Pastor Nominating Committee

ADELE CHONG: I came to Hawaii in July 1989 for my job. I rented a condo near Ala Moana Shopping Center and found out I could ride the bus from there to First Presbyterian Church on Ke'eaumoku Street. I became a member in December 1989. Over the years, I've been involved in several ministries. I've been a member of the same small group since 2002. I've been retired for 8 years. My recent ministry involvement has been as a welcome team leader and an elder.

LEONA LARKIN: I have been a covenant partner of FPC since 2020. I currently serve as the Elder of Care Ministries, am a Stephen Minister, help facilitate DivorceCare, and am in training to become a Commissioned Lay Pastor. I also serve in the prayer ministry and sing in the choir. Previously, I served as a deacon and assisted with Alpha and Rooted.

JEREMY LIM: I was born and raised in Kailua and continue to live there with my wife, Megan, and our three sons (Danner-18, Tyler-15, and Dustin-12). We have been attending First Prez since 2012. I have been active in Men's Ministry, Life Groups, and just finished a six-year term as an elder. During the week, I split my time doing hospice physical therapy and working on construction projects while trying to keep up with his growing boys. I am passionate about how Jesus restores and heals what sin has broken in the world, and I couldn't be more excited about the steps First Prez is taking to follow Jesus in this mission!

SUSAN MURRAY: I retired after 30 years as a hospital leader in Hawaii and on the Mainland. I joined FPC in 1990 and have served on the Finance Team, Long Range Planning Team, Personnel Team, and Transition Team. I am currently serving as an elder and a member of Personnel Team.

NATE NASTASE (Co-chair): I have been an FPC covenant partner since 2019 but have been attending First Prez since 2007. I am on my second year as an elder and served for a year prior to that as a deacon. I have also served for several years as a member of the Men’s Ministry Leadership Team and recently assumed the role of elder for the Men’s Ministry. For several years I was blessed to be a part of the Band of Brothers and lead a small group. I also serve as an FPC Welcome Team leader and a volunteer counselor at Hope Center Ministries. I am currently a teacher, supporting the Marine Corps University College of Distance Education by providing Officer Professional Military Education at Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Base. Prior to this job, I was a United States Marine for 30 years. I am married to Dr. Susan Nastase, PsyD, and have 23-year-old twins—Alexander and Grace.

JOY YOSHIDA: I was born and raised in Kāne‘ohe and have been attending First Prez since 2009. I currently work at the Center for Tomorrow’s Leaders as the Head of Community Engagement and a Student Leadership Facilitator, a role that allows me to invest in the next generation of leaders. At First Prez, I’ve been blessed to serve in various ministries, including Youth Ministry, Worship Ministry, Alpha, and as an elder. I am both honored and excited to serve on the Pastor Nominating Committee, trusting God’s guidance in this important season for our church.

PAUL ZUKUNFT (Co-chair): I have been a covenant partner of FPC Honolulu since 2000 and am currently serving in my 6th year as an elder. In my capacity as an elder, I serve on the Impact Ministry and have served on the tiger teams that crafted our church values, as well as the 19-page church profile that serves as our resumé in seeking out the next senior pastor.  I am semi-retired and serve on a number of profit and non-profit advisory boards after 45 years of service in the United States Coast Guard. And I am happily married to my social media-savvy wife, Fran DeNinno, who supports the social media platforms for FPC Honolulu.