Hilo Missionary Church

Elevate Church
The Keystone Project

Ahshuwah and Sharon Hawthorne

(Former) Pastor for Teaching and Vision

Ahsh grew up as a hippy kid in Puna and met Jesus in high school.  After studying the scriptures in college, he and his wife followed the call of God to begin a new community of faith in Pahoa.  With a small team, they launched GRC in Easter 06.  Ahsh continues to serve the church, though no longer in Puna. Ahsh and his wife Sharon and three young girls followed God’s call to relocate to ‘the mainland’ in 2010, using their giftings to serve with The Keystone Project.

Steve and Fran Schaefle

Pastor for Admin and Finance

Steve moved his family to the Big Island in the summer of 2007 where he works for HP and is active outdoors.  His wife, Fran, has a heart for children and leads the Grassroots children’s ministry.  Steve’s son Paul is a business major at UH Manoa, and son Kyle, is in 9th grade at HAAS.  Steve serves the church through teaching, discipleship and by keeping the checkbook balanced and the worship music sounding good.

Matt and Noelle Purvis

Pastor for Growth and Discipleship

Matt was born and raised a missionary kid in the Philippines, and lived in Orange county prior to moving to the island in 2005.  Living like the typical prodigal son for several years, God finally pulled him back, (to quote C.S. Lewis on his own conversion) “kicking and screaming, the most reluctant convert.”  Matt now lives with his wife Noelle in Sea View.  Matt and Noelle serve the people of Grassroots through teaching, discipleship and music.