This past summer, dozens of Adventist small business owners gathered at the Koolau Country Club in Kaneohe, Hawaii. They were there not to golf, not to sell anything, not to close business deals, nor to enjoy the view, beautiful as it was. There, with the backdrop of the verdant Koolau mountains setting the stage, they organized the newest chapter of ASI in the Pacific Union Conference.

ASI, which is the acronym for Adventist-layperson's Services and Industries, has been described as the Seventh-day Adventist chamber of commerce. But it is more than a gathering of business owners. Perhaps more common to its members than their shared entrepreneurial spirit is their zeal for sharing Jesus with others.

“The Lord can use this group of business savvy men and women to partner with and support the ministry and evangelism of the church,” shared Ron Gallegos, owner and operator of an adult residential care home, among other businesses. He is representative of the sort of Adventist business owners who are interested in participating in the new Hawaii chapter of ASI. Successful, articulate and politically well-connected (he was a key advisor to then candidate for Governor Linda Lingle during her successful election campaign in 2002), Gallegos has only two priorities above his many businesses: God and family.

After enjoying a delicious vegetarian meal, the attendees listened to Mark and Valery Oskins share their enthusiasm for ASI and the ways in which this lay-led organization has coordinated Adventist business owners across the country to lend their expertise, passion and resources for the work of the Gospel.

Dr. Charles and Naomi Yamashiro commented on their longstanding commitment to ASI and the evangelism it engages in throughout North America and around the world. And many other Hawaii business owners discussed their own businesses and their anticipation and excitement about the ministry opportunities which could follow creation of the ASI chapter in the 50th state.

Ernie Castillo, secretary of the Pacific Union Conference, touted the power for good of ASI. He shared how ASI has been at the forefront of developing resources for laypeople to do evangelism. Many who have done overseas evangelism have attributed their success to the work of the Holy Spirit and the assistance of the evangelism DVD.

And, of course, there was the business meeting portion of the evening, which included election of officers. With the facilitation of conference treasurer Ron Lindsey, the business owners in attendance elected four officers ready to further organize the chapter:

President: Mark Oskins

Vice President/President-elect: Rodney Seibel

Secretary: Mark Valencia

Assistant Treasurer: Linda Dixon

The treasurer is yet to be determined. For more information on joining Adventist-layperson's Services and Industries, Hawaii chapter, contact Ron Lindsey at the conference office at 808-595-7591.

By David A. Pendleton