Pastors and Staff

**IN 3 SENTENCES OR FEWER, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB.**
As Head-of-Staff, I get to partner with other servant leaders First Prez has chosen to oversee the life and mission of our congregation. I am what our movement calls a “Transitional Pastor,” brought on board to help navigate First Prez through this season, concluding with the arrival of your next permanent Senior Pastor.
**THE YEAR YOU JOINED THE FIRST PREZ STAFF**
2023
**WHAT IS YOUR THREE-WORD PERSONAL STATEMENT?**
Look to Him.
**FAVORITE BIBLE PASSAGE?**
I Corinthians 2:1-5 “When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I came to you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.
**WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?**
Born in Santa Monica, CA, raised primarily in southern California, with stints in Texas and Minnesota (Dad was a corporate exec – we got moved around!)
**FAVORITE RESTAURANT?**
Hacı Abdullah in Istanbul, Turkey
**SOME FUN THINGS YOU LOVE TO DO?**
I like to surf, cycle, paint with watercolors, read, visit the country of Turkey, spend time with family and trusted friends.
**WHAT’S A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU?**
I won the school science fair in 7th grade!

TIM FEARER
Transitional Pastor starting Dec 1, 2023

IN 3 SENTENCES OR FEWER, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB. I lead First Prez’s Impact Ministries (local and global missions). I’m involved in adult discipleship, co-leading the Rooted Small Groups ministry, and WAKO (Wednesdays at Koʻolau). I also preach, teach cl… — **IN 3 SENTENCES OR FEWER, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB.**
I lead First Prez’s Impact Ministries (local and global missions). I’m involved in adult discipleship, co-leading the Rooted Small Groups ministry, and WAKO (Wednesdays at Koʻolau). I also preach, teach classes, counsel and mentor adults. I work with our candidates seeking ordination in ECO, our denomination.
**THE YEAR YOU JOINED THE FIRST PREZ STAFF**
2013
**WHAT IS YOUR THREE-WORD PERSONAL STATEMENT?**
Equip (a) New Generation
**WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE PASSAGE?**
Philippians 2:1-11
**WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?**
Born in Los Angeles, California and raised in Southern California.
**FAVORITE RESTAURANT?**
Livestock Tavern
**SOME FUN THINGS YOU LOVE TO DO?**
Bike riding, skiing, backpacking (in the winter AND summer), hiking, reading, watching movies, travel
**WHAT IS A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU?**
I am an instrument-rated private pilot and have a bareboat charter certification (35’-50’ sailboats).

TIM SHAW
Associate Pastor

**IN 3 SENTENCES OR FEWER, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB.**
The Vine, Alpha, Community
**THE YEAR YOU JOINED THE FIRST PREZ STAFF:** 2013
**WHAT IS YOUR THREE-WORD PERSONAL STATEMENT?**
Spread the Gospel.
**WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE PASSAGE?**
Philippians 4:6-7
**WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?**
Born in Lima Peru, raised all over the world (Peru, Guatemala, USA, S. Korea, Lebanon)
**FAVORITE RESTAURANT?**
Shabuya
**SOME FUN THINGS YOU LOVE TO DO?**
Drink flat whites, listen to music, sing karaoke, have a good food with my kids
**WHAT IS A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU?**
I move all the furniture around in my home on a regular basis, just because.

JENNY SUNG
Executive Coordinator, Campus Pastor for The Vine

IN 3 SENTENCES OR FEWER, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB. I handle all bookkeeping and accounting duties for the churchTHE YEAR YOU JOINED THE FIRST PREZ STAFF 1994WHAT IS YOUR THREE-WORD PERSONAL STATEMENT? Assist all peopleWHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE PASSAGE?Ph… — **IN 3 SENTENCES OR FEWER, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB.**
I handle all bookkeeping and accounting duties for the church
**THE YEAR YOU JOINED THE FIRST PREZ STAFF** 1994
**WHAT IS YOUR THREE-WORD PERSONAL STATEMENT?** Assist all people
**WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE PASSAGE?**Philippians 4:6 **Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
**WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?** Born in Honolulu, raised in Waimanalo and Kailua
**FAVORITE RESTAURANT?**The Hau Tree Lanai
**SOME FUN THINGS YOU LOVE TO DO?** I love to spend time with my family, especially my granddaughter, I enjoy exercising (HIIT) and hiking with my hubby, and I love to eat
**WHAT IS A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU?** In another lifetime, I was a Polynesian dancer

DEBBIE CARREIRA JOHNSON
Bookkeeper

**1) In 3 sentences or fewer, describe your job.**
I get to take care of the day-to-day financial duties. Some of my duties include scanning and counting offerings, and reimbursements.
**2) What year did you join the First Prez staff?**
2022
**3) What is your 3-word personal mission statement?**
Motivate. Love. Learn.
**4) What's your favorite Scripture passage?**
James 1:2-4 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
**5) Where were you born and raised?**
Born in Honolulu, raised in Kailua.
**6) What's your favorite restaurant in Hawaii?**
Old Spaghetti Factory
**7) What are some fun things you love to do?**
I love hanging out with my family, hiking, diving, and fishing.
**8) What's a fun fact about you?**
The first time I broke a bone, I was only a day old, and it was my collarbone.

KARLEY KIMITSUKA
Finance Administrator

N 3 SENTENCES OR FEWER, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB. My desire is to equip and support teams with the end goal of pointing kids and parents to love Jesus.THE YEAR YOU JOINED THE FIRST PREZ STAFF: 2007WHAT IS YOUR THREE-WORD PERSONAL STATEMENT? I love JesusWHA… — **IN 3 SENTENCES OR FEWER, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB.**
My desire is to equip and support teams with the end goal of pointing kids and parents to love Jesus.
**THE YEAR YOU JOINED THE FIRST PREZ STAFF:** 2007
**WHAT IS YOUR THREE-WORD PERSONAL STATEMENT?**
I love Jesus
**WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE PASSAGE?**
Isaiah 41:13 ““For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, DO NOT FEAR; I WILL HELP YOU!"
**WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?**
Born in Indianapolis, Indiana and moved to Honolulu when I was 14 years old.I married a local boy which has kept me in Hawaii ever since.
**FAVORITE RESTAURANT?**
Assagio’s, Gen, CPK... I can go on and on.
**SOME FUN THINGS YOU LOVE TO DO?**
Boogie board (anything beach), travel, read fun books, hang with my grandkids, hike
**WHAT IS A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU?** I like to dance when no one is looking.

KAREN MAKISHIMA
Director of Children and Family Life Ministries

**IN 3 SENTENCES OR FEWER, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB.**
I have the privilege of offering administrative support to Pastor Dan Chun.
**THE YEAR YOU JOINED THE FIRST PREZ STAFF:**
2017
**WHAT IS YOUR THREE-WORD PERSONAL STATEMENT?**
Seek, Surrender, Serve
**WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE PASSAGE?**
Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.”
**WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?**
Born in California, raised on the Big Island of Hawaii in Ka’u
**FAVORITE RESTAURANT?**
I’m happy wherever I can be with friends.
**SOME FUN THINGS YOU LOVE TO DO?**
Paddling canoe, especially off shore to see whales; FaceTiming with my granddaughter; hanging out with good friends.
**WHAT IS A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU?**
I did the *Na Wahine O Ke Kai* Molokai-to-Oahu women’s canoe race twice. That’s enough.

KATHY MAKUAKANE
Executive Assistant to the Senior Pastor, and Office Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION: Engaging with and visiting the hospitalized, the shut-ins, and those who need God’s hand in their lives. Helping people heal from deep emotional and spiritual pain. Encouraging our senior adults to connect more deeply with God throu… — **JOB DESCRIPTION:**
Engaging with and visiting the hospitalized, the shut-ins, and those who need God’s hand in their lives. Helping people heal from deep emotional and spiritual pain. Encouraging our senior adults to connect more deeply with God through study, prayer, and fellowship.
**YEAR JOINED FPC STAFF:**
2013
**3-WORD MISSION STATEMENT:**
Bring God’s healing.
**FAVORITE SCRIPTURE:**
John 10:10 "The thief comes to rob, steal and destroy. I come that you might have life and have it more abundantly."
**BORN & RAISED IN:**
Evansville, Indiana
**FAVORITE RESTAURANT:**
I don’t have a particular favorite restaurant. It’s not what I eat that matters. It’s with whom I’m eating that matters most to me.

MARIANNA MEACHEN
Chaplain and Director of Care Ministries

**IN 3 SENTENCES OR FEWER, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB**
I provide administrative support and other services for The Vine, Alpha, and Gen X Ministry.
**THE YEAR YOU JOINED THE FIRST PREZ STAFF**
2022
**WHAT IS YOUR 3-WORD PERSONAL STATEMENT?**
Never give up!
**FAVORITE BIBLE PASSAGE**
Romans 8:28
**WHERE YOU WERE BORN AND RAISED**
Maui and the island of Hawai‘i
**FAVORITE RESTAURANT**
Restaurants with gluten-free options. If you know of any, let me know!
**SOME FUN THINGS YOU LOVE TO DO**
I love photography and the performing arts (music, dance, and theatre). Most of all, I love spending time with my nieces.
**WHAT’S A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU?**
I love photographing anything and everything, but my favorite subjects are performing artists, children, pets, and Hawaiian monk seal pups.

CAROL NAKAMOTO
Administrative Assistant

IN 3 SENTENCES OR FEWER, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB. Executive Director: responsible for managing and running the church, including finances, human resources, facilities, and long-range planning.THE YEAR YOU JOINED THE FIRST PREZ STAFF 2014WHAT IS YOUR THREE… — **IN 3 SENTENCES OR FEWER, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB.**
Executive Director: responsible for managing and running the church, including finances, human resources, facilities, and long-range planning.
**THE YEAR YOU JOINED THE FIRST PREZ STAFF**
2014
**WHAT IS YOUR THREE-WORD PERSONAL STATEMENT?**
Thy Kingdom Come
**WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE PASSAGE?**
Psalm 27, Judges 3:12-30, 1 Kings 20:35-43
**WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?**
New Haven, Connecticut
**FAVORITE RESTAURANT?**
I love the oxtail soup at Aiea Bowl, the *ahi tataki* at Ethel's, the burgers at Burgers on Bishop, and the croissant donut and poi donut at Liliha Bakery.
**SOME FUN THINGS YOU LOVE TO DO?**
I love spending time with my wife and kids, stand-up paddle boarding, and watching movies.

**WHAT IS A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU?**
I’m a New York Mets fan. It’s not that fun.

CHRISTOPHER PAN
Executive Director

CHRISTIAN SCHROPPEL
High School Director

**IN 3 SENTENCES OR FEWER, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB.**
To lead middle schoolers to Christ with love, and nurture their spiritual development. Also to create fun and hard games!
**THE YEAR YOU JOINED THE FIRST PREZ STAFF:** 2020
**WHAT IS YOUR THREE-WORD PERSONAL STATEMENT?**
Fail Laugh Succeed
**WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE PASSAGE?**
Jeremiah 1:7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.”
**WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?**
Honolulu, HI
**FAVORITE RESTAURANT?**
Ocean Taste
**SOME FUN THINGS YOU LOVE TO DO?**
Send really funny TikToks to Shai Makishima; rock climbing; video games
**WHAT IS A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU?**
I have a koala named JoJo.

LUKE SHIN
Middle School Coordinator

IN 3 SENTENCES OR FEWER, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB. Responsible for the managing, messaging, and dissemination of various forms of communication to the church. THE YEAR YOU JOINED THE FIRST PREZ STAFF 2001WHAT IS YOUR THREE-WORD… — **IN 3 SENTENCES OR FEWER, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB.**
Responsible for the managing, messaging, and disseminating of various forms of communication that goes to the church and from the church.
**THE YEAR YOU JOINED THE FIRST PREZ STAFF**
2001
**WHAT IS YOUR THREE-WORD PERSONAL STATEMENT**
Communicate To Inspire
**WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE PASSAGE?**
John 3:30 “He must increase. I must decrease.”
**WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?**
Manila, Philippines
**FAVORITE RESTAURANT?**
California Pizza Kitchen and Ruscello
**SOME FUN THINGS YOU LOVE TO DO?**
I absolutely love brain teasers and word games!
**WHAT IS A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU?**
I raise monarch butterflies.

ROSELLA SHISHIDO
Communications Coordinator

EUNICE SIM
Associate Director of Worship

IN 3 SENTENCES OR FEWER, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB. I am the Director of Prayer Ministry. I lead, train, and equip people in the area of prayer.THE YEAR YOU JOINED THE FIRST PREZ STAFF: 2010WHAT IS YOUR THREE-WORD PERSONAL STATEMENT? Live To ServeWHAT IS YO… — **IN 3 SENTENCES OR FEWER, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB.**
I am the Director of Prayer Ministry. I lead, train, and equip people in the area of prayer.
**THE YEAR YOU JOINED THE FIRST PREZ STAFF:** 2010
**WHAT IS YOUR THREE-WORD PERSONAL STATEMENT?**
Live To Serve
**WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE PASSAGE**
Philippians 4:13
**WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?**Singapore
**FAVORITE RESTAURANT?**Sushi Izakaya Gaku
**SOME FUN THINGS YOU LOVE TO DO?**Walking, playing computer games
**WHAT IS A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU?**
I love Hello Kitty.

GARY TOH
Director of Prayer

IN 3 SENTENCES OR FEWER, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB.
My job is to care for a community of worship leaders and cultivate worship, especially through music, serving our church family who attend the 10 AM service or The Vine.

THE YEAR YOU JOINED THE FIRST PREZ STAFF: I rejoined the FPC staff in 2021 (after 7 years of serving a church in Washington, DC).

WHAT IS YOUR THREE-WORD PERSONAL STATEMENT?
It's Gonnabe Okay

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE PASSAGE?
Isaiah 12

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
Honolulu, HI

FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
Deanʻs Drive-In (always ahi cakes)

SOME FUN THINGS YOU LOVE TO DO?
I LOVE to thoughtfully, carefully prank people I love- it’s the Lord’s favorite way to work through me to draw people closer to Him.

WHAT IS A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU?
Kelli and I have 3 boys: Beckett, Brighton, and Bastian. Also a dog who is a boy. And a cat who is a boy. All boys!! It’s all fun… and noisy.

CHEVAS WONG
Director of Worship, Production, & Communications

**IN 3 SENTENCES OR FEWER, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB.**
To help create a welcoming and friendly environment where people can experience Christ. Work with the Executive Director to oversee and manage the church finances. Care for and support the staff team through policies and processes that promote personal development and healthy staff relationships.
**THE YEAR YOU JOINED THE FIRST PREZ STAFF:** I rejoined the FPC staff in 2021 (after 7 years of serving a church in Washington, DC).
**WHAT IS YOUR THREE-WORD PERSONAL STATEMENT?**
Lead By Example
**WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE PASSAGE?**
Hebrews 12:1-3
**WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?**
Honolulu, HI
**FAVORITE RESTAURANT?**
Beachhouse at the Moana Surfrider
**SOME FUN THINGS YOU LOVE TO DO?**
I love spending time with my family and teaching my boys how to do new things.
**WHAT IS A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU?**
I’m mom to the Killer B’s (Beckett, Brighton, and Bastian)

KELLI WONG
Director of Hospitality, Finance, and Human Resources

Pastors and Staff

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES AT KO‘OLAU: 8AM & 10AM

CONTACT US • (808) 532-1111 • ALOHA@FPCHAWAII.ORG
45-550 Kionaole Road, Kaneohe, HI 96744

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