Rick Warren says, “Becoming like Christ is a long, slow process of growth.” Such is the process of discipleship. The likeness of Christ grows in and through us over time. The Body of Christ – the local church as well as the church universal also grows through the centuries. That is why mile stone moments like a churches centennial celebration is tantamount to recognitionIn there are inspirational stories of leadership, prevailing prayer through difficult seasons, and sweet fellowship that is passed on from generation to generation. You’ll receive refreshing words of hope from our guests in part 2 of this 2 part feature.
Pastor Jonathan Steeper’s passion is a love for God’s people. He wants everyone in the local church from little children to seniors to grow in knowing Jesus Christ. He believes in the transforming power of prayer and values Christian community as a Biblical expression of the living power of the Holy Spirit. Jonathan and his wife Tricia have three children and one granddaughter. Their family has lived in a variety of cultures and have ministered in repeated multi-dimensional contexts in Canada, Europe, Central America and Africa. He has previously served as pastor to two different churches in eastern Canada and as a missionary with his family in Albania during a turbulent period. Although born in Honolulu, he was raised in Canada, graduating with awards from West Hill Collegiate Institute in Toronto and the Baptist Leadership Training School in Calgary. He earned his BA in history from the University of Western Ontario in London, and his Masters of Divinity with awards from Acadia Divinity College in Nova Scotia. Now, God has intervened to call his family back to the church of his heritage at Kalihi Union. He has completed doctoral studies in cross-cultural research in the area of prayer and evangelism. Jonathan is more hands-on than academic and enjoys the outdoors, music, sports, gardening and a variety of hobbies. Jonathan is currently the senior pastor at KUC.
Vernon Von received Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at a Youth-for-Christ rally in Honolulu when in the 9th grade. He was nurtured in his walk by attending the Honolulu Bible Training School that was led by Papa San Waterhouse for four years. After that, Nelson Kwon, Ada Lum, and Pastors Bob Loveless and William Steeper helped to mentor him during his college and young adult years. After 20 years in the Air Force, he came back to Hawaii and joined Kalihi Union Church. He and his family joined the church on the same Sunday as Pastor Richard Weisenbach; they have been with KUC ever since then and are grateful for the nurturing and teaching that their girls received as they grew to adulthood. He and his wife Marion have been involved in ministries such as the Moving Company, Pro Shop, Alpha, and Leadership Development. Vernon also served as an elder with Pastor Boaz, Pastor William Steeper, Pastor Marv Norlein, and Pastor Jonathan Steeper. He is currently the Chair of KUC’s Centennial Celebration in August.
Proverbs 4:23 says “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”