In Acts 6:1-7, there arose a conflict within the church. When Jewish widows became Christians, they were not allowed to receive food from the Jewish storehouses. It became the church’s responsibility to distribute food to widows.
The Greek speaking widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. They began to complain. The apostles were called in to mediate this conflict. The apostle agreed to not give up studying and preaching God’s word to oversee the food ministry.
The church selected seven men of spiritual integrity and ability to oversee this ministry. Traditionally, this is where we think the office of deacon originated. It was probably not these original men, but the office of deacon became an outgrowth of this event.
We praise the Lord as our church experiences numerical growth. In order to give better care to our church families, we have selected four men who will be serving as deacons: Eddie Ford, Ken Gwaltney, Peter Nash, and Danny Yamamoto. I look forward to working with our deacons to better serve the needs of our church family. The deacons don’t run the church. They serve the church. Now, you have two people looking after you! Your deacon will be contacting you soon. Please pray and support our deacons. They will need your encouragement.
Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor's Heart - February 12, 2023
The hymn “Amazing Grace” is one of the most recognized Christian songs in the world. However, people don’t know the history behind this hymn. “Amazing Grace” was written by John Newton in 1779.
John Newton was involved in the slave trade. At a young age Newton worked on slave ships and became the captain of several slave ships. An experience changed Newton’s life forever. In 1748, Newton’s ship was traveling from Africa to Liverpool and got caught in a storm. The storm was so severe Newton called out to God for mercy.
When the ship safely reached Donegal, Ireland, Newton’s Christian journey began. He started reading the Bible. He repented for being part of the slave trade, which forced people into a life of suffering. Eventually, Newton would become an Anglican Priest.
It wasn’t until 1779 did Newton pen the words to the hymn. In 1788, Newton broke his silence and became an advocate against the slave trade. He lived to see the passage of the British Slave Trade Act in 1807.
“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now I’m found, was blind but now I see.” Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor's Heart - February 05, 2023
One of the people who have most inspired me as a Christian is Polycarp, the Bishop of Smyrna (69 AD—155 AD). Smyrna was located in Asia Minor in present day Turkey. Polycarp was a disciple of the Apostle John. In his old age, he became the bishop of Smyrna.
Persecution against Christians had broken out. Believers were being fed to wild beasts in the arena. Soon the blood craving crowd began to call out for the Christians leader Polycarp.
On a Friday afternoon, Polycarp was resting in a country home. A posse fully armed arrested Polycarp. Polycarp’s friends wanted to sneak him out, but he refused saying: “God’s will be done.”
When Polycarp was brought into the area, the Roman proconsul pleaded with Polycarp to curse Christ. Polycarp answered: “Eighty-six years I have served Him. He had never done me wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King who has saved me?”
The proconsul order Polycarp to be burned alive. When the fire was prepared Polycarp lifted his eyes to heaven and prayed. As the flames engulfed him, the believers noted that it smelled not like burning flesh but the sweet aroma of baked bread. Polycarp died a Christian martyr in 155 AD.
Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor's Heart - January 29, 2023
Today’s theme is the biblical fellowship. What is biblical fellowship? The word “fellowship” comes from the Greek word: Koinonia, which means “holding something in common.” Fellowship is shared participation within a community.
Biblical fellowship is a spiritual fellowship. It is a fellowship created by the Holy Spirit, sustained by the Holy Spirit, and directed by the Holy Spirit. It brings together a group of like-minded people. It is an awakening of souls who wish to live, work, and practice, study, play, and share all things together.
Where ever we are in our walk with the Lord, fellowship gives us strength. Being around others give us a chance to learn and grow in our faith. It demonstrates and reinforces what we believe in the Bible. In Hebrews 10:25, we are encouraged to not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but are to encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor's Heart - January 22, 2023 The most biblical, evangelistic, and healthy churches are Intergenerational churches. Intergenerational churches are different from multi-generational churches. In a multi-generational church, there are multiple generations within the church body; however, the generations may never interact with each other. An Intergenerational church intentionally sustains regular interaction among members from every generation. These churches are interactively driven.
The Bible has much to say about an Intergenerational church. We are not to rebuke an older man but exhort him as a father, younger men like as brothers, older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters with all purity (1 Tim. 5:1-2; CSB). Older women are to teach what is good, so they may encourage the younger women to love their husbands and children (Titus 2:3-5).
The Intergenerational church is a well-balanced. In the Intergenerational church infants develope their first impression of church. It is a church where children are memorizing Scripture, and youth are loved as they struggle with changes to themselves and their circumstances. An Intergenerational church is where young adults find support from older adults, and older adults are loved and respected from everyone. The young need the wise counsel of senior adults. The church is a place made up of people from every generation, who love and care for each other. Together we worship, serve, and grow into Christlikeness.
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From the Pastor's Heart - January 15, 2023
These are some Church signs. They make us laugh and think:
“Be the kind of person your pet thinks you are.”
“Honk if you love Jesus, text while driving if you want to meet Him”.
“Tweet others as you would like to be tweeted.”
“There are some questions that can’t be answered by Google.”
“Jesus is watching how you drive, but the police have radar.”
“What’s missing from CH…CH? U R.”
“Sin is a short word with a long sentence.”
“God gave us mouths that close and ears to that don’t, that should tell us something.”
Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor's Heart - January 8, 2023
This is the history behind the hymn: “It is Well with My Soul.” Horatio Spafford was born in 1828 and became a lawyer. He developed a successful practice and would eventually move his family to Chicago in 1856. When the great fire swept through the city of Chicago in 1871, Spafford became deeply in financial debt. In November 1873, the Spafford family’s physician suggested the family take a trip to Europe to relieve much of the stress due to their financial challenges. Horatio accompanied his wife and four daughters to New York and helped his family board the ship bound for Europe. Spafford himself had some legal obligations to fulfill and planned to join his family later. The ship carrying Spafford’s family never made it to Europe. It collided with another ship and sank. All of Spafford’s daughters perished, and Spafford’s wife was rescued clinging on to a piece of driftwood. Spafford’s wife sent Horatio a message: “Saved alone.”
When Spafford boarded a ship to join his wife in Paris, he gave the captain the coordinates of where the ship carrying his four daughters sank. He asked the captain to notify him when the ship reached the location of the wreck. When they reached the exact spot, Spafford stared into the water and started writing these words: “When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul.”
Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor's Heart - January 1, 2023
Everyone is making predictions for the New Year. I have some of my own predictions for the future:
1. I predict the Word of God will not fail but accomplish every purpose and intent of God.
2. I predict people will continue to be transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
4. I predict the Holy Spirit will continue to convict people of their sins.
5. I predict the Church will continue to grow on earth as it shares the Gospel of Christ.
6. I predict Satan and his demons will not destroy the Church of Christ.
7. I predict we are closer to the return of Jesus Christ than any other generation.
8. I predict Christians around the world will continue to be persecuted for the Gospel.
9. I predict the Word of God along with the Holy Spirit will make us wise unto salvation.
10. I predict God’s righteousness will finally triumph over evil.
Blessings, Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor's Heart - December 25, 2022
One of my favorite Christmas Carols is I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. “I heard the bells on Christmas Day. Their old, familiar carols play, and wild and sweet the words repeat of peace on earth, good will to men!” The history behind this carol is not widely known. In 1863, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was inspired to write this poem while listening to ringing bells on Christmas Day. He had fallen into a depression in 1861, when his wife Frances died while sealing envelopes with hot wax caught her dress on fire. She died the next day. In 1863, Longfellow suffered the loss of his son Charles who joined the Union Army during the Civil War. Charles enlisted in the 1st Massachusetts Artillery. In November of that year Charles was killed in battle at New Hope, Virginia. These two major setbacks really challenged Longfellow’s resolve. However, in the backdrop of despair, Longfellow heard bells ringing from the nearby church. He found in those echoing tones a message that peace would once again return to a troubled nation. “There is no peace on earth I said: ‘For hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth good will to men! Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: God is not dead; nor doth He sleep! The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, good will to men!’”
Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor's Heart - December 18, 2022
In this article, I would like to share with you one of my favorite Christmas songs written by Christian songwriter David Meece, called: “We are the Reason”:
As little children we would dream of Christmas morn Of all the gifts and toys we knew we'd find But we never realized a Baby born one blessed night Gave us the greatest gift of our lives
Chorus: We are the reason that He gave His life We are the reason that He suffered and died To a world that was lost, He gave all He could give To show us the reason to live As the years went by we learned more about gifts The giving of ourselves and what that means On a dark and cloudy day, a man hung crying in the rain All because of love, all because of love
(Chorus) I've finally found the reason for living It's in giving every part of my heart to Him In all that I do, every word that I say I'll be giving my all just for Him, for Him
(Chorus)
Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor's Heart - December 11, 2022
In a couple of weeks we will be observing our Christmas Eve candle lighting service. As I write this article, I remember a message God impressed upon me several years ago while preparing the candles for the candle lighting service.
One year I was preparing for the candle lighting service. I had taken the boxes of candles and candle holders down from the shelf. As I opened the boxes of candles, I found one candle had cracked in half. The only thing keeping it together was the wick. My thought was there no sense crying over a broken candle and was not going to use it.
God impressed upon me this message. One of the many purposes of a candle-lighting service is the symbolism of the light of Christ illuminating a world filled with darkness. God spoke to me. Like this broken candle Jesus’ body was broken. Jesus’ face was so beaten up He was unrecognizable. It is through Jesus’ stripes we are healed from the dominion of sin’s power. What a better candle to use to light other candles. It is through Jesus’ brokenness did He bring light and life to a dark and sin filled world.
As we gather on Christmas Eve and light our candles, let's stand in awe of the Christ Child but let us never forget the price Jesus paid to bring hope to a world filled with darkness.
Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor's Heart - December 4, 2022
I heard the Christmas story at school. I learned of Mary and Joseph and their long trip to Bethlehem. Mary was expecting a baby, and Jesus was born in a stable, because there was no room in the inn. Instead of lying in a crib, Jesus laid in a feeding trough.
I saw the Innkeeper as the villain, because he put Joseph and Mary in the stable. However, I have grown in my faith and understanding of the Bible. I now see the Innkeeper as kind-hearted and compassionate.
The Romans required everyone to travel back to their home town to register for taxation. The inns in Bethlehem were packed. The trip took a long time as Mary was toward the end of her pregnancy. Instead of turning the couple away into the cold rainy weather, he gave them his only available accommodation. He probably cleaned the stable making it acceptable for a birth of a baby. This Christmas let’s practice kindness and compassion.
Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor's Heart - November 27, 2022
Entitlement is the belief that one is inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment. Entitlement kills the attitude of Thanksgiving. Entitlement does not appreciate the price and sacrifice of others to provide a service or product.
In Luke 17:11-19, Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem. He met 10 men who had leprosy. Their leprosy made them ritually unclean. The men cried out to Jesus to be healed. Jesus sent them to the priest to be examined and pronounced healed. However, only one of the 10 men returned to say “Thank you.” He fell to the ground and gave praise to God.
Social scientists validate this percentage. About 1 out 10 people live with an attitude of gratitude. Jesus’ question is echoed to this generation. “Where are the other 9?” Did the other 9 men feel entitled to be healed? Did God owe it to those men to heal them?
What can we learn from this event in Jesus’ ministry? First, a prideful person is not a thankful person. Were those 9 other men prideful because they felt entitled? Second, prideful people will not admit they are needful. Finally, prideful people are not prayerful people. When we come before God in prayer, we are admitting we need help. We have no other plan or resources.
Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor's Heart - November 20, 2022
People question the practice of church membership. The Bible doesn’t explicitly command church membership; however, Brian Boyles gives us 5 reasons church membership is evident in the Bible. First, the majority of letters in the New Testament were written to the local church. Paul’s letters to the Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, and Romans, were addressed to a local body of believers. Second, the requirements of church leadership showed church membership was assumed. These leadership positions were chosen from the membership of the local church. Third, letters of membership were sent when a member of one church traveled to another. A letter of good standing was carried by Apollos when he went from the church in Ephesus to the church in Achaia and Colossae. Mark carried a letter to Colossae. Fourth, Jesus taught church discipline in the context of church membership. In Matt. 18:15-20, church discipline involves a process where a church member found in sin goes through steps either to be restored or remove from the church. This only works through the authority given to the local church. Finally, when a person comes to faith in Christ, it is vital for their spiritual growth to place themselves under the teaching and authority of the Word of God in a local church. Church membership is not only for the benefit of the believer but benefits the whole body of Christ.
Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor's Heart - November 13, 2022
There were four lawyers who went to New York City to negotiate the closing of a multimillion-dollar merger. The meetings went well, and the lawyers were to leave for home on the early morning flight. In the airport lounge, the men were in a jovial mood joking and laughing about their successful negotiations for the merger. Waiting to board the aircraft, they did not hear the final boarding call for their flight. Over the loud speaker, an announcement was made the aircraft’s doors were closing. In a panic, they ran to the gate knocking down fruits from a blind vendor’s stand. Three of the men never looked back and barely boarded the plane. The last man stopped to help the blind women pick up the apples and oranges scattered over the terminal’s floor. When all the fruits were picked up from the floor, the woman asked the man who had missed his flight a question: “Are you Jesus?” You can never tell what your words and actions say to a person. You may be the only Jesus some may ever see.
Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor's Heart - November 6, 2022
In this article, we will be looking at what we believe about God, the Father. We learn about the fatherhood of God through nature, the Bible, and Jesus Christ. We know about God because He has revealed Himself to us. God’s ultimate revelation of Himself is found in the person of Jesus Christ.
What are the attributes of God, the Father? God is omnipotent. He is all-powerful. In the Old Testament, God is referred to as the “Almighty.” The Hebrew name for the “Almighty” is “El Shaddai.” No power in heaven or on earth can stop God’s plans or frustrate God’s will.
God is omniscient. God is all-knowing. The Father knows about things in the past, present, and future. There is no need for God to learn. He knows everything about you, and He wants you to know Him.
God is omnibenevolent. God is all loving. The Bible clearly says: “God is love.” God’s love is not a more powerful form of human love. Human love should be a reflection of God’s love. God proved His love for us by sending His son, Jesus Christ to die for our sins.
Finally, God is omnipresent. God is present everywhere at the same time. In the Old Testament, people thought each location had a different God. We can never be separated from the love of God.
Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor's Heart - October 16, 2022
I want to thank you again for remembering us during Pastor’s Appreciation month. Marlene and I consider it a privilege to serve the Lord at PBC. All of you are so preciouses to us. You have really supported our family. In past years, we have lived life together, watched each other grow spiritually and older, watched each other’s children grow, worshiped, and served the Lord together. Victoria’s video of the last 10 years really brought back fond memories.
Through the years, we ministered to our church and community during hurricane Iselle. We faced the possible destruction of Pahoa as lava slowly made its way down the mountain in 2014. In 2018, we came together as a church and community during the eruption at Leilani Gardens and surrounding areas. However, in 2010, we were excited to see our new building being constructed. In 2012, moving day finally arrived as we moved from our old site to our new church building. Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor's Heart - October 9, 2022
One of the most difficult biblical concepts to explain and understand is the Trinity. The word Trinity is not found in the Bible, but the concept of the Trinity is found through the Bible. Another name for the Trinity is the Godhead: God, the Father, God, the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit.
At Jesus’ baptism all three members of the Trinity were present. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, the Holy Spirit in a form like a dove landed upon His shoulder. God’s voice from heaven said: “This is my Son, who brings Me great joy (Matt. 3:16-17).
In the Trinity, God is seen in different personalities and roles, but they are of the same essence. God is the Creator of the universe. Jesus Christ is the Savior, Redeemer, and Sustainer of the world, and the Holy Spirit empowers Christians and the church. He is the Comforter. He convicts the world of sin, and He makes people realize their need for Christ.
Pastor Alan
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From, the Pastor's Heart - October 2, 2022
What do Southern Baptists believe about God? We believe there is one and only one true and living God. God is not one among other gods or the greatest among other gods. He is the only true God.
We affirm God as an intelligent being. He is not a blind force. God is all knowing. We affirm God as a transcendent being, who has no limitations with a physical body. We affirm God is personal. He has a personality and relates to His people in a personal way.
We affirm God is self-existent, self-sufficient, and eternal. He depends on nothing and is complete in Himself. There was never a time when God was not, and there will never be a time when He is not.
We affirm God to be Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and Ruler. God exercises His kingly Lordship over the entire cosmos. We owe Him the highest love, reverence, and obedience.
Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor’s Heart - September 25, 2022
All churches and denominations have a statement of faith. Our statement of faith at Puna Baptist Church and the Southern Baptist Convention is called: “The Baptist Faith and Message.” Today, I want to share with you what we believe about the Bible.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Tim. 3:16-17, CSB).
This is what we believe: “The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God’s revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasurer of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. It reveals the principles by which God judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of diving revelation.”
We must always cherish God’s word. One day there will a famine in the land not of food and water but of hearing God’s Word (Amos 8:11-14).
Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor’s Heart - September 18, 2022
For several weeks, we have been promoting and collecting an offering for Hawaii State Missions. The State Missions Offering is named for Itsuko “Sue” Nishikawa, who was our state’s first mission’s director for 27 years. She is honored because of her tireless efforts on behalf of the Woman’s Missionary Union and Hawaii Baptist.
Sue grew up in the agricultural community of Wahiawa, Oahu. Her parents had a pineapple plantation but lost everything during the Great Depression. Being the second oldest child in her family, she started to work at age 13 to support herself through high school.
Sue saw dedicated Christians ministering to the people of Wahiawa, and Sue learned the importance of telling others about Jesus. She used her car to pick up young people to take them to church. Sue became the educational director at Olivet Baptist Church in Honolulu and fondly remembers taking many children to summer camp.
In 1954, Sue became the Woman’s Missionary Union Executive Secretary for the Hawaii Baptist Convention. She had the same devotion for reaching people for Jesus Christ, and she always found ways to promote missions.
Sue retired in 1980; however, even in retirement Sue worked in ministry. She served as a volunteer editor of the “Hawaii Baptist,” which was the state Baptist newspaper. Sue Nishikawa passed away in October 2004 in Honolulu.
Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor's Heart - September 11, 2022
At one time Southern Baptist churches were flooded by ministers, missionaries, and Christian organizations asking for funding for their cause. In 1925, Southern Baptists developed a comprehensive way of funding missions, ministries, organizations, and institutions called the Cooperative program (CP). How does the Cooperative Program work?Churches decide how much of their annual income to give to the Cooperative Program. 5% of every dollar you give to PBC goes to the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention. A portion of that money remains in Hawaii to do missions and ministry. The rest of the money is sent to the Southern Baptist Convention. This is how you support the work of Southern Baptists nationally and internationally. Your dollar supports: church planters, State and N. Am. missionaries, disaster relief, college student ministry, mission pastor salaries, retirement for pastors and their wives, seminaries, and much more. PBC has received CP funds from the HPBC and the N. Am. Mission Board. Mission Pastor Walter Kai planted PBC and received his salary from CP funds. Another example of CP funding is the Baptist Collegiate Ministry at UH in Hilo. During the lava flows, HPBC provided funds for disaster relief.
Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor’s Heart - September 4, 2022
While my family and I are in California, I want to express my deep appreciation to all of you for allowing me to be your pastor. We have a great church, because we have great people in our church. You have allowed me to spend the last 24 years being a part of your family and to walk alongside of you during significant events in your lives.
We have been blessed to be part of a loving church family. Some churches have been critical and judgmental towards their pastor and his family, but you have been tolerant, accepting, and forgiving.
Marlene and I deeply appreciate your love, acceptance, and encouragement towards our children: TK, Ruthie, Jessie, and Timmy. They grew up surrounded by loving godly people. Our children have been taught to love Jesus in Sunday School, AWANA, and Vacation Bible School, and you allowed them to develop their spiritual and ministry gifts.
Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor’s Heart - August 28, 2022
What is a church? A better question would be: Who is the church? The church is not the building but a fellowship of people, characterized by unity and harmony.
The church is a family. Like all families, there are rules which govern our relationships. We have the same Father, and we are brothers and sisters in the Lord.
The church is described as a body, having many body parts. We would be disabled if one of our organs or body parts did not function. We need each other and each other’s spiritual gifts to go into the world and make disciples for Jesus.
The church as a flock. There are stories in the Bible concerning shepherds and sheep. Sheep are defenseless animals. They need guidance, protection, and care. Jesus is our good shepherd. He provides for our needs, protects us, and guides us in uncertain times. I am so glad we are part of God’s family.
Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor’s Heart - August 21, 2022
“Has it been 10 years?” That was one comment I heard last Sunday as we celebrated our 10th anniversary in our current church building. Thank you, Victoria, for putting those videos together. We were all blessed to see what the Lord has done!
Now we have to ask the question: “What does the future hold for Puna Baptist Church. Health officials have reclassified COVID from a pandemic to being endemic, which means: the COVID virus will remain among us.
In light of COVID, how will our church accomplish the Great Commission: Go into all the world making disciples for Christ? I think it is time for the return of the mighty church. After years of social distancing, it is time to reach out to our community. It is time to disciple believers. It is time to minister to people in and out of the church. Lord, help us to be your mighty church. May Puna Baptist Church’s future be even more fruitful than its past. In your name we pray. Amen.
Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor’s Heart - August 14, 2022
This morning I want to tell you about the three books needed for worship. The first book needed for worship is your Bible. In the book of Acts, the believers were devoted to the teachings of the Apostles. The Bible is central to worship.
The second book needed for worship is your hymnal. Because of COVID, we no longer use hymnals. We project the words of the songs on to the screen. Singing was a big part of Jewish worship. The book of Psalms or sometimes known as the Psalter was the Old Testament’s hymnal. The book of Psalms addresses every human emotion: joy, sorrow, thanksgiving, and confession of sin.
The last book need for worship is your check book. One of the essential elements of worship is to give the Lord an offering. The concept of giving the Lord an offering goes back to the story of Cain and Abel. In the Old Testament, the Lord taught the people how to tithe. In the New Testament, Paul spoke more about the attitude of giving than the amount people give to the Lord.
Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor’s Heart - August 7, 2022
This weekend we celebrate the life of Becky Petty. We remember Becky’s smile. Becky was a joyful person. She always shared interesting and humorous stories about her life and family.
We remember Becky’s compassion. Becky had a soft heart for people who were vulnerable. Becky especially was concerned for people suffering from Diabetes. Through the years, Becky and John took in foster children and gave them a loving stable Christian home.
We remember Becky’s love for Jesus. She worshiped Jesus by closing her eyes and raising her hands. Becky served as praise team leader. She loved playing the piano and singing at church.
We remember Becky’s passion for children. It was so important for her to teach children the Bible. We remember Becky in her red AWANA shirt teaching children the word of God every Wednesday nights.
Becky, we miss you. You will always be in our hearts!
Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor’s Heart - July 31, 2022
You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. (2 Tim. 2:2, NLT).
As Christians, we are commanded to make disciples not just converts. After we lead a person to Christ, it is our responsibility to help that person to grow into a fully mature believer. As Christians, we must pass along what we have learned about Jesus through the Bible. We never keep truth to ourselves.
Every Christian should have three relationships. Every Christian should have a Christian mentor like Paul. This is a mature Christian who is willing to mentor you. Hugh Tyler was my Paul. I could ask him all kinds of questions about the Bible, the Church, and about life.
Every Christian should have a Barnabas. One who comes alongside with encouragement. We need people who will be honest and ask us the hard questions keeping us accountable. Many Christians fall into moral failure because they were not accountable to anyone.
Finally, every Christian needs a Timothy. This is a younger Christian you are mentoring by pouring your life into him or her. We are always one generation away from atheism. These young Timothies today will be the Paul’s of tomorrow.
Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor’s Heart - July 24, 2022 At one time Southern Baptist churches were flooded by ministers, missionaries, and Christian organizations asking for funding for their cause. In 1925, Southern Baptists developed a comprehensive way of funding missions, ministries, organizations, and institutions called the Cooperative program (CP). How does the Cooperative Program work? Churches decides how much of their annual income to give to the Cooperative Program, so five percent of every dollar you give to Puna Baptist Church goes to the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention. A portion of that money remains in Hawaii to do missions and ministry. The rest of the money is sent to the Southern Baptist Convention. This is how you support the work of Southern Baptists nationally and internationally. Your dollar supports: church planters, state and North American missionaries, disaster relief work, college student ministry, mission pastor salaries, retirement for pastors and their wives serving in small churches, seminaries, and much more. Puna Baptist has received CP funds from the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention and the North American Mission Board. Mission Pastor Walter Kai’s salary came from CP funds. Walter Kai planted PBC and served as its mission pastor. Another example of CP funding is the Baptist Collegiate Ministry work at University of Hawaii in Hilo. An example hitting home is during the recent lava flows, the HPBC allocated funds for disaster relief in Puna.
Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor’s Heart - July 17, 2022
A healthy church is a happy church. A healthy and happy church is a welcoming church. Experts have conducted studies of how visitors respond when coming to a new church. Studies show people make up their minds as to whether they will come back within the first 15 minutes upon arrival. This before they enter the building. It is important for us to change our mind set on Sunday mornings. We love the fellowship at church. We want to have our spiritual needs met. We come to worship the Savior. There is nothing wrong with these things. We at Puna Baptist Church are a family. We love each other and are concerned about each other. We see each other at different times during the week. We even fight with each other like a real family. On Sunday mornings we should be other-centered. We remember what it was like when we came to PBC for the very first time. We did not know anyone. We were afraid of sitting in someone’s seat. We didn’t know where the restrooms were located, and if we had children, we had to make sure they were alright. It takes a lot of courage to be a first-time visitor. Let’s make it our aim to become a more welcoming church to visitors. We could have guest parking, better signage, Starbuck coffee with donuts, but our best public relations person is you! So, let’s roll out the red carpet for our VIPs on Sunday mornings.
Pastor Alan ><><>< ><><>< ><><><
From the Pastor’s Heart - July 10, 2022
God has given us many talents. As Christians we want to use all of our gifts and talents to serve the Lord. We may not feel like we have any gifts or talents to serve the Lord, but we do! Although God wanted Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt into the promise land, Moses was not confident the people would see him as God’s chosen leader, so Moses expressed his concern to God. God asked Moses what he was carrying in his hand. Moses replied a walking stick. God told Moses to throw it on the ground, and when Moses threw his staff to the ground it became a snake. God told Moses to catch it by the tail, and it turned back into a staff. This was God’s way of showing Moses that he had the ability to lead the Israelites. What is in your hand? It could be a beautiful voice or the ability to speak in front of people. It could be a compassionate heart to help people. It could be a hammer and screwdriver. You could minister to others doing household repairs. God will use everything and anything to reach people with His love. We don’t have to only preach or sing to serve the Lord. We just need a willing heart.
Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor’s Heart - July 3, 2022
This morning we are looking at Acts 2:42-47. Jesus ascended into the heaven. The Holy Spirit was poured out upon the earth, and three thousand people were baptized and added to the church. Verses 42-47 are talking about the fellowship of the community of believers. The believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, and to prayer. The believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teachings, which were from Old Testament Scripture and the words of Jesus. Our fellowship with each other is centered on the Bible. At Puna Baptist Church there are many opportunities to study the Bible on Sunday morning and on the week days. The believers devoted themselves to fellowship. Jesus’ disciples shared meals with each other including the Lord’s Supper. Everyone had the mindset to take care of each other, especially those in need. Today, as we fellowship together in worship, we will be observing the Lord’s Supper, our fellowship continues as we break bread together at our church picnic tomorrow. Finally, the believers devoted themselves to prayer. The believers met together in one place praying when the Holy Spirit ascended upon them in the room. At PBC, there are many opportunities to experience corporate prayer. Some of those times are 8:30 AM on Sunday morning and 6:00 PM on Wednesday night. When God’s people pray, they take the things of earth to the doors of heaven.
Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor’s Heart - June 5, 2022
There were four lawyers who went to New York City to negotiate the closing of a multimillion-dollar merger. The meeting went well, and the lawyers were to leave for home on the early morning flight. In the airport lounge, the men were in a jovial mood joking and laughing about their successful negotiations for the merger. Waiting to board the aircraft, they did not hear the final boarding call for their flight. Over the loud speaker, an announcement was made the aircraft's doors were closing. In a panic, they ran to the gate knocking down fruits from a blind vendor's stand. Three of the men never looked back and barely boarded the plane. The last man stopped to help the blind woman pick up the apples and oranges scattered over the terminal's floor. When all the fruits were picked up from the floor, the woman asked the man who had missed his flight a question: "Are you Jesus?" You can never tell what your words and actions say to a person. You may be the only Jesus some may ever see.
Pastor Alan
><><>< ><><>< ><><>< From the Pastor’s Heart - May 29, 2022
There’s a time for joy, a time for tears, a time we’ll treasure through the years. We’ll remember always, Graduation Day…Though we leave in sorrow, all the joys we’ve known. We can face tomorrow. Knowing we’ll never walk alone (Graduation Day, Four Freshman, 1956). Today, we celebrate the accomplishments of our high school graduates: Damien Smith, Hannah Harkness, and their families. Damien will attend Umpqua Community College in Southern Oregon and will be studying computer science. Hannah will be attending summer camp at Asbury University called: Youth Becoming Leaders and will be studying Equine studies in the Fall. As Christian graduates, you have never walked alone. The Lord gave you guidance and strength every step of the way. Your families have been a loving support through the joys, sorrows, victories, and defeats. Damien and Hannah, we promise as your church family to be praying for you as the Lord leads you to write the next chapter in your lives. Always remember the words of Samuel: For those who honor Me I will honor (1 Sam. 2:30). Because Jesus is alive, we can face the future with optimism. Remember to trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take (Prov. 3:5-6). Congratulations!
Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor’s Heart - May 22, 2022
Rob and Donna Thommarson will be leaving for a new assignment training people to become disciple-makers. We want to express our love and appreciation for them and their ministry at Puna Baptist Church for the last 5+ years. Rob and Donna led in our adult Sunday School classes and helped with our AWANA program. The Thommarson’s equipped our church to be evangelistic and missions minded. The Thommarson’s lead discipleship groups. Rob helped new members understand who we are in Christ and what we believe as a church and helped all of us find our place in the body of Christ. Donna ministered to several women in our church and encouraged women to minister and be aware of God’s love for the nations. We are privileged to have the Thommarson’s as part of our church family. We appreciated all they did to help us grow as Christians and as a church. I know you will be praying for them and their family, as well as their ministry. Be praying for an opportunity PBC can partner with them in New Zealand.
Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor’s Heart - May 15, 2022
We had a wonderful Mother’s Day. I want to thank the Men’s Ministry for their hard work and to thank all the women who gave the men a helping hand. Last year police across our nation were severely criticized. However, our police officers put their lives on the line every day. On Thursday, May 19th we will join other churches to sign wave showing our support to our police and EMS personnel. We will be in front of the Pahoa Fire station from 4:30-5:30 PM. The Thommarson’s are counting the days before leaving for New Zealand. We are having a Pot-luck luncheon for them on Sunday, May 22nd. You will be able to sign up to bring your favorite dish. On May 29th we will be celebrating with our graduating High School seniors and their families by having a Graduates' Banquet after church. Our featured speaker will be Aaron Harkness who serves as a Ranger in the United States Army. Our quarterly business meeting has been postponed until Sunday, June 5th. Until He comes!
Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor’s Heart - May 8, 2022
I realized this is the second Mother’s Day without my mother. I was happy to have her in our home, so I could keep my promise to take care of her. I thought we would have more time to be together, but she went to be with Jesus 9 months after moving to the Big Island. As a child, I can remember my mother teaching me how to tie my shoe laces. She cut out a shoe pattern from my dad’s cigarette cartons. I had a yellow rain coat but no hood. My mother would always make me a hat out of newspaper. I had asthma and allergies growing up. I was allergic to almost everything. I love fried chicken but was allergic to flour. My mother figured out how to batter the chicken using mochi powder. Too bad she did not patent her recipe, because Mochiko Chicken is a poplar local dish. Mom tried to organize me. She had signs everywhere: “We put our toys away after playing with them.” “Please keep your room clean.” I always enjoyed her reading to me before bedtime. My mother grew up a Buddhist most of her life. She became a Christian in March of 1978, during a revival service. It was the happiest day of my life. For the last several years of her life, my mother would say she was ready to be with Jesus. Now, she lives forever in His presence. May God Bless our mothers!
Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor’s Heart - April 29, 2022
This is for those of you who want a copy of the Stanford Marshmallow Experiment: There were a series of studies on delayed gratification done in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Children were offered one marshmallow to eat immediately, or they could wait and have 2 marshmallows. If children decided to wait receiving a second marshmallow, the tester left the room for 15 minutes. Most children attempted to wait for a second marshmallow. Some children would cover their eyes, turn around, or got under the desk. Other children distracted themselves by kicking the desk or pulling out their hair. Some children even stroked the marshmallow as if it were a stuff animal. Others would eat the marshmallow as soon as the tester left the room. Roughly one-third of the children were willing to wait. The children who were willing to wait and delay gratification were later studied. Those children had higher SAT scores, better educational achievements, and a better Body Mass Index measurement.
Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor’s Heart - April 21, 2022
It is time for the return of the Mighty Church. As COVID restrictions are being lifted let’s take full advantage of this opportunity to impact our community for Jesus Christ. I want to make you aware of some important dates: George Schroeder, VP at Southwestern Seminary will be our guest speaker on Sunday, May 1st. During the afternoon, he will be leading us in a workshop to prepare us to give everyone an answer for the hope within us. On May 3rd, we will have our next Brown bag lunch. This time we will be meeting at the Zoo. May 8th is our Mothers' Day Luncheon, hosted by the Puna Baptist Men's Ministry for the whole Church. May 21st Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Training will be held in Waikoloa. May 22nd is a special Potluck aloha for Pastor Rob and Donna Thommarson. We have several young people in our church, who will be graduating in the spring. We are planning a special celebration on Sunday, May 29th. Finally, our next business meeting will be on Sunday, June 5th. Blessings,
Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor’s Heart - April 15, 2022
Happy Easter! Today, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. When Jesus rose from the grave, He brought hope to the hopeless, light in the midst of darkness, and eternal life in the midst of death. It is time for the return of the Mighty Church. As COVID restrictions are being lifted let’s take full advantage of this opportunity to impact our community for Jesus Christ. I want to make you aware of some important dates: George Schroeder, VP at Southwestern Seminary will be our guest speaker on Sunday, May 1st. During the afternoon, he will be leading us in a workshop to prepare us to give everyone an answer for the hope within us. On May 3rd, we will have our next Brown bag lunch. This time we will be meeting at the Zoo. May 8th is our Mothers' Day Luncheon, hosted by the Puna Baptist Men's Ministry for the whole Church. May 21st Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Training will be held in Waikoloa. May 22nd is a special Potluck aloha for Pastor Rob and Donna Thommarson. We have several young people in our church, who will be graduating in the spring. We are planning a special celebration on Sunday, May 29th. Finally, our next business meeting will be on Sunday, June 5th. Blessings,
Pastor Alan
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From the Pastor’s Heart - March 31, 2022
Last time I wrote about the definition of witnessing. Witnessing is not arguing with someone about the existence of God or the truthfulness of Christianity. It is not quoting a bunch of Scripture verses at a person. Witnessing is telling your story about what Jesus has done for you. No one can argue with you about your Christian experience. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to convict a person of their need to ask Christ into their lives not ours. I want to share with you an effective way of telling your story. An effective way to tell your story is done by building personal relationships with people. When we get involved in people's struggles, joys, and significant life experiences, we earn a right to speak into their lives. When we minister to people's need and show the love of Jesus with them, barriers to the Gospel come down. One way to get into the lives of people is to find out what you like to do and find other people with like passion. Yours in Christ,
Pastor Alan ><><>< ><><>< ><><><
From the Pastor’s Heart - March 13, 2022
Many of us have fears of witnessing for Christ. We think witness means standing on a street corner preaching to people. We are afraid to be asked questions we can't answer. We don't know enough about the Bible to talk to people about Jesus. Let's ask ourselves this question: What is a witness? For example, you are standing on a street corner and see an accident in the intersection. The police officer questions you about the accident. The police officer doesn't want to argue whether there was an accident. He doesn't want to hear your opinions as to why the accident happened, or your opinion on who was at fault. The police officer just wants to know what you saw. He wants to hear your testimony. It is the same idea in sharing our testimony. We tell our story of what Jesus did for us. Witnessing is sharing what Jesus has done in our lives. Witnessing is not arguing with people on whether Jesus existed or not. It is not disproving our religions. It is not just quoting Bible verses to someone. No one can argue with you about how Jesus transformed your life. Look at the story of Jesus healing a blind man. The religious leaders questioned the man. They told the man to tell the truth. Is Jesus a sinner for healing you on the Sabbath? The man replied: "I don't know if Jesus is a sinner, but one thing I do know. I was blind, but now I see!" (John 9:13-25). Yours in Christ,