Thank You for Experience, Honor of Serving as BCA President

I have had the honor to experience various leadership opportunities at the temple, district, and BCA levels.  

I have enjoyed every moment, met incredible people (now my Dharma friends) and have learned so much along the way. 

My time on the BCA Executive Committee has been amazing as well. For the past six years, I have been fortunate to work together with incredible leaders and these past two years have been such a humbling honor to serve as your BCA President.

The 2022-2024 Executive Committee was an awesome team. I was so lucky to have a team of leaders who wants what is best for BCA — the organization, the ministry, the temples and churches, and the Sangha. 

I am forever grateful to Bishop Rev. Marvin Harada for his visionary insight, to Rev. Harry Bridge for his cautious wisdom, to Steven Terusaki, Glenn Inanaga, and John Arima for their organizational expertise, to Jeff Matsuoka for his continued dedication as BCA Treasurer, and to Darlene Bagshaw for her meticulous minutes. Their engagement and concern for the sustainability of the BCA and its temples are the driving force to their leadership efforts.   

I am also grateful to our dedicated BCA staff. They make it happen! They take the action items and complete the tasks. With limited staff members, and many are part-time positions, we are so fortunate to have wonderful people who go above and beyond. 

My deepest gratitude to Rev. Marvin Harada, Rev. Michael Endo, Rev. Jerry Hirano, Judy Kono, Koichi Mizushima, Bob Matsueda, Pam Matsuoka, Kevin Arakaki, Gregg Sera, Madeline Kubo, Angela Bartolacci, Alex Tsukahara, Stephanie Fong, and Gayle Noguchi. I would also like to acknowledge Jon Kawamoto, editor of the Wheel of Dharma, and his crew for connecting our BCA Sangha through thought-provoking, informative, Dharma-enriching articles.  

As I finish writing my final President’s Message, the 2024 National Council Meetings have just concluded.  It was an amazing event. There was so much energy, laughter, networking, and, of course, delicious food! 

The last time we had come together in person was at the 2020 NCM in Renton, Washington. It was wonderful to see one another again as well as meeting those we only knew from virtual events. Special thanks to the 2024 NCM Planning Committee, led by Allan Yamashiro, chairperson. The committee, along with the ministers and members of the Northern California District, did an outstanding job. Having the meetings at the Buddhist Church of Sacramento took a lot of coordinating and many volunteers. Thank you all so much!!!  

Many have expressed to me that I must be so relieved my term has come to a close. Honestly, this has been an amazing experience. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all who have been a part of this journey. I truly appreciate your support, encouragement, and friendship. Sangha is priceless! 

In closing, I wish Steven Terusaki and the 2024-2026 BCA Executive Committee all the best.  I know that they will continue to lead in the best interest of the entire BCA.  And thank you to everyone for all that you do in making Shinran Shonin’s teachings accessible to all.