Aloha Hawaii Pacific Baptist Ohana,
I’m pleased to report the HPBC Executive Board met on August 22nd, 2025, at Mililani Baptist Church. A big mahalo to Pastor Dennis Andrews and Mililani Baptist Church for their hospitality.
We had 10 members present in person and 6 joining remotely via Zoom. In this meeting we also piloted AI-assisted minute-taking using Wave AI technology because we are still without an interim recording secretary.
Dr. Webb reported on our financial position with some encouraging news. Most notably, Pu’u Kahea Conference Center has experienced a remarkable turnaround with strong bookings and a surplus in the first half of the year. We’ve also received over $55,000 in donations for renovations from several churches and successfully completed kitchen recertification.
The Church Health Conference in July, at Olivet Baptist Church, was a tremendous success with 150 participants from over 40 churches, demonstrating the continued desire for healthy churches in our convention.
Hawaii Baptist Academy continues to thrive graduating 124 students this year, bringing their total alumni count to over 5,000! Current enrollment stands at 1,130 students and they are celebrating the grand opening of the Hugh and Mary McCormick Innovation and Discovery Center on September 13th.
The board approved compensation adjustments for our Pu’uKahea caretakers; including an annual salary increase for Corey and health insurance coverage for Sarah, and a well-deserved one-time bonus recognizing exceptional efforts in restoring camp operations after COVID shutdown.
The Board approved eleven theological education scholarships totaling over $11,500, supporting church members from Asia to Hawaii pursuing advanced degrees at Baptist seminaries. This investment in leadership development remains a cornerstone of our ministry to support churches.
One of our most significant decisions was empowering Dr. Webb to establish a partnership with Gateway Seminary to bring a seminary campus to Oahu. This represents an exciting opportunity to strengthen theological education for the people in our churches in our region.
The Maui Fire Caring Ministry concluded recently after contacting 748 survivors and distributing significant aid, marking the completion of an important chapter in our disaster response efforts, though there are further needs and anticipated responses in the days ahead for disaster relief.
This meeting reflected the strength of our convention. We’re seeing financial stability, responsible stewardship of kingdom resources, growing enrollment at our academy, successful church support programs, and strategic planning for the future as a convention. Our partnership opportunities, particularly with Gateway Seminary, position us well for expanded theological education in the Islands.
The desire for cooperation, the integrity of our financial stewardship, and our commitment to both local and international missions demonstrate that the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention continues to work together for the gospel throughout the Pacific and to the nations. The next Board meeting is scheduled for November 22nd at 9:00 AM in Kona.
Thank you for your support. I invite you to join me here on the Big Island, at the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa on November 20 & 21 as we contend together for the faith of the gospel and celebrate our cooperation and enjoy fellowship at our Annual Meeting. Mahalo nui loa and God bless.
Serving with joy,
Brian Frable
President, HPBC Executive Board President