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.

Kendal Fong

Pastor of Connections

Locally born and raised, Pastor Kendal is called to serve in our church connecting people to one another and the Lord. He also has a passion in building bridges with our Kalihi community. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Sepe Asher Ochoa

Office Manager

Sepe Asher Ochoa was born and raised on the island of Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). She is married to Eddie Ochoa and has 4 young adult children. Joining the KUC team in 2013, as the Office Manager, Sepe works directly under the Senior Pastor and oversees the office and volunteers. Sepe is culturally and socially intertwine with ethnically diverse churches and ministries that partner with KUC. She is a certified interpreter and translator and worked in the social arena for the last 15+ years. She also directs the Dance Ministry, teaches hula and Creative Sign dance at Kalihi Union Church. Sepe enjoys worshipping our Lord and making new friends all over the world.