We are thrilled to announce that the HIM Board of Directors has appointed as HIM’s new Executive Director
FERNANDO CASTILLO
HIM has served the Body of Christ here in Hawaiʻi and beyond for more than four decades. We believe strongly in Fernando and foresee that his leadership will usher in a new season of vision, passion, and impact building on the strong foundation God has laid for HIM.
We are also pleased to share Kihā Pimental’s new role as HIM Board Chair, replacing interim chair Brandon Ahu. Our heartfelt thanks goes to Brandon for his leadership during this season of transition — indeed to each member of the HIM Board, which has worked tirelessly, diligently and with wholehearted faith in God’s provision for HIM. We could not ask for a better board nor a new executive director.
PLEASE JOIN US IN WELCOMING HIM’S NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Fernando Castillo
Fernando is no stranger to Hawai‘i — or to HIM. An ordained minister, Fernando first connected with HIM in 2002 as a young youth pastor and has been part of our journey for more than two decades. Now, he returns to lead HIM with a heart deeply rooted in the islands and a globally relevant vision.
With fifteen years of pastoral experience in Hawai‘i, founding senior pastor of C4 Church in Honolulu, and eight years of overseeing pastors and churches as Pacific Southwest District Supervisor of The Foursquare Church, Fernando has personally experienced and walked alongside many leaders through seasons of growth and challenge. His greatest joy has been developing leaders — helping them thrive in their calling.
In recent years, Fernando has ventured into entrepreneurship, launching businesses in real estate and consulting. These experiences have broadened his understanding of leadership, stewardship, and community engagement beyond the church walls.
Fernando is an accomplished professional with a diverse academic background. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in architecture from Universidad Piloto in Bogotá, Colombia, in 1997, and a Bachelor of Arts in Bible and ministry from Life Pacific University in San Dimas, California in 2001. He is currently pursuing a Master of Education in leadership and organizational performance at Vanderbilt University.
For Fernando, this role is more than a position. “It’s both a calling and a homecoming,” he says. “Hawai‘i shaped my spiritual DNA. I’m humbled and excited to serve HIM and these islands I love so deeply.”
Guided by People-First Leadership
Throughout his career, Fernando has learned that leadership is not about tasks but about people. “We start in ministry to love people,” he says. “But if we’re not careful, passion for people can turn into passion for programs. My commitment is to keep people first.”
Another lesson that shapes Fernando’s leadership is the power of listening—listening to God, to community needs, and to the dreams of those we serve. This foundation of humility and discernment will guide HIM’s next chapter.
A Vision for the Future
HIM started as a conference that gathered believers from across denominations to worship, equip, learn, and grow together. That mission remains—but the methods must evolve. Fernando envisions transforming HIM from an event-based ministry into a year-round digital media and discipleship ecosystem. This means creating engaging, Christ-centered content and building communities that inspire and equip believers—not only in Hawaii, but around the world. Says Fernando, “The hunger for God hasn’t diminished, even though the world has changed. We want HIM to be at the forefront—curating conversations the church needs to have, investing in young leaders, and using technology to expand our reach without losing our soul.”
Hawaii’s unique cultural diversity makes our islands a powerful launching point for this vision. With its spirit of aloha, blend of East and West, and commitment to honor and respect others, Hawai‘i can model the civility, unity, and love the world desperately needs.
What’s Next
Fernando will begin his tenure with a six-month discovery period, listening deeply to HIM’s stakeholders — board, staff, pastors and church leaders, donors, and friends. He will also work with our leadership team in clarifying roles, refreshing HIM’s branding, and strengthening our digital presence.
“We want to honor the past while launching something bold, fresh, and globally relevant,” Fernando shares. “God is moving in Hawaii — and from Hawaii to the world.”
Learn more about Fernando on his social media channels:
Please join us in prayer and partnership
This transition is both exciting and challenging. We invite you to pray for Fernando, his family, and our entire HIM ‘Ohana as we step into this new season.
If HIM has impacted your life, we ask for your continued partnership. Your prayers, encouragement, and financial support will help us carry this vision forward—equipping leaders, uniting believers, and impacting communities for Christ.
A Message from HIM Board Chair, Kihā Pimental
On behalf of the Hawaiian Islands Ministries Board, I am so excited to welcome Fernando Castillo as our new Executive Director. I have known Fernando for many years, and he brings a rare blend of pastoral heart, proven leadership, and entrepreneurial insight. His experience spans fifteen years as a senior pastor here in Hawai‘i, eight years of overseeing pastors and developing leaders on the continent, and recent ventures sharpening his strategic and organizational expertise.
What impresses me most about Fernando are his deep connection to Hawai‘i’s unique culture and his unwavering commitment to keeping people first. He understands that ministry is more than programs or events — it’s about relationships and listening intently to God and His people.
The Board and I are confident that Fernando will honor HIM’s 40-plus-year legacy while launching bold, innovative initiatives to extend our reach and impact. Please join me in welcoming home Fernando, his wife Karen and their family, and in praying for all that God will do through his leadership.
I also want to take this moment to thank Dan & Pam Chun, HIM’s founders, for their vision and dedication to serving Hawaii these past 42 years. It is a legacy that we will cherish and perpetuate as HIM lives on.
Mahalo for standing with us. Looking forward to what God has in store. The best is yet to come
Kihā Pimental
Chairman of the Board
Hawaiian Islands Ministries