Historical Reading

Mililani Fil-Am Baptist Church traces its roots back to 1993 when a small group of Filipino members from Mililani Baptist Church with the leadership of Pastor Gene Philips began meeting recognizing the need for a community that reflected their cultural heritage and spiritual needs.   These members initiated a grassroots effort to create a space where Filipino Americans could worship and connect.

Others recall that the pursuit for a Filipino ministry was accelerated when a lady from Haleiwa Baptist Church would bring some Filipino elderlies to Mililani Baptist Church to join in the fellowship.    

As the group grew, the pastor and members began the process of calling an Associate Pastor of Mililani Baptist Church with primary responsibility of ministering to the Filipinos.   This culminated to the calling of Pastor Sam Evangelista.  He was installed in March 28, 1993.  Sunday School "C" was organized the following Sunday for Filipino Sunday School Classes.  The first worship service took place on May 2 of the same year, with 89 in attendance.   

(May we recognize and those who have been a part of this small group and have been a part of Fil-Am from the beginning to stand up)

On a business meeting on January 23, 1994, the Mililani Filipino Baptist Mission was born.  Evangelism trainings, discipleship, outreaches and youth ministry were organized.  Four deacons were installed.  By 1995, there were 13 new believers with 19 more in 1996.  

Missions and Outreaches would become a normal life for the church and by December 1996, the church would send 19 of its members to the Philippines and began for mission work.   In partnership with First Baptist Church of Wahiawa, the church would start a Wahiawa Filipino Christian Fellowship with the hope of giving birth to another Filipino church.        

In 1998, Mililani Fil-Am Baptist Church was officially established as a constituting church. This marked a significant milestone, as the congregation transitioned from a Sunday school class to a mission work to now a to a recognized church body, with Pastor Sam installed as its first pastor. The establishment reflected the dedication of its members to create a welcoming environment for Filipino families and individuals in the area.

Pastor Sam also called on other Filipino congregations to link arms and solidify its unity by encouraging a systematic church plant emphasis, enriched evangelism and consistent discipleship.  Camps, retreats and training were joined by Filipino International Baptist Church of Ewa Beach with Pastor Rudy Gomintong and Pastor Bong, Hawaii Philippine Baptist Church of Pearl Harbor with its members, Pastor Nick Dais, Pastor Fermin Ancho, military navy chaplain, Pastor Ben Carino of Filipino Haleiwa and Pastor Noel Domingo of Kalihi Baptist Church.  

Further training among Filipino volunteers were needed and Shiraki Memorial Foundation with the kindness of Pastor Stanly Togikawa lent help to establish the Seminary Extension.   Dr. Ernest Mosley proctored with Pastor Bong Abagon leading classes at First Southern Baptist Church of Pearl City.   

Growth and Leadership Transition (1999-2002)

Throughout the early 2000s, Mililani Fil-Am Baptist Church experienced steady growth. The church became a vital hub for Filipino Americans in Mililani and the surrounding areas, offering not only worship services but also cultural events, community outreach, and fellowship activities that celebrated Filipino traditions.

In 2002, a new chapter began when Pastor Sam Evangelista transitioned back to Atlanta, Georgia, to continue his mission work. The congregation called Pastor Ver Oberes to lead them into this new phase. Pastor Ver brought fresh vision and energy to the church, emphasizing community engagement and spiritual development. Under his guidance, the church expanded its programs and deepened its connections with both local and broader Filipino communities.

Fil-Am however would face a crisis and the remaining people in the church dedicated its focus on sending the gospel message across the islands and beyond.   In 2005, Mililani Fil-Am Baptist Church gave birth to a local congregation in Llanera Philippines called Sta Barbara Christian Fellowship.    

In 2011, the church would have several pulpit supplies as it recovers from the passing away of Pastor Ver Oberes.   In 2018, Pastor Bong Abagon was called as its 3rd pastor.   

Under his leadership,  mission was strengthened, training among volunteers prioritized through Oahu Bible Institute, the voice of the gospel heard over the airwaves through Pinoy Power Media Outlets, broader partnership were forged with Philippine Bible Theological Seminary, Verse by Verse Ministries, Evidence and Answers.  Fil-Am Youth Ministry partnered with the Youth Project where in 2018, it sent 14 teen-agers to proclaim and share the gospel to 42 public schools and over 10,000 students.   

In 2019, Mililani Fil-Am forged partnership with Rotary Club in Oklahoma and the Shiraki Memorial  Foundation with Stanly Togikawa and it hosted a medical mission that impacted 25 villages in Llanera, Nueva Ecija.  A 40 foot container filled with medical equipments and supplies  was dispatched that provided for doctors consultation, surgery, dentistry, hair cut, massage and donations were made to Cabanatuan Provincial Hospital and small clinics in San Jose and Llanera.    

The church learned to reinvent itself as it face many challenges especially the COVID19.    

Continued Mission and Community Impact (Present)

The church has become a cornerstone for many Filipino Americans seeking spiritual guidance and a sense of belonging, reflecting the rich tapestry of Filipino culture and faith. Today, Mililani Fil-Am Baptist Church stands as a testament to the vision and dedication of its founders, its leaders, and its vibrant congregation, continuing to thrive as a nurturing environment for worship and community service.

As it looks to the future, the church remains focused on fostering growth, enhancing its outreach efforts, and adapting to the needs of its members while honoring its rich heritage and foundational mission.  

We praise God for without Him, we are nothing and we are who we are because of what Christ did on the cross.   We want to thank our mother church, Mililani Baptist Church and Pastor Dennis Andrews for their continues love and support.   We extend our mahalo to the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention, Oahu Baptist Network and Oahu Bible Institute.   In this 26th anniversary, we especially want to thank, not just the partners, but the members and attenders of Mililani Fil-Am Baptist Church.