Meet our Staff
Sterling Lee
Senior Pastor
Born and raised in Hawaii, Sterling grew up in Pearl City attending elementary, intermediate, and high school there. He attended the University of Hawaii, earning a B.A. in Religion, and later received an MDiv. at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. He has served in several churches on the Big Island and Oahu, as well as student ministries on the campuses of the University of Hawaii Manoa, and the Hawaii Baptist Academy. Married to his wife Jan, they have two beautiful daughters, Rhysa and Rhynne, and two beagles, Freddie, and Snoopy.
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Carolyn Izumigawa
Associate Minister of Administrative Services
Since getting baptized as a high school freshmen, to working part-time (1994) to full-time (since 1996) here at her home church, Carolyn has enjoyed serving her church family. She is glad to help fulfill the needs of our congregation, whether it is for more toilet paper to providing info to aid our different ministries. Her BA in accounting from UH and MA in Christian Ed (youth ministry focus) from Southern Seminary, 2-year journeyman experience in Venezuela as well as serving in youth/young adult ministries here and abroad has allowed her to serve God and her church in various ways. She looks forward to many more years, by the grace and mercy of God, to serve our church family.
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Joanne Arakaki
Associate Minister of Music and Worship
Joanne grew up in Pearl City and first attended FBC Pearl City at the invitation of a friend when she was in the first grade! She graduated from Waipahu High School and went on to the University of Hawaii, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development. Prior to joining the staff at FBCPC, she worked in a non-profit organization matching volunteers with needs in the community. Music has always been a part of Joanne’s life and she has been a part of the church’s music/worship ministry since she was a youth. The church family has nurtured, mentored, and encouraged her through the years and she is honored to serve them along with her fellow staff members.
June Masuno
Associate Minister of Children's Ministry
June was born and raised in Hawaii. She received a Music Education degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Her career included teaching music to elementary to high school students in the Department of Education. She also taught music at a private elementary school and at a music school for children. June as been a piano teacher for many years and served at First Baptist Church of Pearl City as Music Director for 18 years. She has directed the children's choir at FBC-PC for over 30 years. June has worked with children throughout her career. |
Keiko Ishiwata
Associate Minister of the Japanese Speaking Congregation
Having grown up in Yokohama, Japan, Keiko graduated from International Christian University in Tokyo, Japan with a Bachelor's degree in religious studies. After teaching at a Christian school in Yokohama for eight years, she came to the United States to prepare herself for Christian ministry. She graduated from Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Kansas with a Master of Divinity degree in 1995. She served as a chaplain-in-training in Honolulu and Kansas for a total of one year, and joined our church staff in 1996. Keiko loves stand-up paddle boarding and "shoten" (a Japanese TV comedy show).
Jeannette Choy
Associate Minister of Youth
Jeannette was born and raised on Oahu and has attended Christian schools all her life, however, her relationship with Jesus only began growing in 2006. A significant part of her faith was teaching in FBC Pearl City’s Youth Department, where she taught 11th and 12th graders for about 5 years. She has been attending FBC Pearl City since 1998 as a high schooler when Sterling Lee, now the Senior Pastor, was the Youth Director. Jeannette received her BA in Psychology and Master’s in Social Work from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and a Master’s in Missiology from Gateway Seminary of the Southern Baptist Convention. She believes it is an honor and blessing when God allows you to work for your church family. Jeannette enjoys playing basketball, spending time with family, and catching up with friends. |