PGM History

Beginnings in Okinawa and the Philippines

Paradise Global Mission began as Paradise Crusades in November 1999 with the leadership of Rep. Dennis Arakaki and the Rev. Reef Maku'e, with 21 people from churches in California and Hawaii including recording artist Junko and hula dancer Ululani Maku'e. Partnerships were formed with the Rev. Cullen Ohashi, Headmaster of Okinawa Christian Schools International and Dr. Shinichi Tagami a member of the Okinawa Pastors Network. The first event was called Paradise Crusades Okinawa '99 where eight evangelistic events were held in six days throughout Japan's Okinawa with the preaching ministry of Dr. Danny Yamashiro. More than 730 people attended the events with 74 people making public decisions for Christ.

The second event, in the summer of 2000, Paradise Crusades Philippines '00 was launched with eleven people from churches in California, Texas and Hawaii, including dentist Dr.Roger Joe, D.D.S., apologist Rev. Patrick Zukeran and musical artist Kathi Paulo-Hirai. Orphanage ministries, dental clinics, and pastoral conferences were conducted in Manila and the province of Pangasinan. These outreaches led to the climax of multiple evangelistic crusades where evangelist Danny Yamashiro preached the Gospel with 258 making public decisions for Christ.

Far and Wide

By February 2001, the Lord opened the door for a Paradise Global Mission Kenya '01 in Kisumu and Nakuru, Kenya. Under the directorship of the Rev. Owen Tanoue, in partnership with Kisumu church leaders, a team of 18 people from Hawaii and Colorado was sent including 4 nurses and a social worker. They partnered with Dr. Owuor, M.D. of Kisumu and conducted medical clinics. Pastoral conferences were held with keynote speakers including the Rev. Dr. George Nagato, Rev. Owen Tanoue, and Rev. David Yamashiro. Orphanage ministries took place daily, and PGM's first sports ministry (basketball clinic) was held under the leadership of Mr. Kevin Boaz. Once again, evangelist Danny Yamashiro preached and by the Holy Spirit's power, over 1,000 were led to faith in Jesus. Through this event, one church was planted, St. Luke's Ministry.

Opportunities for future partnership and outreach came when Mr. Christopher Sue and Dr. Danny Yamashiro traveled to Dehli and Hyderabad, India. In Dehli, they met with church planter, the Rev. Prahdeep Moses and various leaders. After traveling south to Hyderabad they met with pastors and leaders led by the Rev. Dr. Francis Sunderaraj, General Secretary of the Evangelical Fellowship of Asia. Plans were begun for Paradise Global Mission India '02. Mr. Sue gave a worship seminar for band members and a business seminar for students earning their M.B.A. Dr. Yamashiro spoke to teachers and preached to the congregation at a historic Methodist Church in Hyderabad.

A few months later, following the tragic September 11 events, Dr. Yamashiro traveled to Thailand to meet with the Rev. Dr. Sam Webb, president of Grace Bible Ministries International who is one of the apostolic overseers of Morning Star International. In Khon Kaen, Thailand, Yamashiro preached in crusades. Plans were also discussed for Paradise Global Mission Thailand '02 with Pastor Bill and Julie Hughes, church planters with Globe Missionary Fellowship. Later in Chieng Mai, Yamashiro taught evangelism at New Life Bible Institute and consulted with missionaries Kaui and Jeanne Tai.