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Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention adopts first $1 million CP budget

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HONOLULU (BP)–A budget anticipating a $1 million milestone in Cooperative Program gifts was adopted by the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention, which met Nov. 8-9 at Olivet Baptist Church, Honolulu.

The $1 million in CP Missions gifts from Hawaii churches will be part of the convention’s overall $2.4 million budget for the coming year.

Southern Baptist Convention causes will continue to receive 31.5 percent of the state’s CP gifts.

In other action, a proposed constitutional amendment to change the convention statement of faith from the “Baptist Faith and Message, 1963 version” to “any version that has been adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention” was defeated. An alternate amendment to change the wording of the statement of faith to “The Baptist Faith and Message as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention” was tabled.

“Sharing God’s Heart from the Heart of the Pacific: Empowered by Prayer” was the theme of the meeting. Among the 300 registered messengers were members from four new churches, including one in Guam. Including guests, total attendance for the convention exceeded 500.

In addition to reports from the HPBC staff and SBC entity representatives, the musical “God For Us” was presented Thursday and Friday evenings by a mass convention choir from across the islands. The annual sermon was delivered by Emerson Wiles, pastor of Mililani Baptist Church.

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George Iwahiro, a layman from Nuuanu Baptist Church, was re-elected president. Dan Van Alstine, associate pastor of Mililani Baptist Church, was elected first vice president; Ken Brooks, pastor of Waikoloa Baptist Church, second vice president; and Faith McFatridge, a member of University Avenue Baptist Church, Honolulu, recording secretary. All nominees were unopposed.

Among resolutions adopted by messengers was one expressing appreciation for the partnership with the California Southern Baptist Convention and another calling for intentional prayer during America’s time of crises. A resolution commended Stanley Togikawa, HPBC business services and church support leader who retired July 2001, for his 18 years of service to the convention.

A fellowship luncheon between the Friday sessions featured an address by Phil Roberts, president of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kansas City, Mo., followed by a time of prayerwalking and tract distribution to Japanese tourists in Waikiki. The HPBC Disaster Relief team prepared an evening meal for messengers on Friday evening.

Next year’s annual meeting will be Nov. 7-8 in Lihue Kauai.
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