Pastor Nick Tawa
Pastor Nick Tawa joined the PVBC family on November 1, 2022 as the Senior Pastor. He formerly served at Cerritos Baptist Church as the Community and Outreach Pastor. Nick spent his formative young adult years in Sacramento, where he worked as a civil engineer and served at a local church plant. He also had the privilege of serving on short term missions to India and Japan. Nick earned an MDiv from Western Seminary in Sacramento, and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from U.C. San Diego.
Nick enjoys spending time with his amazingly gifted wife and 2 young daughters. His passion is connecting with people and hearing the stories that shape our communities. He loves Jesus, surfing, CrossFit and coffee (in that order).
Kevin Yap - Worship Director
Kevin Yap joined PVBC in October 2023. With a heart for building relationships and fostering community, Kevin brings warmth, enthusiasm, and a deep love for music to our congregation.
Kevin's journey with music began in his church youth group, where he learned to play the guitar. Since then, his passion for music has only grown, becoming an integral part of his life and ministry. But more than just strumming chords, Kevin's true joy lies in connecting with others and nurturing meaningful relationships within and outside of our church community.
Married and a proud father of three, Kevin finds joy and fulfillment in the busy life his family brings. His commitment to his family reflects his values of love, compassion, and dedication, which he extends to everyone he meets.
Hannah Martinez - Children’s Ministry Co-Director
Hannah Martinez grew up attending PVBC with her family. She started teaching Sunday School in high school and helped with childcare throughout college with Community Bible Study and Mothers of Preschoolers. Hannah has been privileged to serve on various short-term mission trips to Japan, Costa Rica, and Uganda. She was also a missionary in La Paz, Mexico with TEAM where she served children and families at Rancho el Camino as an assistant program coordinator. Hannah received her BS in Business Administration at Pepperdine University and is pursuing her Master of Social Work degree at Arizona State University.
Hannah enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, hiking, going to the beach, reading, and finding new restaurants. She is excited to serve the children and families at PVBC and share with them just how much God loves them!
Linda Okumura - Children’s Ministry Co-Director
Linda Okumura has attended Palos Verdes Baptist Church since 1990. Over the years she has served in various capacities including: Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher, junior/senior high school small group leader, PVBC Osaka missions team leader, and PVBC Board of Deacons member.
Linda has dedicated much of her life to the field of education. She graduated from USC with a BS degree in Education and completed an MA degree from CSUN, specializing in Early Childhood Education. She taught in infant/toddler, preschool, and elementary schools for over 30 years and was a college instructor for child development and teacher training. She has worked with every age group from infants to adults! Upon her recent retirement, Linda currently works as an in-home tutor and school volunteer.
Linda and her husband, Donn, have two children, Stefanie and Sean, and a daughter-in-law, Katie. In her free time she enjoys reading, line dancing, watching USC football and Lakers games, and going to Disneyland. Linda is excited about sharing God’s love with children and supporting their families in following Christ.