Pastors and Staff

Jonathan Steeper

Senior Pastor

Pastor Jonathan’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. He focuses on preaching, teaching, leadership development and congregational care.

Clive Cowell

Associate Pastor

Associate Pastor Clive has been in Hawaii since 1992. He might have been born in England and might have traveled to many places as a response to Christ’s love, including India, the Far East, SE Asia, and Southern Europe, but he has always felt Hawaii should be the place where he keeps his suitcases – until he returns home to the Lord or the Lord has other plans.

John Barrow

Pastor of Japanese Fellowship & Family Life

Pastor John Barrow was born and raised in Kobe, Japan. John’s mother is Japanese and his father is from the United States. John attended an international school for his primary and secondary education. In elementary school, John began attending a church in Kobe, where he professed his faith in Christ and was baptized.

Brad Toyama

Pastor of Administration

Brad believes that growing up in Kalihi for over 25 years, graduating from Farrington High School, and doing Youth Ministry in Kalihi was no accident, and he thanks God for preparing him for where he’s at today. He met his beautiful wife Jane while serving in ministry with YFC, and has two adorable children, Justin & Julia. For fun, Brad enjoys playing basketball, a good chess game, and spending time with his family.

Kendal Fong

Pastor of Youth and Community

Pastor Kendal is called to serve our youth, grow our youth ministries, and give leadership in building bridges to our community through outreach events. His greatest hope is to see everyone actively involved in personal evangelism, local outreach, and world missions. He seeks to empower the church to share the gospel of Jesus Christ via prayer, provision, and participation.

Chuck Kountz

Operations & Facility Manager

Chuck and Patti Kountz are coming from Campbell, Ohio. The Lord has blessed them with 5 children and 10 grandchildren that they absolutely love and adore. They have been blessed and honored to be involved in a variety of ministries at their previous church in Ohio and are excited to see what God is doing at Kalihi and how He will use them to bless and love on the people of Hawaii on Oahu! Chuck has held the position of Facilities Manager for the past 16 years at their previous church and is excited to join our Kalihi Union Church team in the position of Operations & Facility Manager!

Sarah Williams

Administrative Assistant

Sarah Williams was born and raised on the Leeward side of Oahu and her alma mater is James Campbell High School in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. International missions and travel are her passion and she loves meeting new people from all over the world. Sarah’s role at Kalihi Union Church is Pastor Jonathan’s assistant. Thank you for welcoming Sarah into the KUC ohana. Please keep her in your prayers for God’s wisdom, grace and joy.

Laine Furukawa

Associate Director of Worship

Laine served 9 years in the Worship + Arts ministry in Los Angeles, CA and was called back to Hawaii where he was born and raised. He has been leading worship for 15+ years and is passionate to express and share the gospel through the arts. Wife, Jessica; 3 boys, Keane, Kai and Kody.

Karen Maluo

Preschool Director

Mrs. Karen Maluo is born and raised on the island of Maui. She has been an educator for over 20 years in both the public and private educational systems. Karen has built several private Christian schools, the largest being located on the Leeward side of Oahu that services ages Preschool to Grade 8. Her passion is children and their families and strives to create a place for children to come and learn about Jesus while developing their academic skills for a successful future.