A GATHERING PLACE OF NATIONS
Hawaii is a gathering place for people from all over the Pacific Basin. Representatives from every culture in the Pacific are living and working here. Students from all over the Pacific study at the University of Hawaii and the many community colleges. The potential for helping the nations exult in God throughout the Asia-Pacific region is astounding.
PAST
Biblical Ministries Worldwide entered this strategic archipelago in 1968. Three churches have become autonomous since then, all on the island of Oahu (The Gathering Place):
In 1985 Faith Bible Church began meeting near Pearl Harbor, under the leadership of Karl & Shirley Hanaoka. In September 2007 the Buttram family (who since 1986 have served in Hawaii, Samoa, and Fiji) returned to Hawaii - believing God was directing them to take the Hanaokas' place. They believe this is the first among many new local churches God wants to raise up in these islands, and through whom He wants to spread the Gospel of Christ to peoples of the Pacific.
PRESENT
Currently Faith Bible Church is made up of local people of Japanese, Filipino, and mixed ethnicities along with a few military families. A core of men has emerged who are already taking leadership and have a heart for ministry. These brothers and sisters are serving one another in love and are acting on their concern for lost family members, friends and neighbors. One neighborhood Bible study has been started and is drawing several surrounding families. The hope for Faith Bible Church is that God will raise up godly men with a heart for ministry and who are willing to be trained to lead these folks into all that God wants to do through them – including sending out church planters in Hawaii and missionaries to the nations.
FUTURE
There is potential for starting churches in every ethnic group and sub-culture in the islands. The possibilities are limitless. More local churches are needed in growing areas such as Kapolei and Ewa, as well as the smaller communities along the North Shore, and even in Honolulu itself and the outer islands.
There is plenty of room for expansion on the BMW Hawaii team. We are taking an apostolic approach to church planting: seeking to see churches established that are led by equipped local leaders as soon as possible. Folks with a heart for evangelism, discipleship and leadership development may find this a team they want to join.
Hawaii is a potential springboard to ministry throughout the Islands and to every nation around the Pacific Rim. This gathering place of nations can be a hub for the spread of the Gospel throughout the vast Pacific region.
For more information, contact BMW's International Office.
