Servant-Leadership
Executive Director, Bible Institute of Hawaii
Rodney (& Miki) Wong serves at the 10th Executive Director of BIH’s long and rich history in Hawaii.
Rodney’s educational background includes a B.A., M.A., M.Div., and Th.M. earned from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and the International Graduate School of Theology. He also serves as the Lead Pastor of CrossCurrent Fellowship Manoa, where he plays a vital role in the spiritual leadership of the church.
In addition to his role at BIH, Rodney is responsible for overseeing the BIH Prison Ministry courses and serves as the BIH Student and Faculty Administrator.
Rodney’s career has been marked by a diverse range of ministry experiences, including work with Hawaii Youth For Christ, serving as an Associate Pastor and Youth Pastor in both Boston and Hawaii, Adjunct Faculty at Pacific Rim Christian University, and working as a Pediatric Mental Health Counselor at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, MA. His well-rounded skill set and extensive experience make him a valuable member of the BIH.
In his personal life, Rodney is married to Miki and has three young adult children Elijah, Josiah, and Mikayla. Rodney has been an Adjunct Faculty member at BIH since 2010 and assumed the role of Executive Director in July 2021. His leadership and commitment contribute significantly to BIH’s mission of providing theological education and guidance.
Board of Directors, Bible Institute of Hawaii
Rev. Ken Humphries, President
Cynthia Lai, Vice President
Rev. Kendal Fong, Secretary
Greig Porter, Treasurer
Pastor Curtis Fong
Daniel Abella
Cheyne Rippey
Staff, Bible Institute of Hawaii
Rodney (& Miki) Wong serves as both the Executive Director and Faculty/Student Administrator of BIH (See above for bio)
Lanette Bourg, Bookkeeper & Office Manager
Vernelle Oku, Administrative Assistant & Assistant to the Executive Director
Randy (& Lenora) Stone, Volunteer Office Manager
Francis Miyazawa, Volunteer Bookkeeper
Providing more than 2,000 classes over 50 years requires a highly dedicated fellowship. We are here to serve Him! We are so grateful for many volunteers too and if you want to join our merry band, please call our office to offer YOUR service! 808-595-4708
Adjunct Faculty, Bible Institute of Hawaii
Emerita Ms. Ada Lum, “Lifetime Achievement“ Award recepient is a distinguished individual who has made a significant impact on the Christian community and education. She received her B.A. in History from Wheaton College and her M.A. in Biblical Literature from Wheaton Graduate School. Born and raised in Honolulu, she has been a dedicated member of Kalihi Union Church for over eight decades.
Ada’s deep passion for spreading the Word of God has led her on missionary journeys to 115 countries, primarily working with university students. With over 40 years of ministry experience, she has been a valued member of the BIH faculty since 1984. Throughout her career, she has also contributed her expertise to organizations like the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students and the Bible Institute of Hawaii. Ada is the author of several books and Bible studies, including “Jesus the Disciplemaker,” “A Hitchhiker’s Guide to Missions,” and “How to Begin an Evangelistic Bible Study.” Her profound knowledge and skills have earned her the respect and admiration of many in the Christian community.
Ada has served on the Adult Christian Education Committee at KUC, leaving a lasting impact on the community. Her unique teaching style and skills have inspired countless lives worldwide. She was also honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award during BIH’s 50-year Anniversary Celebration, further recognizing her remarkable contributions to the field of Christian education and ministry.
Emerita Dr. Rebecca “Ruby” S. Ovitt, the recipient of the “Love in Action” Award at BIH’s 50-year Anniversary Celebration, is a distinguished and long-serving member of the faculty.
Dr. Ovitt’s educational journey has taken her through various prestigious institutions, including Philippine Normal University, the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and Stanford University, where she earned her master’s degrees in educational administration and policy analysis. She furthered her academic pursuits by attaining a D.Min. from Hawaii Theological Seminary. With a background in education, she served as the retired principal of Hawaii Baptist Academy’s Elementary Division.
As an East-West Center Grantee, Dr. Ovitt pursued higher education in the United States from 1969-71, which marked the beginning of her remarkable career. Her outstanding service in administration and leadership has garnered recognition from numerous organizations, including the State of Hawaii Senate and House of Representatives, City and County of Honolulu, United Filipino Council, and the American Heart Association, among others. She has also received prestigious awards such as the Faculty Tribute Award from the Bible Institute of Hawaii, the Christian Service Award from Hawaii Theological Seminary, and many more.
Dr. Ovitt’s dedication extends beyond her impressive list of awards. She is a sought-after speaker at churches and organizations, sharing her insights on how God’s love can heal the broken-hearted. As an active member of University Avenue Baptist Church, she finds joy in teaching at BIH, where her knowledge and experience inspire the next generation of leaders. Her commitment to education, community service, and spiritual guidance makes her a remarkable and influential figure at BIH.
Leiton and Lisa Chinn
Leighton has been mobilizing the Church for ministry among international students since 1977 through organizations like International Students Inc. (ISI) and the World Evangelical Alliance Mission Commission. He served as President of the Association of Christians Ministering among Internationals (ACMI) for 9 years and as the Lausanne Catalyst for International Student Ministries for 10 years. Currently, he is a Co-Leader for the Anglican ISM Network. Leiton holds degrees from the University of Georgia, Columbia Graduate School of Bible & Missions, and Fuller Theological Seminary. He was the International Coordinator for Edinburgh’80: World Consultation on Frontier Missions and has served in various ministry roles, including pioneering Navigator ministries and working as a civilian missionary in Korea. He has authored numerous articles on international student ministry and diaspora missiology.
Lisa graduated from the University of the Philippines and earned an M.A. in Communications from Wheaton Graduate School. She served with InterVarsity Philippines for 8 years and then joined InterVarsity USA in 1979. Lisa pioneered the field of international student “returnee” ministry, and her book, “Think Home: A Reentry Guide for Christian International Students,” has been translated into several languages. She was the National Director for International Student Ministry of InterVarsity USA from 2000-2014 and now serves as a Ministry Coach/Mentor. Lisa is a certified Cross-Cultural Trainer and Spiritual Director. She co-founded “TIPS” (Truro International Programs & Services) at Truro Anglican Church and has authored several articles and chapters for various publications. She has been a plenary speaker at national conferences and chapel speaker at numerous Christian colleges and universities.
Rev. Todd A. Capen and his wife, Mary Ann Capen, are valued members of the BIH community.
Rev. Capen holds a B.A. from Biola University and an M.Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando. He brings a wealth of experience to his role as an adjunct faculty member at BIH, having served as a pastor in various churches across California, Michigan, and Florida. Currently, he holds the position of Senior Pastor at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Kailua.
With his extensive teaching and pastoral leadership background, Rev. Capen has been a dedicated and knowledgeable contributor to the Bible Institute of Hawaii since 2008. His presence on the faculty enhances the educational experience for students, and his pastoral expertise undoubtedly enriches the BIH community.
Chaplain Clive Cowell
B.S., Nottingham University, England; M.A. in Biblical Studies; Multnomah Biblical Seminary; Bristol Hospice Chaplain; short-term missionary to Thailand, the Philippines, Macedonia, China, and Japan; Teaching Fellow at Multnomah Seminary; former church administrator. PacRim Christian University Faculty. Served as a Pastor at Honolulu Christian Church at Kalihi Union Church. He served as the 7th Executive Director of BIH.
Dr. Mike (& Lynette) Dugal
Retired from the United States Army with 33 years of active service. He served as a military chaplain for 30 of those years and finished his career here in Hawaii. Chaplain Dugal is ordained with the Assemblies of God. He holds a B.A in Theology from Southern Bible College in Hous10n, Texas, a M.A. of Sacred Ministry from Multnomah School of the Bible in Portland, Oregon, a Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Columbus State University in Columbus, Georgia, a Masters of Science in Strategic Studies from The Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, a M.Div. Assemblies of God Theological Seminary in Springfield, Missouri, and a Ph.D. in Biblical counseling from Trinity Theological Seminary in Newberg, Indiana (Endorsed by the University of Liverpool). Mike is a Fellow with the American Association of Pastoral Counselors and bolds state licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of Texas. He also serves as a certified Faith Strengths Performance Coach with Gallup University. Alsom. Beyond the Reef. Dr. Dugal and his wife, Lynette, are the proud parents of Denise and David.
Dr. Randall “Randy” Furushima and his wife, Jeanie Furushima are distinguished figures within Hawaii’s Christian community.
Dr. Furushima holds a notable educational background, including a B.A. from the University of Hawaii, an M.Ed. from Boston College, and an Ed.D. from Columbia University in New York. He has made significant contributions to the field of biblical and practical theology and is well-regarded as the co-founder and President Emeritus of BIH. Additionally, he has served as the Dean of the Graduate School and Co-chair of the Bible and Practical Theology group of the Society of Biblical Literature.
Dr. Furushima founded the Emmaus Center for Biblical Teaching, where he imparts his knowledge of Bible and theology to students in churches and seminaries across the USA, Canada, and Japan. His commitment to education and theological studies extends beyond BIH, making a positive impact on a global scale.
Dr. Furushima’s service to BIH is further highlighted by his role as the 9th Executive Director from July 2018 to June 2021, during which he played a crucial part in advancing the institution’s mission and vision. His leadership and expertise have left a lasting mark on the BIH community and its mission to provide quality theological education
Chaplain Leroy Grant Jr.
M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; MA in
Biblical Studies from the International College and Graduate School of Theology. Board
Certified Chaplain by the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) and the National
Association of VA Chaplains (NAVAC). Certified Grief Educator (David Kessler,
Grief.com)
Currently, Senior Clinical Chaplain at the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System in
Temple, Texas. He provides spiritual and grief care to veterans in various specialized
programs, including hospice/palliative care, dementia care, and the Residential Blind
Rehabilitation Center. Chaplain Grant authored the spirituality course: "Meaning and
Purpose in Life, Helping Veterans to have Healthy Relationships with Themselves, with
Others, with Things and with God.”
Experiences includes: House Manager/Counselor at Hale Kipa, Dallas County Juvenile
Probation Officer, Prison Chaplain at Dawson State Jail in Dallas, Texas, Senior Pastor of
two Baptist churches in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He completed a twelve-month
Clinical Pastoral Education Residency at Parkland Health and Hospital System and has
provided PRN support at several Baylor Scott & White community Hospitals in Dallas,
Texas.
Prior to his career in chaplaincy and pastoral ministry, Chaplain Grant served in the US
Marine Corps. While stationed at Marine Corps Base Kaneohe, he met and married his
wife, Vanessa. They have been married for 43 years.
Dr. James Kwong
Dr. James Kwong’s extensive background is in a variety of educational and Christian ministries. He holds a B.A. in Mathematics from The University of Hawaii at Manoa and has furthered his studies with an M.Div. in Pastoral/General and a D.Min. from Talbot School of Theology.
Dr. Kwong has a wealth of experience in ministry, having served with organizations such as Kalihi Union Church, Hawaii Youth For Christ, and the Chinese Baptist Church of Central Orange County. He also took on the role of Pastor of Administration at Faith Christian Fellowship.
Currently, Dr. Kwong is engaged in education as he works at Kaimuki Christian School in the Student Services department and athletic coaching. His background in mathematics and theological studies, coupled with his extensive experience in ministry, brings a unique perspective to his current role. He and his family attend Kalihi Union Church where he also conducts Sunday School classes.
Pastor Gary Lau
Gary Lau is the creator of the Learn the Bible Fast methodology. He has been a National Instructor for Walk Thru the Bible Ministries, teaching pastor for New Hope Central Oahu, and Executive Dean and Adjunct Faculty with Pacific Rim Christian University. Gary has a B.A. from the University of Hawaii and a M.Div. from King’s Seminary.
Pastor Earl Morihara
B.Ed in Secondary English & M.A ESL University of Hawaii at Manoa, M.A Christian Ministry Pacific Rim Christian College, Mililani Campus Pastor at New Hope Central Oahu, Lead Translator for the Hawaii Pidgin Bible and proud Hawaii Pidgin speaker with roots in Waipahu.
Dr. Bong R. (Alma) Ro
B.A. Bible, Columbia International University; B.A. History, Wheaton College; M.Div. Covenant Theological Seminary; S.T.M. & Th.D. Concordia Lutheran Seminary; OMF Missionary: Singapore (1970-74), Taiwan (1975-89), Korea (1990-2000); Hawaii Theological Seminary (2000-2009), Director of Korean Program; Hawaii Theological Seminary, President. BIH adjunct faculty since 2009.
Bong and Alma Ro have served with Overseas Missionary Fellowship (OMF) for 30 years: Singapore (1970-74), Taiwan (1975-89); Korea (1990-2000). Bong has taught at different seminaries in these countries. Bong also served as the Executive Secretary of Asia Theological Association (1970-90) and the International Director of the Theological Commission of WEA (1990-96). Since 2000 Bong has taught at Hawaii Theological Seminary (former International College and Graduate School) and Pacific Rim Christian College.
Dr. Martha Stinton
B.F.A. Art History, Northern Arizona University; M.A., Biblical Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary; D.Min., Gordon- Conwell Theological Seminary. Vice President for Academic Affairs, Pacific Rim Christian University. Co-pastor New Hope Kailua. A women’s conference speaker in Xouzou, China; Brisbane, Australia; Langley, British Columbia, and Nuku’alofa, Tonga.
Dr. Rick Stinton
B.S. and B.Ed., University of Calgary; Th.M.; D.Min., Dallas Theological Seminary. Senior Pastor at New Hope Kailua, which was planted in 2007 along with his wife, Dr. Martha Stinton. He is also on the faculty at Pacific Rim Christian University and BIH adjunct faculty.
Dr. Rick Bartosik
D.Min. and Th.M., Dallas Theological Seminary; B.A., Trinity International University; and Diploma, Moody Bible Institute. Pastor Rick has served the Lord in Hawaii for over 40 years. During that time, he has also ministered God’s Word in 12 countries of Europe and Asia. He has served as Chaplain of Hawaii State Prison, Professor and Academic Dean of International College, Interim Pastor of three local churches: and for 21 years, Senior Pastor of Mililani Community Church. Most recently he established the Myanmar Church Planter Training Partnership” in collaboration with national leaders in Myanmar (Burma), training church planters throughout the nation. He and his wife Diane met in Hawaii. Their son, David, is lead pastor of a local church in Madison, Wisconsin. One of Pastor Rick’s favorite hobbies is fly-fishing.
Dr. Steve (& Blossom) Strum
B.S.L., Ozark Christian College; M.A., California Graduate School of Theology; Master of Science in Counseling Psychology (MSCP), Chaminade University; D. Min., and a Diploma in the Art of Spiritual Direction (DASD), San Francisco Theological Seminary, Since 1976, Pastor Sturm has faithfully served as minister at Waialua Christian Church, alongside his work as an adjunct professor in the Graduate Counseling Psychology Department at Chaminade University of Honolulu. He has also contributed to the academic sphere through teaching roles at institutions like the Bible Institute of Hawaii and New Hope Christian College (now Pacific Rim Christian University). Pastor Sturm resides in Waialua, Oahu, with his wife Kumu Blossom Sturm and their family.
Dr. Matt Sanders
M.A. in Theology, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Ph.D. in Theology, University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Lead Pastor at Waialae Baptist Church and is adjunct faculty with The Bible Institute of Hawaii and Pacific Rim Christian University. Former professor at The College at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Ms. Nanette Williams
BA., Physics, Cornell University; Master of Aeronautical Science, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Master of Air Mobility, Air Force Institute of Technology; and MA., Christian Ministry, Pacific Rim Christian University. Retired U.S. Air Force. She currently serves on the faculty at Pacific Rim Christian University, while working to earn her M.Div. degree.
State Representative Elijah Pierick, House District 39, Chaplain
BA., Christian Ministry, MA, Christian Studies, M.Div.(Chaplaincy Concentration) from Pacific Rim Christian University. He is currently earning his
Doctorate of Ministry: Pastoral Counseling from Liberty University.
He has earned 4 Units of Clinical Pastoral Education and became a Board-Certified Chaplain with the Spiritual Care Association. He is an Ordained Pastor and Endorsed Chaplain with the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel. He holds membership with the Association of ClinicalPastoral Education, Clinical Pastoral Education International, American Association of Christian Counselors, and with the Foursquare Scholars Fellowship. He has served as a University Chaplain, Counselor, University Instructor, Religious Education Director, Bible Teacher, and Multi-church Council President. He currently serves as an Assisting Pastor with Encounter Church Honolulu, Teaching Pastor with the Floor Church, Chaplain with Bristol Hospice Hawaii, and is an Air Force Chaplain Candidate.
Dr. Gary Manning
B.Ed., University of Hawaii: M.Div., Talbot School of Theology; Ph.D., Fuller Theological Seminary; Dr. Manning is the Director of the Master of Divinity program Professor of New Testament Language and Literature at Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. He is passionate about helping leaders in the church interpret and teach the Scriptures more faithfully and more powerfully. His research studies included the Gospel of John, the Synoptic Gospels, literary approaches to interpretation, and the use of the Old Testament in the New Testament. He is the author of Hippocratic Oath: An Illustrated Greek-English Reader’s Edition (GlossaHouse, 2021). Peter Rabbit and Other Stories in Koine Greek (GlossaHouse, 2020), and Echoes of a Prophet: The Use of Ezekiel in the Gospel of John and in Literature of the Second Temple Period (T&T Clark, 2004). Member and Presenter at the Evangelical Theological Society and the Society of Biblical Literature. Dr. Manning has been involved in various kinds of Christian ministry for over thirty years, including youth ministry, church planting, and teaching ministry, and still maintains active ministry in the church. He taught for BIH in 2010. Gary and his wife Barbara have ten children and two grandchildren.
Pastor Terence Paraso
Terence Paraso holds a B.A. from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and an M.A. in Christian Studies from Pacific Rim Christian University. Currently, he is a full-time teacher at DreamHouse Ewa Beach Public Charter High School. In addition to his teaching role, he volunteers his time discipling a small group of young adults at New Hope Kapolei.
Terence’s journey as a pastor has led him through numerous congregations, including New Hope Christian Fellowship Oahu, New Hope Pearl Community, Wellspring Covenant Church, Community Church of Honolulu, and Island Family Christian Church. Born in Los Angeles, Terence moved to Hawaii with his family during the late sixties to escape the tumultuous climate of California. He grew up in the Kaimuki/Palolo districts and worshipped with his family at Aldersgate Methodist Church. Terence is passionate about growing alongside others in faith and exploring God’s transformative Word, filled with grace and truth. He considers it a privilege to share his journey and insights, always giving praise to Jesus now and forevermore.
Dr. J.R. Cuevas
B.S. in Biology, UC San Diego; M.Div. and D.Min. in Expository Preaching, Master’s Seminary. He serves as the Lead Pastor of Kaimuki Christian Church and as a High School Teacher at Kaimuki Christian School, and as Adjunct Faculty for Bethlehem College and Seminary. He is the author of “Skillfully Surveying the Scriptures Volume 1: Genesis through Esther” and “The Danger of Hypocrisy: Coming to Grips with Jesus’ Most Damning Sermon,” and “The Parable of Sports.” He is certified by both the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors and the Association of Christian Schools International as a Bible specialist. He has been a keynote speaker for international pastors’ conferences in the Philippines, India, and Honduras. J.R. is married to the most exemplary woman in the world, Kathy, and they have two wonderful children, Jayden, and Emma.
Dr. Shan Chen
Ph.D. in Translation Studies from Binghamton University, State University of New York; M.A. in Communication from University of Hawaii at Manoa, and B.A. in English language from a major university in Beijing, China. Her Ph.D. project is the Protestant Chinese Bible translation. A translator, conference and pulpit interpreter, Shan translated the classical Egermeier’s Bible Story Book into Chinese. Titled 《全家人的 圣经故事》, it is published by a Christian publishing house in China and is available on Amazon. She is an associate for Nida School of Translation Studies, the American Bible Society in Italy in 2019. Shan is a BIH alumnus and holds a Certificate for Biblical Studies. Born and raised in China, Shan has made many mission trips to China throughout the years, one of them was serving as an interpreter for Ada Lum when the latter was invited to teach there
Pastor Rodney Wong, the Executive Director of BIH
B.A., M.A., M.Div., and Th.M. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and International Graduate School of Theology. He currently serves as the Lead Pastor of CrossCurrent Fellowship Manoa and is the BIH Student and Faculty Administrator and oversees the BIH Prison Ministry courses. Past experience working with Hawaii Youth For Christ, serving as an Associate Pastor and Youth Pastor in Boston and Hawaii, and working as a Pediatric Mental Health Counselor at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, MA. Adjunct Faculty at Pacific Rim Christian University. He is married to Miki and have three young adult children Elijah, Josiah, and Mikayla. Rodney has been an Adjunct Faculty member at BIH since 2010 and assumed the role of Executive Director in July 2021.
Rev. Ken Humphries
Cheyne Rippey
MA, Dallas Theological Seminary. Cheyne serves as a Senior Trainer for the Global Centre for Giftedness and Consultant at Rippey Career Center. Cheyne brings extensive experience in ministry, Christian teaching, Worship Leadership, and Giftedness Discovery. Whether in a small group Bible study or University classroom, his goal is to equip people to live out what God intended them to be. His expertise includes Giftedness Discovery, Faith & Work, Music Ministry, Biblical Theology, and Apologetics. Cheyne is originally from Oahu but traveled the mainland for ministry and education.
Pastor Dale Vallejo-Sanderson
M.Div., Fuller Theological Seminary. Senior Pastor of Kailua Christian Church . Served as pastor and youth pastor in other churches for over 40 years in Hawaii. Wife, Bev with three sons and daughter in laws and two wonderful granddaughters. I have a passion for God’s church to become genuine, deeply devoted, emotionally and spiritually healthy people who love and serve God and others more freely. I love my family, most people fairly easily, traveling, sharing good coffee and conversations and movies.
Pastor Kainoa Valente
Pastor Kainoa Valente – B.A. in Journalism, University of Hawaii at Mānoa; M.P. Th. in Worship, The King’s University; he is currently working on an M. Div. from The King’s University. Kainoa is currently the Upper school Chaplain and a teacher at Kaimuki Christian School. He also serves as an ordained minister at Kaimuki Christian Church, where he served for five years as a youth pastor.
Raised as a Navy brat all over the world, though originally from Hawaii, Kainoa grew up going to church and believing in God, but did not become a committed follower of Jesus until his final semester of college after God allowed events in his life to break him down so he could see his need for redemption. He likes to lift weights, coach his kids’ soccer teams, and challenge high school students to question the assumptions that influence their worldviews in an effort to guide them to a relationship with Jesus.
Brooke Wei
Bachelor of Theology from Pacific Rim Christian University; MBA in International
Marketing from overseas, Master of Biblical and Theological Studies from Dallas
Theology Seminary.
She studied Master of Arts in Bible Exposition Program from Talbot Theology Seminary
and has not graduated yet due to time constraints.
She is a licensed pastor. She has served as a missionary for over a dozen years in the
10/40 window in Asia, During her mission work, she participated in the church planting of
two churches .
Passionate about training the young generation leaders up to reach out to the lost, she is
dedicated to preaching and teaching the Word of God in Mandarin. She contributed to
the translation of Dr.Rick Stinton’s book ,titled《40天神的国》, which was published and
available on Amazon.
As part of the staff team at New Hope Kailua. She oversees the Chinese ministry, helps
lead Sunday prayers and church-wide events and evangelism efforts.
Brooke is be teaching Bible and mission courses in Mandarin at BIH.