Posted on: Friday, June 24, 2005

Mildred Johnson Brostek, Pentecostal church pioneer

Advertiser Staff

Mildred Johnson Brostek, an early pioneer of the Pentecostal movement in Hawai'i, died June 10 at her home in Honolulu. She was 93.

Brostek, known as Sister Mildred, founded the Door of Faith Church in 1940 in her efforts to spread Christianity throughout Hawai'i, especially among Native Hawaiians.

Born in Odum, Ga., on Sept. 11, 1911, Brostek was a graduate of Holmes Bible and Missionary Institute in 1935. Brostek initially concentrated her preaching and missions in the southeastern United States before coming to Honolulu in 1936..

"She always saw the big person and not the little person when she looked at anybody," said Hazel Reyes, who worked with Brostek. Reyes said that Brostek's door was open to anyone. "People of all religions always had the kindest things to say about her," she said.

She is survived by a son, Peter Brostek; a brother, Wilder "Wally" Johnson; sisters, Agnes O'Daniel, Laurie Saxon, Wilma Trip, Thelma Murphy and Josie Osborne; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be June 27 at Mililani Memorial Park Mortuary, Mauka Chapel. Visitation begins at 5 p.m. and services begin at 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers or wreaths, her son requests that donations be made to the Door of Faith Church, 1161 Young St., Honolulu HI 96814.