............................................. 80,000 Financial Services..................................... 90,941 ........... 89,441 ................................. 1,500 ................ 99,000 ......... 96,500 ............................................... 2,500 Leadership Dev & Church Growth.......... 123,441 ........... 37,941 ...... 72,000 ..l........ 13,500 .............. 136,500 ......... 45,672 ............... 60,000 .. l.............. 30,828 Prayer & Evangelism............................... 252,363 ........... 25,629 .... 214,234 ........... 12,500 .............. 248,097 ......... 21,645 ............. 210,952 .n.............. 15,500 Ministry Evang & Missionary Ed............ 134,947 ........... 38,717 ....... 87,230 ............. 9,000 .............. 143,056 .......... 31,116 ............... 95,390 ................. 16,550 Next Generation Ministries..................... 219,376 ........... 63,550 ....... 77,826 .......... 78,000 ............... 226,124 .......... 64,195 ............... 85,240 ................. 76,689 Missions & Church Planting.................. 678,259 ........... 58,901 .... 608,358 ........... 11,000 .............. 666,426 .......... 57,354 ............. 602,072 .................... 7,000 WMU, Womens & Family Ministry .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... Puu Kahea Conference Center................ 518,440 ........... 10,440 ............................ 508,000 .............. 532,355 .................................................................. 532,355 TOTAL ANTICIPATED EXPENSES......... 3,168,898 ...... 1,213,000 . 1,080,898 ......... 875,000 ............ 3,277,254 ..... 1,237,300 .......... 1,061,404 ................. 978,550
WELCOME, TAUPAUS!
Tuisamoa Taupau was installed as the new pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in American Samoa on Sept. 7. Clyde Kakiuchi from the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention was able to be there and bring greetings. Pastor Tuisamoa is pictured with his wife Faatele Taupau.
Annual Meeting Hotel and Other Information Should you need accommodations on Maui, please call Makena Beach Resort at 808-874-1111. Please remember to tell them you are with the HPBC Annual Meeting. The rate should be $169/ night + tax. If you have questions or are available to volunteer at this event, please contact Karen in the HPBC office at 356-8334.
Please do attend this year’s Annual Meeting. We look forward to seeing you in November!
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OCTOBER 2014
Nelson County Baptists minister to Filipino brethren By Debbie Davenport
Boston, Ky.—A team of Kentucky Baptists brought healing and hope to hundreds of Filipinos still recovering from Typhoon Pablo, a devastating storm that struck the island nation two years ago. The six-member team, including members of Rolling Fork Baptist Church in Boston, provided medical exams and treatment to nearly 900 people in the Philippines between Aug. 24 and Sept. 2. They also held several worship services and led two pastors’ conferences. Rolling Fork pastor Bruce Nichols said much work remains for the people trying to rebuild. “Some of the areas still are wiped out,” he said. “It will take time. They’ll just have to work at it a little at a time.” Typhoon Pablo was a Category 5 super typhoon with sustained winds reaching 175 mph. Some 1,900 people died as the December 2012 storm wiped out bridges, caused mudslides, flattened entire villages, and left thousands homeless. Despite the slow recovery, Nichols said Filipinos seemed resilient. At the hard-hit Cateel Southern Baptist Church where only the tile floor remains where the pulpit once stood, local church members worship under a makeshift pavilion. They hope to raise enough money for a new building soon. Nichols, having completed his fourth trip to the region, said he again was struck by the faithfulness of the Baptist islanders. “In Cateel, the congregation has next
Sue Fannin, a nurse from Rolling Fork Baptist Church in Boston, does a blood pressure check during a mission trip to the Philippines. She was part of a team of Kentucky Baptists who spent 10 days in the Philippines serving hundreds of Filipinos still recovering from Typhoon Pablo, a devastating storm that struck the island nation two years ago. The team provided medical exams and treatment to nearly 900 people in the Philippines between Aug. 24 and Sept. 2.
to nothing in terms of resources,” he said, “but they have such energetic worship. Even in the areas where the persecution is, they’re still standing firm in the faith.” Nichols said the ones serving on the mission trip, especially the first-timers, always return home forever changed by the experience. “They realize all the things we take for granted (in the United States),” he said, and many come home with a different perspective after seeing how
people live in other parts of the world. Eric Allen, missions mobilization team leader for the Kentucky Baptist Convention, said short-term missions always proves to be eye-opening for Americans. “I can’t encourage these kinds of short-term mission trips strongly enough,” Allen said. “In every instance, they benefit our churches as much as they benefit the people they’re reaching out to. I appreciate that Rolling Fork and Redeemer Fellowship are so willing to
reach out with the gospel in their local communities as well as to the uttermost part of the world.” Nichols said the mission trip has made him grateful as well. He expressed thanks for Kentucky Baptists’ prayers and financial support. “Most of all, I am very thankful that God would use people like us to carry out a mission as big as this one was,” Nichols said. (KBC)
Mission trip turns tragic for recent Georgetown College grad By Rick Hardison
Georgetown—A mission trip to South America turned tragic earlier this month when a Georgetown College graduate was killed. Erica Faith Hagan, 22, of Murray, was apparently murdered in Temuco, Chile. Her body was found on Sept. 6 in her on-campus apartment. Chilean authorities arrested a security guard Sept. 13 at the college where she was serving as a teaching assistant. Fox News reported that Hagan seemingly had been struck three times in the head with a blunt object. Police found partially burned blankets on the scene, and the investigation is on-going. “Remember the joyous times you had with my daughter,” her father, Chris Hagan, said on her Facebook page as he announced her death. “Eric had a contagious personality that made her loved by everyone. She did not see differences in people, but instead made friends with everyone,” said Kory Cunningham, associate pastor of Hardin Baptist Church, where Hagan had been a member since 2010. Hagan graduated from Georgetown College in May 2014 with a major in psychology and minor in Spanish. She arrived in Chile on July 28 and worked as an English teaching assistant at Colegio Bautista of Temuco, and she intended to return in December to pursue graduate school. Her friends and family remember Hagan as a vibrant and adventurous young woman who was strong in her love for Christ. “Her genuine smile could light up a room,” her colleagues at Chick-Fil-A in Georgetown said. Her infectious laugh and elegant demeanor were combined with a heart to serve others. She enjoyed working with kids, meeting new people, playing the
Erica Faith Hagan, 22, of Murray, died Sept. 6, in Chile. She graduated from Georgetown College in May 2014. She arrived in Chile on July 28 and worked as an English teaching assistant at Colegio Bautista of Temuco, and she intended to return in December to pursue graduate school.
clarinet, and she would donate her hair to locks of love. As valedictorian of Calloway High School in Murray in 2010, she was full of life, and was “terribly excited” to return to Chile, her aunt Charlene Martin recalled. Hagan previously spent three weeks in Chile on a mission trip in 2011. A memorial service was held at Hardin Baptist
Church in Murray on Saturday. Georgetown College also plans to hold a memorial service for Hagan, but no dates have been set. “We have certainly been affected (by her passing) and have set up counseling services for our campus community. We are working with the family to find the most fitting way to honor her memory,” said Dean of Students Laura Wyly. At least three separate fund raising efforts began online within days of Hagan’s death. A gofundme.com account aims to raise $100,000 to cover funeral expenses and to establish a scholarship in her name. Another gofundme.com account was established to pay for her body to return to the U.S. The effort raised more than $6,800 in 14 days. According to the Murray Ledger, the Colegio Bautista announced the college will pay the costs to transport Hagan’s body back to the U.S. Some family members are also selling t-shirts in Erica’s honor. The shirts have the text of 1 Corinthians 13:4, one of her favorite verses. Georgetown College has had an ongoing relationship with Colegio Bautista of Temuco. Despite Hagan’s death, Georgetown College will continue to partner with schools overseas. “Every precaution is taken to assure the safety of students who study abroad. Our students have been involved in international study and mission work without incident for many years,” campus minister Bryan Langlands said. “We do not expect students with a desire to experience other cultures and overseas study to be deterred. But we will always be mindful of their safety and advise them accordingly.” (WR) Rick Hardison is pastor of Great Crossing Baptist Church in Georgetown, and a freelance writer.
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A.T. Robertson & his monumental achievement By Craig Sanders
LOUISVILLE, Ky.—On the afternoon of Sept. 24, 1934, A.T. Robertson pondered over a difficult text in his Greek New Testament. Leaving a mark on Matthew 6:11, Robertson walked out of his office in Norton Hall at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary to teach his Greek class. He would never return. As students recited their translations of New Testament passages, sweat poured down Robertson’s discolored face. The scholar dismissed class early, an occurrence so rare that a junior professor rushed to Robertson’s aid and took him home. Shortly after, with his wife Ella at his side, the 70-year-old Robertson died of a stroke. According to his biographer, Robertson’s sudden death left the seminary campus in a state of shock. “If a storm had blown away the buildings and left Doctor Robertson,” a student is recorded as saying, “the seminary would have been more real than it was with him gone.” Eighty years later, Robertson’s grave consulted by leading Greek scholars a lies in the shadow of his father-in-law, century after it first appeared in print. Southern Baptist statesman John A. When Robertson completed the Broadus, at Louisville’s Cave Hill 3-foot-tall handwritten manuscript of Cemetery. his Greek grammar, the publisher Despite requesting this humble required him to pay for typesetting fees resting place, Robertson’s towering on account of his nearly illegible genius arguably surpasses that of writing. Broadus, one of the founders of As the price continued to soar, Southern Seminary. Robertson borrowed on his life “Robertson’s life and his work stand as a monumental achievement pointing insurance policy and took out a second mortgage on his home to finance the to the true essence of evangelical project. scholarship,” Albert Mohler Jr., Southern Seminary President E.Y. president of Southern Seminary, said of Mullins and trustee George W. Norton the famed Greek New Testament established a $10,000 scholar. “The very endowment fund to fact that we are “Never say you are losing cover the remaining having this time by going to school. You costs. discussion 80 years Amid the financial after his death is an are saving time, buying it up crisis, Robertson indication of the for the future and storing it confided in fellow power of a teacher away. Time used in storing faculty member W.O. and, in particular, power is not lost.” Carver, lamenting the power of a the possibility of teacher in the A.T. Robertson, initial address bankruptcy and service of the at Southern Baptist Theological questioning the value Christian church.” Seminary, Oct. 3, 1890 of the project. Born Nov. 6, Carver consoled 1863, Archibald him, saying, “You are our window to Thomas Robertson professed faith in the world. Nobody knows anyone at this Christ at the age of 12 and was licensed seminary except you.” to preach four years later. He attended In 1914, the first edition of the Wake Forest College, where he earned grammar received widespread praise his M.A. (1885) before enrolling at from Greek scholars. Harvard scholar Southern Seminary. Broadus, his Greek Henry Cadbury said it is “not only the professor, quickly recognized most modern of such grammars; it is Robertson’s aptitude for the biblical much the completest.” By 1923, the language and selected him as a book appeared in a fourth edition, teaching aide. bringing the 26-year project to In 1890, Robertson was elected completion. assistant professor of New Testament When Lutheran theologian Oscar interpretation and would teach at Cullmann visited Southern Seminary Southern for 44 years until his death in in 1966, he told a group of graduate 1934. students about a personal audience he Recognized as the premier New had with Pope John XXIII. Testament scholar of his generation, Upon noticing a copy of Robertson’s Robertson published 45 books, grammar next to the pontiff’s Greek including the six-volume “Word New Testament, Cullmann asked why Pictures in the New Testament” and he was using an English grammar. “It’s 1,454-page “A Grammar of the Greek the best one available,” the pope New Testament in the Light of responded. Historical Research,” which is still
A.T. Robertson at his Norton Hall desk on the campus of Southern Seminary in Louisville. Now 80 years after his death, the famed Greek New Testament scholar is remembered for the “monumental achievement” of his life and work and his many colorful quotes.
“A.T. Robertson was one of the greatest scholars in the seminary’s rich history, perhaps the greatest of all,” said seminary historian Gregory A. Wills, who is also dean of the school of theology. “He did more than any other to establish the seminary’s reputation for scholarship.” Robertson delivered his initial address at Southern Seminary, titled “Preaching and Scholarship,” on Oct. 3, 1890, rejecting the idea that theological education was a waste of time. “If theological education will increase your power for Christ, is it not your duty to gain that added power?” Robertson said. “Never say you are losing time by going to school. You are saving time, buying it up for the future and storing it away. Time used in storing power is not lost.” For Robertson, scholarship was not the goal of seminary education but rather a means. “If our system of theological training fails to make preachers, it falls short of the object for which it was established,” Robertson said in his address. “My plea is for scholarship that helps men to preach.” Robertson himself gained renown as a preacher, frequenting the pulpits of churches across the nation and delivering lectures at conferences and colleges. He refrained from denominational leadership during the Mullins presidency but pursued broader activities through the establishment of the Baptist World Alliance in 1900. “His scholarship was not in order to advance his reputation or career, but to serve the Kingdom of the Savior,” Wills said. “His 45 published books, countless articles and many addresses throughout the nation advanced sound Bible teaching, defended the Bible’s inspiration and inerrancy, and opposed the aggressive errors of his day,” he said. “He gave his life in defense of the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” (BP)
THE QUOTABLE ‘DOCTOR BOB’ “The greatest proof that the Bible is inspired is that it has stood so much bad preaching.” “Give a man an open Bible, an open mind, a conscience in good working order, and he will have a hard time to keep from being a Baptist.” “The Greek New Testament is the New Testament. All else is translation.” “The Lord won’t hear your prayers if you don’t treat your wives right. Don’t look at me, Brother! It’s a dangerous thing to get married if you still mean to pray.” “There are so many young Spurgeons, but so few of them grow up.” “A minister ought to be a gentleman even though he is a minister.” “If a numbskull comes to the seminary and goes away a numbskull, do not blame the seminary. For some men are hard to teach.”
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OCTOBER 2014
Busy moms discover how God uses everyday life for ministry By Adam Miller
Alpharetta, Ga.—Stephanie Copenhaver isn’t sure why they keep coming back or why they showed up in the first place. Apart from an invitation from her kids and their friends, there didn’t appear to be anything else that drew six students two years ago—midsummer, no less—to “learn about Jesus” in a four-week study in July. The second week, 12 students came and by the end of the study, more than 30 students had been introduced to the Good Samaritan, the Armor of God, biblical values and Jesus, about whom most knew little to nothing. “These weren’t churched kids, and yet most of them totally hung on every word,” said Copenhaver, a member of Northside Baptist Church in Roswell, Ga. This all started the summer before her youngest son John’s fifth-grade year. Copenhaver said she had been considering how privileged her kids were to know about the Bible and about Jesus. She wanted other kids to experience the life God intended for them. “I called two other mothers and asked if they wanted to get kids together to study the Bible,” she said. “They said ‘sure’ and we told our kids to invite their friends.” After a few planning meetings over lunch, the mothers had developed a few short lessons that would introduce unchurched, soon-to-be middle schoolers to the Bible, God and God’s plan for the people He created. Last year the same kids returned, this time bringing some of their friends to learn about Jesus’ miracles in the gospel of John. As a result of the study, one student—Phillip Bruce—became a Christian and was baptized. “We got a cool-looking cross made for him. He wears it all the time,” Copenhaver said. Two years into being with the group, Bruce says he is noticing a change in the way he thinks about life. “I think twice about things now,” Bruce said. “I forgive more quickly, and now I go back and change my mind when I think about doing something foolish.” Copenhaver’s evaluation of these experiences: “I stand at these meetings and I think, ‘I can’t believe He chose me to be a part of this.’”
Growing influence Copenhaver is quick to point out that she and the two other moms involved in this ministry—Pam Troutman and Jiska Van Ede—aren’t doing anything special, other than simply remaining open to God’s leading. “I think if you’re open to God, He will give you opportunities,” she said. “A lot of people say they don’t feel like they know enough. Well, I don’t either. I’m not a pastor. I’ve never read through the entire Bible. But I think that if you love God and make yourself available then that’s all it takes. And honestly I’d be blown away if just five unchurched kids showed up.” Troutman said observing what God is doing through the kids has surprised her. “What strikes me most is how these kids, many who go to different schools, actually are praying and caring for each other,” Troutman said. “I don’t think any of us ever could have expected it to go like this.” Van Ede says the group is able to give her boys and the others something she didn’t experience in her native Holland. “I was the only one on my street to go to church,” she said. “(Biblical community) is the thing I never had as a kid growing up in Europe.” Living on mission “Life On Mission,” a new resource offered by the North American Mission Board, challenges Christians to live on mission in their everyday lives. In the book, authors Dustin Willis and Aaron Coe share stories of laypeople impacting their spheres of influence with the gospel. “The Christian life is a life on mission,” said Dustin Willis, a former church planter whose experiences are chronicled in “Life On Mission,” which has been
Top, Stephanie Copenhaver, a busy mom of four, often spends as much time discipling her children and their friends on the way to soccer matches as she does in formal settings. (Photos by Susan Whitley/NAMB) Left, as many as 30 middle school boys gathered in Stephanie Copenhaver’s home over the summer to attend a discipleship Bible study in four weekly sessions. Below, Copenhaver discusses the summer Bible study she hosts for middle school boys with fellow leaders Pam Troutman and Jiska Van Ede (right).
“I think if you’re open to God, He will give you opportunities. A lot of people say they don’t feel like they know enough. Well, … I’m not a pastor. I’ve never read through the entire Bible. But I think that if you love God and make yourself available then that’s all it takes.” Stephanie Copenhaver
released through Moody Publishers. Willis works with Coe at NAMB as a mobilization and equipping coordinator. Before becoming NAMB’s vice president of mobilization and marketing, Coe spent seven years planting Gallery Church in New York City. He wrote of how believers living out the everyday mission of God led to his and his wife’s salvation and ultimately to their call to ministry. Coe’s greatgrandmother, as a layperson, actually helped start the church where Coe’s wife, Carmen, accepted Christ.
For the future Believers like Copenhaver who are living on mission are recognizing their work is for future generations. “I feel like these kids are still open and unjaded, but I also know they are exposed to so much at a very young age that will shape how they see the world,” Copenhaver said. “I feel like if we get them at a young age we can help shape future generations. And while I may not know all of them really well, I have a personal interest in where they spend eternity.” (BP) Adam Miller writes for the North American Mission Board.
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Truett Cathy, faith-rooted business entrepreneur, dies at 93 By Art Toalston
Atlanta —S. Truett Cathy, founder of the Chick-fil-A restaurant chain famous for closing on Sundays, died Sept. 8. He was 93. “I was not so committed to financial success that I was willing to abandon my principles and priorities,” Cathy once said. “Our decision to close on Sunday was our way of honoring God and of directing our attention to things that mattered more than our business.” Cathy, one of Southern Baptists’ most respected businessmen, was surrounded by loved ones when he died at his home at 1:35 a.m., according to an announcement from the Atlanta-based company. Mel Blackaby, senior pastor of the Atlanta-area First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, described Cathy as “perhaps the most gracious Christian man I have ever known, and it was a privilege to be his pastor.” “Having taught eighth-grade boys Sunday School class for 52 years, he chose to invest his life in the next generation of leaders,” Blackaby said in a statement to The Christian Index of the Georgia Baptist Convention. “Everywhere I go, I meet leaders with a smile on their face who say, ‘I am one of Truett’s boys!’ “His winsome personality left a positive impression on every person he met, and his deep love for the Lord was undeniable,” Blackaby said. “In the marketplace he may be known as ‘the inventor of the chicken sandwich,’ but his success in business simply gave him Influential business entrepreneur S. Truett Cathy, founder of the Chick-fil-A restaurants. (Chick-fil-A photo.) the opportunity to serve people and point them to Christ. Truett’s life is the story of a man and his God. impact that Truett Cathy has had upon young people role of chairman emeritus until his death. He leaves an example for all to follow.” through his generous scholarship programs that have “Bubba” Cathy leads a retreat center founded by the More than 1,800 Chick-fil-A restaurants operate in assisted many in their desire to complete their college company, while his daughter, Trudy Cathy White, is 40 states and Washington, D.C., recording $5 billion in education,” White said. “Georgia Baptists extend our involved with a summer girls’ camp, also stemming annual sales in 2013 and 47 consecutive years of prayers to the Cathy family as well as to all the Chickfrom her father’s charitable work. annual sales increases. Chick-fil-A was listed among fil-A family for the comfort and peace of the Lord.” She and her husband John served 12 years as the “Top 20 Brands with the Most Loyal Fans on Ronnie Floyd, president of the Southern Baptist Southern Baptist missionaries in Brazil. Facebook” in a report by market research firm Convention, said Cathy “lived before the entire world John White subsequently was the International LoudDoor released in August. a strong commitment to faith, family and work. His Mission Board’s associate vice president for overseas Cathy, a native of Eatonton, Ga., who moved to convictional leadership not only built a great family, operations from 1995-2001 and executive vice Atlanta with his family at age 4, has received more but also one of America’s most phenomenal president from 2001-03. than 100 national, state and community awards since companies.” Truett Cathy established his WinShape Foundation 1984 and 18 honorary doctorates Floyd, pastor of Cross Church in in 1984, reflecting his desire to “shape winners” by since 1991. northwest Arkansas, said he will helping young people succeed in life through His key Bible verse was Proverbs “I was not so committed never forget Cathy’s address at a scholarships and other youth-support programs. 22:1: “A good name is rather to be to financial success that I regional business summit several In addition, through its Leadership Scholarship chosen than great riches, and loving was willing to abandon my years ago. Program, the Chick-fil-A chain has given more than favor rather than silver and gold.” “To this day, it remains the principles and priorities. Our $32 million in financial assistance to Chick-fil-A After serving in the Army from largest crowd we have had in our decision to close on Sunday restaurant employees since 1973. 1939-45, Cathy and his brother Ben 12-year history. His life, legacy and opened their first restaurant in As part of Cathy’s WinShape Homes program, 13 was our way of honoring personality captivated the 1946, a venue so small they named it foster care homes were launched and operated by God and of directing our audience.” The Dwarf Grill (later, The Dwarf Cathy and the WinShape Foundation to provide longattention to things that Frank Page, president of the SBC House). A second suburban Atlanta term care for foster children within a positive family Executive Committee, said he was mattered more than our location opened in 1951 but burned environment. “privileged to meet with Truett in 1960. In reopening and business.” WinShape Homes has provided a safe and secure Cathy on several occasions. repurposing the restaurant, Cathy home to more than 450 children in which they could S. Truett Cathy, “I deeply appreciated his stand became one of the pioneers of fastgrow physically, spiritually and emotionally. founder of the Chick-fil-A on Christian convictions. Most of food restaurants in greater Atlanta. WinShape Camps was founded in 1985 as a restaurant chain all, I admired his tenacity and In 1967 Cathy continued to chart residential two-week summer camp to impact young faithfulness, especially exhibited in new ground, opening his first Chickpeople through experiences that enhance their teaching young boys at First Baptist fil-A venue in a mall followed in 1986 by the first freeChristian faith, character and relationships. Each Jonesboro, Ga. standing Chick-fil-A. summer, more than 18,000 campers attend WinShape His example of steadfastness and commitment to Ethical and biblical principles were central to each Camps. teaching the Word of God is an example to us all.” of Cathy’s steps forward. In 2003, Cathy’s son Bubba and daughter-in-law The president of the SBC’s Ethics & Religious “We live in a changing world, but we need to be Cindy opened WinShape Retreat, a retreat and Liberty Commission, Russell Moore, said Cathy reminded that the important things have not conference facility on the campus of Berry College in “demonstrated that the lordship of Christ is about the changed,” he said. Rome, Ga. The multi-use facility hosts marriagewhole of life. He modeled integrity, hard work and “I have always encouraged my restaurant operators enrichment retreats along with business and churchcompassion. and team members to give back to the local related conferences. “The ‘closed on Sundays’ sign on his stores is a community. We should be about more than just In the summer months, it also houses WinShape countercultural statement that man does not live by selling chicken; we should be a part of our customers’ Camp for girls, directed by Trudy Cathy White. bread alone, and there is more to life than a bottom lives and the communities in which we serve.” Cathy was the author of “It’s Easier to Succeed Than line. He is now in that eternal Sabbath rest, where the Robert White, executive director of the Georgia to Fail” (Thomas Nelson Publishing, 1989); “Eat Mor banquet is never closed. On earth, he will be missed Baptist Convention, said Cathy “will long be Chikin: Inspire More People” (Looking Glass Books, remembered for taking strong Christian stands in the and, I pray, emulated.” 2002); “It’s Better to Build Boys Than Mend Men” Cathy is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jeannette marketplace including keep the Lord’s day as a day of (Looking Glass Books, 2004); “How Did You Do It, McNeil Cathy; sons Dan T. and Don “Bubba” Cathy; rest and worship for all Chick-fil-A employees and influencing his company’s more recent stand honoring daughter Trudy Cathy White; 19 grandchildren and 18 Truett?”(Looking Glass Books, 2007); and “Wealth, Is It Worth It?” (Looking Glass Books, 2011). great-grandchildren. Dan Cathy became president of the sanctity of marriage between one man and one He also was co-author of “The Generosity Factor” Chick-fil-A in 2001, and chairman and chief executive woman.” “It would be difficult to measure the positive officer in 2013 while Truett Cathy continued in the with Ken Blanchard (Zondervan Publishing, 2002). (BP)
12
HAWAII PACIFIC
AROUND THESE ISLANDS
JUNE 2014
prayer calendar OCTOBER 1 Eun Suk Choi Global Revival, Oahu 1 Bryan Wittekind Waianae , Oahu 2 Chie Watanabe Olivet, Oahu 3 Steven Hedlund Kohala, Big Island 3 Danni Komatsu Kahului, Maui 4 Jae Kil Lee All People, Oahu 4 Brian Smart HPBC, Oahu 8 Herb Oshiro Retired, Oahu 8 Dee Gray Makaha Valley, Oahu 10 Frances Oh Retired, Oahu 10 Lindsey Gaikowski - Puu Kahea, Oahu 11 Susan Chong Retired, Oahu 11 Daniel Tomita Kinoole, Big Island 12 Vicky Kawamae Cornerstone, Oahu 12 Nancy Whitehead Assoc., Big Island 13 Florence Baggett Retired, Oahu 13 Mark Teves Chaplaincy, Oahu 13 Natalie Morikawa - Kailua, Oahu 14 Rick Lazor OlaNui!, Oahu 15 Kil Chung - Chaplaincy, Oahu 15 Lillie Lauifi - Falemauga, Am. Samoa 16 Paul Kaneshiro Pukalani, Maui 16 Jeremy Kaneshiro - Valley Isle, Maui 16 Lucy Tafao Happy Valley, Samoa 19 Jeff Evans Pali View, Oahu 23 Leon Baker Retired, Big Island 23 John Denton - Chaplaincy, Oahu 25 Elise Tafao Happy Valley, Samoa 26 Kyung Sook Kim - Maui 1st Korean, Maui 27 Hyung Hoon Kim Global Revival, Oahu 28 Jason Hew - Olivet, Oahu 28 Charlene Vaughn Retired, Oahu 29 Clarice Kaneshiro Valley Isle, Maui 29 Kesley Poll - Anapouo, Oahu 31 Hatsue Kinoshita Retired, Oahu 31 Richard McFatridge HPBC, Oahu NOVEMBER 1 Vaafuti Filipo Pago Pago, Am. Samoa 2 Sekap Esah Sap=UK Hawaii Chuukese, Oahu 3 Debbie Armstrong - Kihei, Maui 3 Samantha Davis - Aloha Community 3 Bong Hyuk Lim - Mililani Korean 5 Anita Barshaw - Faith BC, Oahu 7 Aki Reian - Waianae Chuukese 8 Roberta Harada Retired, Oahu 8 Jung A. Kang - Antioch, Oahu 9 Geno Takaki Haleiwa, Oahu 11 Jefferson Poll - Anapouo, Oahu 14 Joel Berona - Faith, Big Island 14 Aaron Dieringer Hawaii Kai, Oahu 14 Beom Lee Olive, Oahu 15 Grace Efurd Retired, Oahu 15 Rudy Gomintong HI Christian, Oahu 15 He Young Kim Global Revival, Oahu 17 Janice Morita - Olivet, Oahu 18 Josefina Saludez - Retired, Oahu 18 Jerry Sulliban HPBC, Oahu 19 Yang Suk Kim - Cornerstone Korean, Oahu 21 Ben Carino - Haleiwa Filipino, Oahu 21 Kim Wittekind Waianae , Oahu 23 Denver Copeland - Waikoloa, Big Island 24 Joshua Marburger - Pukalani, Maui 24 Rob Puckett Calvary, Guam 28 Steven Gray - FBC Wahiawa, Oahu 28 Tsunenori Uchino - Agape Japanese, Oahu
Thanks, Darla!
Darla Richardson was honored by the Oahu Baptist Network and the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention for her service as a missions volunteer serving the Waianae Coast. She worked with the Chuukese children and youth with Vacation Bible School, Bible studies and activities. She moved to Memphis, Tennessee, in September to begin another ministry with a multi-housing Program. She was presented a plaque and gift by OBN president Emory Gaskins.
prayer calendar HPBC-sponsored events in bold OCTOBER 1-31 Cooperative Program Emphasis Month 5 Soul-Winning Commitment Day 12 World Hunger Sunday 14 Engage 24 NOVEMBER 2 Disaster Relief Appreciation Day 4 General Election Day
5-6 New Workers Orientation 6-7 Annual Meeting 11 Veterans’ Day 27 Thanksgiving 30-7 Week of Prayer & Mission Study for International Missions & Lottie Moon Christmas Offering DECEMBER 25 Christmas
Missions Leadership Conference
sympathy Mrs. Joy B. Nash passed away September 17, 2014 in Ft. Worth, Texas. She was the wife of Stanton H. Nash (deceased) who served as Hawaii’s executive director, 1959-62. She is survivied by her children April Joy Woods, Stanna Joy Schreiber, Marel Joy Buffington and Stanton H. Nash II.
The Missions Leadership Conference was held Sept. 22-24 at Puu Kahea Conference Center in Waianae. The event speaker was Jay Armstrong, lead pastor at Kihei Baptist Chapel on Maui. Mike Hand represented the International Mission Board and Lorna Bius represented the North American Missions Board. Pastors, missions committee members and church planters from Big Island, Oahu, and Guam attended the conference.