June 2026 Challenger

In this issue:  Lessons from a Kona Low Storm,  Graduates,  Preschool, Celebrate Fathers, Mothers' Day Celebration, Mission Update, Events, Regular Schedule. 

Welcome to our online Monthly Challenger where church news, events, updates and challenges are provided to all members, attenders and supporters of First Baptist Church of Wahiawa.   We are grateful for your time and may you be blessed and challenged.  

It was during the recent Kona Low storm that I met Michael. His girlfriend had just passed away, and he had also lost his housing. I knew he needed help.

At the time, life felt overwhelming. Our church had become an emergency shelter. Donations were pouring in for families affected in Waialua. Our daughter church, Haleiwa Baptist Church, was dealing with severe flooding. There was so much to do and so many needs to meet.

I felt like a phone stuck on a busy signal. Yet I knew God was calling me to pay attention—not to the endless list of tasks, but to the person standing right in front of me.

I'm grateful I listened.

Michael was able to get into a shelter in Waipahu. A few weeks later, he was welcomed into temporary housing in Kalihi. It reminded me that no matter how busy we become, we must not overlook the person God places before us.

Jesus taught this truth in the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37). Religious leaders passed by a wounded man, too occupied with their own concerns to stop and help. But one man chose compassion over convenience.

Jesus also reminds us that when we serve those in need, we are serving Him. As He said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me”  (Matt. 25:40). 

People matter. Don't become so busy that you miss the opportunity God has placed directly in front of you. Sometimes the most important ministry is not the one on your schedule—it's the person standing right before you.

Pastor Bong
June 2, 2026
Title:  Lessons from a Kona Low Storm



CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES

Congratulations to our graduates on reaching this important milestone through hard work, perseverance, and faith. As you step into the next chapter of your journey, may God guide your path, strengthen your purpose, and use your gifts to make a difference in the world.

  • Mathew Aguilar - Leilehua High School, Magna Cum Laude 
  • Joshua Catingub - Leilehua High School, Valedictorian
  • Arielle Olmos - Hawaii Technology Academy
  • Haylee Macaraeg- Catingub - Old Dominion University, MSN in Clinical Nurse Specialist, Summa Cum Laude 
  • Charis Sherlin - Colorado State University Pueblo BS in Nursing, Cum Laude


PRESCHOOL MINISTRY GRADUATION 

On May 20, we celebrated the preschool graduation of our young learners, giving thanks to God for their growth, achievements, and joyful experiences throughout the year. Preschool graduation is a special milestone that marks the foundation of a lifelong journey of learning, faith, and character development. Wahiawa Baptist Preschool and Kindergarten, a ministry of First Baptist Church of Wahiawa, is grateful for the opportunity to nurture children in a loving, Christ-centered environment. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated Ms. Belinda Catingub and her teachers, staff, and volunteers whose faithful service has made a lasting impact on our students and families. As we look ahead, we pray for God's blessings, wisdom, protection, and guidance upon our staff, students, and families throughout the next school year.  Insert Pictures here. 



CELEBRATE THE FATHERS 

This Father’s Day, we honor the men who faithfully serve as fathers, grandfathers, mentors, and spiritual leaders. Through their hard work, sacrifice, protection, and steadfast love, fathers help shape the character, values, and future of their families. Whether providing for daily needs, offering wise counsel, teaching life lessons, or simply being present through life's challenges, fathers leave an enduring impact that often reaches far beyond what they can see. We recognize that fatherhood is not always easy, yet countless men continue to lead with courage, integrity, and devotion. We invite you to join us for a special Father's Day service on Sunday, June 21. Bring your dad, grandfather, family members, friends, and neighbors as we gather to worship God, honor the men who have influenced our lives, and be encouraged by His Word. We look forward to celebrating with you!

MOTHERS DAY CELEBRATION

Last Mother's Day, we pause to thank God for the mothers and women whose lives enrich our homes, churches, and communities. Through countless acts of sacrifice, compassion, wisdom, and perseverance, mothers reflect God’s nurturing care and sustaining grace. Whether through raising children, caring for family, mentoring the next generation, or faithfully serving others, their influence leaves a lasting legacy. We also remember mothers who carry the sorrow of loss, and we honor women who express spiritual motherhood through their encouragement, prayers, and loving service. As Scripture reminds us, God’s design is beautiful—men and women are uniquely created to complement one another and together reflect His glory. Today, we celebrate the strength, dignity, and faithful devotion of all women whose lives continue to shape and bless those around them. Thank you for the difference you make every day.


MISSION UPDATE

Guam Mission.   Guam was hit by a storm last April.   The Heflin family needed to go back to their hometown.  In light of this, our church decided to deputize them and also help our network churches in the area.  Continue to pray for Aaron, Meredith, Jayvin and Journey.   

Philippine Mission.  On June 17, several families will go to the Philippines to encourage churches, do church training, pastor conferences, and community outreach.   They will be in Zamonaga, Palawan, Davao, Laguna, Nueva Ecija and Bulacan.  Our church gives generously but pray for each family as they raise their own funds to fly in and out of the country.  

Family Fun Fair.  The first Saturday of August, 9am - 2pm, we partner with other Christian churches in Wahiawa for the biggest community event of the year.  It is a block-party with Christ in the middle of it.  This is an opportunity for you to serve.  Sign up at the welcome table to be a part.   


if you want to secure a t-shirt, please call the office for more info at (808) 622-4321

EVENTS

  • VBS - June 8-12, Vacation Bible School is summer fun for all ages.   Register here.  
  • Father's Day - June 21, Invite fathers and celebrate in worship.
  • Seniors Fellowship - June 30, Kinoshita Fellowship Hall.
  • Memorial Service for Paulino Basilio - June 30, Mililani Memorial Park - Paul is a dear friend of First Baptist and the son in law of our member Margaret Galeon.  



REGULAR SCHEDULE

  • Sunday School (all ages), 9:00 am
  • Worship Service, 10:15am
  • Wednesday Prayer Meeting, 6pm; Life of Abraham.  Join as the men of the church lead in the study of the Life of Abraham, The Father of Many Nations, A Life of Faith and Covenant. 
  • Small Groups and Bible Studies: 
    • Thursdays, 7pm - Parents with Young Children (online)
    • Fridays, 7pm - Women Small Group (online and onsite)
    • Fridays, 7pm - Youth Fellowship (onsite, 3rd floor)
    • Fridays, 7pm - 1 Corinthians Bible Study with Perez and Catingub (onsite, fellowship hall)



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