Coming from a fifth-generation Adventist missionary family, Ralph S. Watts III has a deep conviction for global ministry. It still burns as strongly today as it did when he first sensed a call to ministry as a bush pilot in Borneo during the summer of his senior year in academy.

His desire for ministry was strengthened by being both a missionary's kid for 15 years and a preacher's kid all his life. His family has a rich history of mission service—his grandfather (Ralph Watts Sr.) and his father (Ralph Watts Jr.) have served the Adventist church as pastors and administrators.

Today, Watts is the new president of the Hawaii Conference. The executive committee learned Jan. 22 that he had accepted the invitation to be their new leader. He replaces Arnold Trujillo, who is now the vice president of the Pacific Union Conference. Watts will officially assume his new role on March 1. As the new president, Watts plans to continue the work that Trujillo began with the same commitment and dedication to the Lord’s work in Hawaii.

“I am excited, overwhelmed and humbled by the invitation of the Hawaii Conference Executive Committee,” said Watts. “Both Sharon and I are eagerly anticipating working closely with the pastoral team, educators, healthcare professionals, church members and conference staff to see God’s work finished in Hawaii. Our commitment is to use the gifts God has blessed us with to serve Him faithfully until He comes.”

Watts holds a Bachelor of Science degree in theology from Union College. He also has a Masters of Divinity degree from Andrews University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary, where his dissertation focused on small group ministries. Sharon, his wife, has a master's degree in flute performance and teaches music. She is active in church ministries, especially in worship and music. They have two children: Elise is a nursing student at Loma Linda University and Steve is a sophomore at Pacific Union College.

Having grown up in Korea and Singapore, Watts feels he developed first hand a deep appreciation of ethnic diversity and cultures and the vast scope and mission of the Advent movement around the world. He will bring that experience to Hawaii where he hopes to continue the dream of a soon-finished work.

He believes that his passion comes from 1 Corinthians 2:2: “For I am determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” Therefore, his vision is to lead people to a renewed commitment to Christ, His church and His soon second coming.